THE Philippines and the Netherlands strengthened their ties of understanding, cooperation, international exchange and trade—especially in the field of maritime transport—during the 21st Joint Committee on Maritime Affairs (JCMA) virtual meeting on April 29.
MARINA Administrator Robert A. Empedrad led the Philippine delegation, while his counterpart Paul van Gurp from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (MinlenW) headed the Dutch contingent.
The 21st JCMA served as an avenue for both countries to convene on the state of maritime affairs in both nations, as well as specific practices adopted in view of circumstances caused by the pandemic.
With MARINA, the Philippine side was composed of officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Palompon Institute of Technology, as well as other government and private-sector representatives. For the Netherlands, aside MinIenW, present were officials from the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners, the Scheepvaart en Transport College, and the kingdom’s embassy.
Ensuring employment
TRANSPORTATION Assistant Secretary for Maritime Narciso A. Vingson prompted the discussion of the measures taken for crew change and the vaccination of Filipino seafarers—central components in ensuring continued employment of seafarers and unhindered flow of essential goods.
“As a major supplier of maritime workforce to the international fleet, the Philippines, through the DOTr, recognized its role in ensuring crew change amid the pandemic, so as to facilitate the continuous trade flow,” Vingson emphasized during his presentation. “Most important [is] the delivery of essential goods, such as medical supplies and equipment. Taking also into consideration how competence is superseded by health requirements, the preferred vaccination of Filipino seafarers shall guarantee their employment in international vessels, as well as the safe transport of vaccines, medical supplies, and other important goods.”
“[Due to the] good cooperation between the Philippines and the Netherlands in taking care of seafarers working onboard of our ships, an estimated 22,000 seafarers from the Philippines will get vaccinated,” Van Gurp shared. “It is of utmost importance to make sure seafarers are vaccinated timely, since otherwise they could encounter travel restrictions again, when…vaccination is required when traveling.”
Mutual matters
MEANWHILE, both countries tackled areas of mutual interest in the maritime industry. MARINA officials were tasked to discuss matters, including updates on the European Maritime Safety Agency’s findings, as well as the state of maritime training and education amid the restrictions caused by the ongoing health crisis.
As head of the Philippine delegation, Empedrad expressed his appreciation for the active roles both nations played in tackling pressing issues in the maritime industry over the course of more than two decades: “I hope…all of us will share the same passion in working [for the continued development of maritime study, as well as the] advancement of the competitiveness and welfare of our seafarers.”
Meanwhile, Van Gurp expressed that “to take care of seafarers working onboard our ships, and to minimize the impact of [the pandemic on Filipino] seafarers, the importance of extensive cooperation…became increasingly clear again. We…hope that our excellent cooperation with the Philippines continues. Moving forward together and upholding this special bilateral relationship will contribute to the wealth and interests of the shipping sector and our two countries.”
Despite limitations, both delegations expressed satisfaction on the positive and constructive exchanges in the virtual meeting, which focused on concerns regarding compliance to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended; the welfare of seafarers and training of cadets in view of the prevailing situation on the pandemic; and cooperation within the International Maritime Organization.
Both countries agreed to hold the 22nd JCMA meeting in Manila.