IMO chief backs Philippines' role in global seafarer reforms

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez reaffirmed the agency’s support for member states and the global shipping industry during his recent visit to the Philippines, stressing that reforms must go hand in hand with stronger investment in seafarers.

Dominguez joined Philippine maritime officials, led by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), in calling for the modernization of global seafarer training standards as the industry navigates decarbonization, digitalization and rapid technological transformation.

Speaking at the Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and Code on Tuesday in Manila, Dominguez announced that Phase 2 of the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention will begin in the coming weeks. The review will focus on specific amendments to ensure the Convention remains relevant in an era shaped by cleaner fuels, artificial intelligence and expanding digital systems onboard ships.

He underscored that shipping must invest in people, ensuring that seafarers are treated with dignity and provided facilities comparable to land-based workers, including internet connectivity and adequate living conditions.

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers, the Philippines plays a pivotal role in global maritime reforms.

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the responsibility of maritime nations to ensure their workforce remains competent and future-ready.

“Together, we must confront the evolving challenges and opportunities within this dynamic sector,” Malaluan said, citing competency development, environmental pressures and geopolitical shifts reshaping global shipping.

She added that reform, while challenging, offers an opportunity to raise standards and strengthen global confidence in Filipino seafarers through improved maritime education and training.

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom Teodoro Locsin Jr. also called for a forward-looking review of global standards that addresses automation, digitalization, violence and harassment at sea, and the safe handling of alternative fuels.

“If ships are to shift to cleaner energy, then training must shift with it,” he said.

Locsin stressed that respect must be the norm at sea, with zero tolerance for harassment and accountability for misconduct, adding that dignity and protection must extend equally to all genders.

Delivering the message of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Assistant Secretary Ventura Plan reiterated the government’s commitment to safe and inclusive working environments.

“We must ensure that every seafarer, women and men alike, can work in an environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful,” he said. “When we protect our people, we strengthen our entire maritime industry.”

As the shipping sector undergoes major transitions driven by climate commitments and technological change, forum speakers emphasized that global standards must evolve alongside innovation, with seafarers at the center of the transformation.

Dominguez said the IMO considers the Philippines a key partner in shaping future maritime regulations, noting the country’s strong maritime training ecosystem and leadership as the world’s largest supplier of seafarers.

He said training programs and best practices developed at the national level can be elevated to the IMO and translated into international rules.

Dominguez also cited ongoing collaboration through initiatives such as the Smart Sea Projects, which address decarbonization, plastic litter from ships and transboundary fouling, as well as a new mandatory biofouling code.

“Through initiatives like the Smart Sea Projects, which tackle decarbonization, plastic litter from ships, and transboundary fouling, as well as our new mandatory biofouling code, we continue to collaborate closely with the Philippines. By identifying areas where support is needed, the country helps us plan for the future and ensures that our limited resources are used effectively to assist all member states,” he said.