The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) was directed yesterday to ensure that all commercial passenger ships operating in the country follow maritime security and safety regulations and at the same time hire professional and competent crewmembers.
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, in a statement, said that while ensuring the seaworthiness of Philippine commercial vessels is a must, he also emphasized the importance of the hiring of professional and competent crewmembers.
Mendoza issued the directive in reaction to reports reaching his office that some local commercial ships allegedly have untidy crewmembers who deal with passengers in their shorts and slippers.
He said that this should not happen since Filipino seamen are world- renowned professionals, adding that though the appearance and demeanor of crewmembers may be overlooked by ship owners who hire them, their appearance mirrors their competence and work attitude.
“In the same way that people disdain character actors in movies, passengers of commercial ships do not feel at all safe riding in poorly maintained vessels manned by untidy crewmembers,” Mendoza said.
“Filipino seamen should be given updated training, which should now include threat awareness and proper response during accidents and man-made disasters,” he added.
Mendoza likened seafarers to taxi operators and drivers who are required to maintain their vehicles in tip-top condition and at the same time keep themselves presentable to passengers.
Even the smallest details should not be overlooked by transport operators in giving the best service to the riding public, whether they be passengers in ships, planes, trains, buses or jeepneys, Mendoza said.
