The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday it has set up three new crew change hubs in key areas in the Philippines, namely, Zamboanga, Iloilo and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
With the new hubs opened, the Philippines now has nine active crew change hubs, including those in Manila, Bataan, Davao, Batangas, Subic, and Cebu.
“It takes a whole maritime approach to make crew changes possible in the country. The various government agencies and the stakeholders that are involved remain firm in their strong and active participation to ensure the continuous operation of these crew change hubs, for our maritime industry champions: our Filipino seafarers,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
Amid the pandemic, the DOTr developed crew change hubs to process the documents needed to facilitate the movement of both on-signers and off-signers.
Tugade earlier announced that the Philippines is gunning to become an “international hub” for crew change, as the government seeks to generate more revenue streams due to the effect of the pandemic.
Crew change is a vital component of maritime practice, as it ensures the safety, health, welfare, and employment of maritime employees. Seafarers are only allowed to be onboard a vessel without leave for up to maximum of 11 months, based on the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention.
The crew change hubs are staffed by the following government agencies: the DOTr and its attached agencies Office of Transport Security, Cebu Port Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard , Maritime Industry Authority, Department of Health, Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Office of Civil Defense and various provincial and local government units.