To help improve the Philippines’ expertise in ship condition survey and inspection, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the International Maritime Safety Security Environment Academy (IMSSEA) have kicked off specialised training courses for technical personnel.
The courses – Flag State Implementation (FSI) and Ship Condition Surveyor (SCS) – seek to ensure that technical personnel are competent and skilled to inspect vessels under worldwide maritime standards.
The FSI course began on Tuesday, October 13, while the SCS will take place on October 19-30. These modules aim to boost the nation’s capability to audit seagoing ships, particularly their conditions before and after every journey.
Specialised training courses part of strengthening flag State administration
In a statement, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the training is part of the agency’s continuing efforts to strengthen flag State administration, improve the competence of its surveyors and ensure the consistent implementation of maritime safety standards.
Malaluan also stressed that the quality of inspections and soundness of technical decisions affect passenger and crew safety, property protection and preservation of the marine environment.
The FSI course will cover the obligations of maritime administrations and the implementation and enforcement of maritime standards, while the SCS focuses on the planning and preparation of ship surveys, the interpretation of survey requirements and the identification of implementation and enforcement issues.
Under these modules, the participants will also learn the implications of non-compliance, including the possible detention of vessels.
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MARINA chief urges participants to use knowledge in improving inspection practices
The MARINA administrator stressed that effective ship inspection requires more than identifying deficiencies.
Malaluan also encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their respective offices and share their expertise with colleagues to help standardise inspection practices across the authority.
The training lecturer for the courses is Italian maritime expert Captain Federigo Ribechini, a safety and security specialist in ship inspection and an IMSSEA auditor.
IMSSEA is an international branch of the Italian Shipping Academy that provides specialised training and technical assistance to maritime and port personnel.
The academy aims to strengthen maritime safety, security and environmental protection.
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