Flexible seafarers’ training pushed

A SENATOR on Sunday called on government agencies handling seafarers to implement measures that will allow them to take training courses remotely while off duty.

In a statement, Senator Erwin T. Tulfo urged the Maritime Industry Authority and the Department of Migrant Workers to review how it conducts the training of seafarers.

The senator also questioned why vacationing seafarers still need to physically go to school when taking refresher or management courses that can be conducted online.

“Instead of spending time with their families while on vacation after months of duty, Filipino seafarers — such as marine engineers and deck officers say their vacation is consumed by physically attending refresher training courses,” he added.

Mr. Tulfo said that he is planning to file a resolution at the Senate to call for more flexible training courses for off duty seafarers. — Adrian H. Halili