Some court cases involving Filipino Seafarers

Freshwater on board ships is used for a variety of purposes. From domestic uses such as drinking and washing to ship operation purposes such as machinery cooling and cleaning, fresh water is of utmost importance on board ships.

A seaman’s salary is one of the most mysterious, well-hidden and sought after figures to many people. In fact, we are one of the highest paid workers around the world. Our salaries on a per month basis are much bigger compared to other land-based professions.

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It is possible for HIV Positive Seafarers to go on board

The Philippines follows the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006 which states under Article III (d) that Members shall respect the fundamental right to elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, and under Article IV (4) states that every seafarer has a right to health

The recent financial crises have affected everyone in the maritime industry. Jobs are scarce, though every day you might hear in the news that some top-notch company took in five new ships or increased its pool of employees. Strange it might seem to be, the fact remains that the grey clouds of unemployment are still not completely off the marine market place.

For years, it has been a common that the backer system in the Philippine maritime industry is one of the effective ways to get an onboard job. It is common knowledge, that there are a lot of Filipino seafarers who were able to successfully pursue their seafaring career using a “backer” or referral.

How dumb and foolish can some people be? The use of maritime cadets as unpaid labour by Philippine manning agencies is a clear case of exploitation. I would even call it a form of modern-day slavery. Yet, many Filipinos think it is perfectly normal. Some people romanticize the issue, , as if it is a test of character and attitude to overcome such trials.

“However, I think they forget to ask themselves, is it really justifiable for someone hired as a cadet, to be used in the office for such tasks? What is stopping the company in giving them their respective vessel assignment? Is the office really that short on manpower that they need their cadets to aid them in their daily lives?”

The Pro's and Con's of being a Seaman in the Philippines ., 

This podcast episode is for students who have already finished highschool and plan to study / take up Maritime Course in the Philippines ., It Defines and compares which college school is best to study as a seafarer.