44 Pinoy seafarers pass Japan's licensure exam

Some 44 Filipino seafarers have successfully passed the licensure examination given by the Japanese Ministry of Transport for deck officers.

Based on the report of Maritime Training Council (MTC) director Lorna Fajardo to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) official Reynaldo Regalado the remarkable passing of these Filipino officers of the testing conducted by the Japanese government has open new doors to our sailors.

"This is the start of the Recognition of Certificates process as provided for under the STCW (Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping) convention," Fajardo said.

With this recent development, the Philippine government and the Japanese government signed a note which will allow the Japanese government to hold seminars in the Philippines on maritime laws and regulations of Japan.

Mrs. Fajardo added that the Japanese transport ministry representatives has recently conducted inspections on the training facilities of Philippine Shipping firms which will be used as training venues and examinations.

Among those who passed the licensure examination of the Japanese government were Victorino Cantos, Michael Concepcion, Marc Lozano, Edwin Ramos, Generoso Paguntalan, Narciso Sambrano, Jaime Chan, Marlon Jayme, Arnold Maglalang, Jose Mansanillo, Juan Reyes, Elmer Valeros, Elmer Amargo, Michael Bravo, Raymund Sevilla, Roberto Nario, Wilfredo Raneses, Allan Jay Espinelli, Rogelio Ruiz, Jaime Labastida, Cesar Rosacia, Rodrigo Villas, Jonathan Yorrata, Elino Pangilinan, Arnold Chinse and John Llaresco all from the Magsaaysay-Shipping Lines and NYK-Fil Ship Management Inc.

Meanwhile, POEA Administrator Regalado congratulates the passers of the Japanese licensure examination and has expressed optimism that despite the recent implementation of the Japanese immigration law Filipino sailors will be able to increase its numbers on Japanese ships.