Philippines’ MARINA Studies Simulator Training as Partial Sea-Time Substitute
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines, one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers, is studying whether simulator-based training could partly replace the mandatory seagoing service needed for certification. The research proposal was presented at a research forum of MARINA’s STCW Office on 9 November, Safety4Sea reported on 11 November.
The idea is only under review. No change to sea-service requirements has been announced, and there is no timetable or proposed share of sea time that simulators might cover. Under the STCW Convention, approved seagoing service remains central to certification. Simulators are already widely used for training and assessment, so any substitution would have to fit international standards.
Three other studies were presented at the forum. They looked at the skills Filipino seafarers will need for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS), job prospects for senior high school graduates on the maritime track, and the use of “green AI” in the Philippine maritime workforce.
From the CrewMirror Blog
Presca Lee Lugo, Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor at the STCW Office, stressed the need to turn research into better policy, training and standards. STCW Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla said research must lead to concrete action.
A shortage of shipboard training berths for cadets is a long-standing problem in many seafarer-supplying countries, which is why the study is likely to draw wide interest.
CrewMirror Takeaway
Any move to count simulator hours as sea time would need to meet STCW standards and be accepted by other flag States. For now, cadets everywhere still need real onboard training to qualify for their first certificate.
