NMP addresses industry needs through relevant researches

By National Maritime Polytechnic
October 29, 2019

TACLOBAN CITY – Pursuing its second mandate as a research institution of the government on maritime matters, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) undertakes researches and studies that generate data and information integral in a dynamic maritime industry.

With its radar focused on maritime manpower development consistent with the workforce framework of its mother agency, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the NMP embarks on research initiatives and advocacy that relate to the Philippines as the world’s largest provider of competent seafarers.

This year, NMP is undertaking four (4) researches as provided under the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and targeted to be completed by 31 December 2019, to wit:

Effects of Autonomous Shipping in the Philippine Maritime Industry

The study aims to identify and discuss how manning and shipping companies respond to this new development in shipping, the autonomous ship technology, and what interventions they will take to address the challenge to produce qualified seafarers for vessels of the future.

More specifically, the study aims to: (a) determine the possible effects of autonomous ship technology to the Philippines as a major crew provider to oceangoing vessels; (b) identify career options or alternative profession where displaced seafarers could possibly apply when full autonomous shipping is implemented; (c) document required competencies and skills and the interventions or measures being done by manning and shipping companies, as employer of the seafarers, in the light of the impending full implementation of autonomous ship technology; and (d) recommend strategies and approaches to address identified skills gaps / training needs in response to the full implementation of autonomous ship.

The Capacity of the Philippine Maritime Industry to Produce Officers-In-Charge (OIC) per Requirements of the 1978 STCW as Amended: Focus on cadet Onboard Training

The research undertaking aims to determine the capacity of the Philippine maritime industry to produce Officers-In-Charge in accordance with the requirements of the 1978 STCW, as amended, with focus on the Onboard Training Program as a mandatory requirement to obtain a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) and a Certificate of Competency (COC) for officers.

The specific objectives of the study are: (a) to determine the outputs of individual Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) in terms of graduates versus enrollees in BSMT and BSMarE, including the deployment rate of cadets under the Onboard Training Program; (b) determine the number of Philippine domestic ships, Philippine-flagged ships engaged in international voyage available for training berths and Philippine manning agencies that accommodate cadets on behalf of their international shipowners, as well as their policies on accommodating cadets; (c) identify issues and concerns in the implementation of the Onboard Training Program from the viewpoints of the stakeholders; and (d) recommend a plan of action to identified issues and concerns.

Employment Acceptability of Women in Philippine Domestic Shipping

The study intends to identify and analyze the gaps in the recruitment and selection process of domestic shipping companies when it comes to female seafarer employment. Primarily, the study aims to: (a) determine the level of domestic shipping companies in employing women; (b) gather information on the current policies and practices in the recruitment and selection process of domestic shipping companies with regards to the employment of seafarers; (c) identify the challenges faced by women when applying for shipboard employment in domestic vessels; and (d) recommend a plan of action for the improvement of female recruitment into domestic shipboard jobs.

Profile of Philippine Maritime Employment Laws

The study is designed to provide the Filipino seafarers with a supplemental tool in the understanding of the employment laws, related cases or jurisprudence, and the arbitration process related to their employment.

The research is grounded on the following objectives: (a) identify the Philippine employment laws and decided cases in relation to the employment of Filipino seafarers; (b) present the arbitration process in the Philippines regarding seafarers’ labor cases; (c) identify the cases lodged in the Philippine arbitration routes; and (d) provide guidelines on actions to be taken by seafarers confronted with issues related to seafaring.

NMP, being the only government maritime research center in the country, responds to dynamic characteristics of the maritime industry and the consequent demand for timely, accurate, and relevant data as basis for program and policy development.

Findings of these researches will be disseminated next year to the industry stakeholders from the government, maritime education and training (MET) institutions, maritime associations, seafarers’ organizations, shipping companies and manning agencies. Recommendations from the researches may serve as valuable inputs to policy making and program development that impact on the Filipino seafarers as a special workforce of the country.

Those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP website (www.nmp.gov.ph) and access the e-Research Information System Portal which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research Agenda and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.