CEBU, Philippines - Despite an increase in graduates of maritime courses, there is still a huge demand for seafarers all around the world.
This was according to representatives of Marlow Navigation Philippines, an established sea-based manning company that helps “build successful careers of potential seafarers by providing training, career counseling and proper planning.”
Marlow Navigation Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement yesterday with the University of Cebu- Maritime Education and Training Center, the first school they have partnered with to offer the “Study Now, Pay Later Program.”
Captain Rolando Ormas, Manager of the Cadet Development Department of Marlow Navigation, said they expect the need for more seafarers all over the world in the coming years. He said that some countries rely on Filipinos to provide shipping staff which is why they see the partnership with UC-METC as very timely.
Ormas said that through the program, they can make sure that the supply and demand of seafarers would be balanced.
University of Cebu will be pre-selecting applicants and the final selection will be done by Marlow Navigation.
UC President Augusto Go said they are very grateful for being chosen as the first school to be part of this program. Go hopes this is just the start of a great partnership and cooperation.
“UC is committed to continually provide quality seafarers,” Go said.
Captain Walter Wekenborg, Director for Training and Human Resources of Marlow Navigation, said they chose UC because the school proved to be flexible and listened to Marlow’s and the industry’s needs.
Further, Wekenborg said that there is a need to open more opportunities for interested seafarers, especially for Filipinos who play an important role in the industry.
“The shipping industry will not function well without Filipinos,” Wekenborg said.
Currently, Marlow Navigation has helped and trained around 10,000 Filipinos with over 6,700 onboard ships now.
The “Study Now, Pay Later Program” would assure 100 percent employment opportunity for the graduates.
Interested applicants for the program has to be a high school graduate and must also comply with the height, weight and age requirements and maintain an 80 percent grade in all subjects all throughout until graduation. (FREEMAN)