Philippines seeks reelection at global maritime council

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is urging fellow members at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reelect it as part of the governing council so that it can take part in the formulation of policies crucial for its nearly 400,000 seafarers.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is embarking on a campaign to get the country back as a member of the IMO Council for 2024 and 2025.

Transportation Undersecretary Elmer Sarmiento said it is important for the Philippines to obtain a seat in the council, as it hosts the largest network of seafarers employed by global shippers.

In the council, Sarmiento said the country can work on improving its technical cooperation with other IMO members.

He added a seat in the council means the Philippines can push for programs and projects that benefit seafarers in general.

The Philippines represents the largest nationality of shipping crew with at least 385,000 seafarers deployed globally. Also, the country is responsible for roughly 171,000 certified marine officers on board vessels.

Apart from this, Sarmiento said the Philippines built 569 ships for domestic use and 47 others for export purposes last year.

“We believe our seat at the council is rooted in our being the preferred choice of seafarers in the global crew manning market and being the fifth largest shipbuilding nation,” Sarmiento said.

“We pledge to remain a proactive member of the IMO at ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, sustainable shipping and environmentally sound marine industry,” he said.

The Philippines also vowed that it would broaden its role in green shipping and marine protection. The Maritime Industry Authority is tasked to tighten its monitoring of the sulfur limit on fuel in domestic vessels, while the Philippine Coast Guard is working on improving its strategies when responding to oil spills.

The IMO will hold its 33rd session from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6, and its members will vote 40 members to the council on Dec. 1. There are a total of 46 candidates vying for 40 seats in the council.

The Philippines is listed as a candidate under Category C composed of 20 states whose election will ensure the representation of all geographic areas in the world.

The Philippines has served as a member of the IMO since 1964, seated as a member of the IMO Council in 1997 and signed the ratification of a total of 28 conventions.