Para±aque city: The Asia-Pacific regional maritime forum on the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW) concluded in Para±aque City on Thursday, emphasizing regulatory innovations and the crucial role of the human element in the shipping industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, the final day of 'The Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and its Code' initiated discussions on substituting approved seagoing service with alternative, competency-based measures, as announced by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Friday. Panelists evaluated regulatory frameworks, best practices, and safeguards to ensure that alternative pathways maintain the quality, competence, and safety of training.
The forum also delved into 21st-century leadership and the significance of non-technical behavioral skills in ensuring safety. The session underscored the critical role of skills such as situational awareness, decision-making, communication, teamwork, leadership, and personal management.
Furthermore, the forum's final technical session explored the modernization of training requirements while preserving traditional seafaring skills. With rapid decarbonization, digitalization, and evolving ship technologies reshaping competency demands across the Asia-Pacific region, panelists discussed how maritime education and training systems can adapt without compromising the foundations of safe seamanship.
During the forum, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Asia-Pacific head Jean Ver Pia reaffirmed the organization's commitment to support member states through capacity development and cooperation. Pia expressed hope that participants would leave with knowledge, renewed purpose, and confidence in shared strengths to continue uplifting standards that safeguard lives and advance the future of global seafaring.
Meanwhile, MARINA STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla highlighted three overarching themes of the forum: the need for clear, consistent, and adaptable implementation of the STCW framework; the centrality of the human element in reforms; and the importance of regional cooperation. Batalla emphasized that compliance is about cultivating a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous improvement, ensuring that certifications reflect genuine competence and training programs prepare seafarers for real-world challenges.
The forum, which commenced on Tuesday, was launched by IMO Director-General Arsenio Dominguez and MARINA Administrator Sonio Malaluan. It aimed to strengthen and harmonize the Asia-Pacific region's maritime capacity. Participants included those directly involved in the implementation and oversight of the STCW convention and code, representatives from maritime education and training institutions, shipping companies, fuel suppliers, bunkering operators, and international institutions.
