The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) will now supervise the country’s maritime schools to ensure that these comply with the standards enforced by the European Union (EU).
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday that the CHEd and the Maritime Industry Authority would craft an agreement to further improve the training of Filipino seafarers.
He said the CHEd would “now undertake supervision and inspection of all maritime schools to ensure compliance with the EU’s standards.”
Earlier, the European Maritime Safety Agency expressed concern about the country’s compliance with the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.—JULIE M. AURELIO