The Philippine delegation, headed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), participated in the 9th Session of the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training, and Watchkeeping (HTW) held on 06 to 10 February 2023 at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters, London, United Kingdom.

The HTW deals with the human side of shipping, including training and certification, review and revision of IMO model courses; and guidance addressing issues such as fatigue bullying and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH).

 

The head of the Philippine delegation, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator, Atty. Hernani N. Fabia, expressed the country’s position during the discussion of several agenda items, such as the implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

(STCW) Convention, 1978, as amended, Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code, Comprehensive Review of the 1995 STCW

-F Convention, Philippine measures to address fraudulent certificates, among others.

Meanwhile, in a separate meeting with the IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, MARINA Administrator Fabia shared the country’s initiatives in

pursuit of Filipino seafarers’ interest consistent with the STCW Convention. The administrator extended his appreciation to the IMO for the support and assistance to the country through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). Secretary General Lim, in response, assured that the Organization will continue to provide technical assistance to the Philippines, and encouraged the Philippines to support the work of the IMO on maritime safety and marine environment protection.