3rd SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum

The 3rd SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum was scheduled as a full day event (09:00 – 17:00) on Tuesday 23rd of April 2024 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Philippines.

The event focused on the various challenges that the industry is currently facing, highlighting best practices to foster an attractive and sustainable environment onboard for its crucial workforce, our seafarers.

 

Attendance is FREE, subject to Registration

 

SCHEDULE
08:00- 9:00    Welcome Coffee & Registration
09:00- 09:05  Forum Opening – Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA


09:05- 09:25 Opening Keynote Address Session
Gerardo Borromeo,
Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, PTC Holdings Corporation


09:25- 09:40 Focus Presentation: Human Factors in Decarbonization Era
Apo Belokas,
Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA


09:40 – 10:40 Panel #1 Exploring the Role of Human Factors

Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • How digitalization and decarbonization impact human factor
  • Regulatory update: Where we stand with STCW, MLC
  • Addressing human factor in SIRE 2.0
  • Enhancing human performance
    • Gerardo Borromeo, Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, PTC Holdings Corporation
    • Vadm. Eduardo Ma R.  Santos, President, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)
    • Capt.  Nicolo S., Terrei, Director, I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc.

10:40 – 11:00 Focus Presentation:  The role of Human Factors in PSC performance

Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA


11:00 – 11:30 Networking Coffee Break


11:30 – 11:45 Focus Presentation: Charting New Realities: The Role of AR/VR in Transforming Maritime

Pushkal Kapoor, General Manager, ISF Group


11:45 -13:20 Panel #2 Soft Skills & Training

Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Bridging skill gaps
  • Best practices for future-ready maritime professionals
  • Key trends & evolution of training
  • Addressing the needs for future maritime workforce
    • Leo M.  Bolivar, Country Manager, International Registries (Far East) Limited
    • Dr. Mike Morales, President, MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy
    • Sundeep Sequeira, Sales Director, OneLearn Global (part of the OneCare Group)
    • Giovanni Tuapin, President, Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc.
    • Pushkal Kapoor, General Manager, ISF Group

13:20 – 13:30  Focus Presentation: The Maritime League Event, BEACON EXPO 2024

Blanca Joy Bustamante, Business Development Manager, The Maritime League


13:30 – 14:30 Networking Buffet


14:30 -15:15 Panel #3 Crew Wellness & Resilience

Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Crew challenges & alarming trends
  • Addressing mental health: strategies & initiatives
  • The role of leadership in seafarers’ overall wellbeing
  • Digitalization, green transition and other factors impacting seafarers
    • Jose Albar G. Kato, Vice President for Internal Affairs, FAME
    • Dr. Christian Angelo P. Lubaton, Medical Director, Nordic Medical Clinic
    • Chester Quintal, Helpline Manager, International Seafarers’​ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN)
    • Allan Raymund Olano, General Manager, Philippines, Green Jakobsen Inc.
    • Stella Kiss, General Manager, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)

15:15 – 16:15 Panel #4 Seafarers’ Panel
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Pros and cons of pursuing a career at sea
  • Current challenges for people at sea
  • Barriers for social life onboard
  • How to make seafaring attractive
    • Jeffrey Aldas, Chief Officer, Philippines Coordinator, Adopt-A-Ship
    • Arvin Alonzo, Chief Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
    • Brix John Cordova, Third Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
    • Ismael Ibarra, Second Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd
    • Marianne Camille Pastolero, Fourth Engineer, Grindrod Shipping Pte Ltd
    • Jhovine Delos Reyes, Second Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation
    • Chris Joseph C. Soledad, Second Officer, PTC Ship Management

16:15 – 17:15 Panel #5 Experience Transfer & Best Practices
Moderated by Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

  • Key challenges & opportunities for the maritime industry
  • Best practices for crew resilience and a more sustainable future
  • The role of leadership
  • Competency requirements of seafarers
    • Capt. Fanis Chatzikampouris, Vetting Manager & CSO, HSQE & Crew Dept Overseer, Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd
    • Dr.  Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director, MAAP
    • Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.
    • Jay Babera, Vice President, PH Crewing Operations, OSM Thome

17:15 Forum Closing 

 

Attendance is FREE, subject to Registration

 

 

Jeffrey Aldas, Philippines Coordinator, Adopt-A-Ship

Chief Officer Jeffrey Aldas, a seasoned sailor with a passion for maritime education, spearheaded the expansion of the Adopt A Ship International program in Laguna in 2023 – a 10-week maritime awareness program aiming to instill maritime awareness and appreciation in the consciousness of school children. He closely collaborates with the Department of Education Laguna Division with 15 schools, reaching over 11,700 students. He is a graduate of the Philippine Merchant Marine School and has extensive experience operating bulk and container vessels internationally.

 

Arvin Alonzo, Chief Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.

Chief Officer Arvin Alonzo is a homegrown veteran with an impressive career at Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc. He began his journey there in 2009 as a cadet and has steadily climbed the ranks, growing alongside the company. Over the years, Chief Officer Alonzo has honed his expertise in maritime trade, becoming proficient in handling various bulk and container vessels within the Döhle fleet. His passion for the sea remains strong, motivating him to continuously develop his skills. Chief Officer Alonzo holds a maritime degree from the Philippine Maritime Institute, demonstrating his commitment to his profession. He further expanded his knowledge by earning a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Saint Louis University – Baguio.

 

Jay Babera, Vice President, PH Crewing Operations, OSM Thome

Jay has been with the local and international Maritime Industry since 1993 and functioned on various roles. He has developed good leadership, interpersonal and inter-cultural competencies, problem solving, conflict management, team management, and coaching skills. His experiences as leader, Marine HR manager, merchant marine officer, and trainer give him the benefit to handle various leadership and management issues, projects and those that evolve around improving the safety performance, leadership, culture and communication.

 

Atty. Iris Baguilat, President, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.

Atty. Iris Baguilat, is a seasoned lawyer who has held executive roles in various Philippine maritime sector organizations. Her proactive and transformative leadership has made Döhle Seafront a well-known local and international crewing agency. She consults for government agencies on Philippine shipping laws, advocates for Filipino seafarer welfare, and collaborates with private and government sectors to secure Filipino jobs at sea, addressing sector challenges. Externally, she chairs the ALMA Maritime Group, which consists of 74 licensed Philippine manning agencies deploying over 150,000 Filipino seafarers. Additionally, she serves as a trustee of the Maritime Law Association of the Philippines. Her key reform initiative focuses on improving the seafarer claims environment in the Philippines, which has led to forthcoming legal reforms through the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers, soon to be signed into law. In 2021, she was ranked among the Top 100 Women in Shipping by All About Shipping (allaboutshipping.co.uk).

 

Dr. Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director, MAAP

Dr Angelica M.  Baylon, External Relations Director of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, is actively involved in Research, Instruction, Productivity and Extension Services (RIPES).  She is also Chairman and President Emeritus of the Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers (PAEPI)-Global. Professor  Baylon had collaborated with scholars spreading over global regions (the Asia Pacific and Oceania, the Americas, Europe, and Africa) for international research cooperation. With 2 PhDs and 4 Masters, all earned with honors and grats , her research interest includes Maritime Education and Training (MET), Women Empowerment, Global Competencies, Corporate Social Responsibility, Bioethics, Sustainability, Disaster Risk Management, Human Security, Global Public Health, Human Rights Education, Traditional Health Practices, Indigenous People, Renewable energy, Smart Transport System, Shipping Ports and International Logistics or SPIL,  OBE, TVET, CBETA,  K to 12, PBL, Blockchain Technology, GIS to cite a few. She is an editorial board member, paper contributor, and paper reviewer of reputable maritime journals:   International Journal of Transportation and Navigational Safety (TRANSNAV), Poland; Journal of ETA Marine Science (JEMS), Turkey; and Journal of Marine Technology and Environment (JMTE), Romania. Funded by the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP), she accomplished two maritime research projects in 2012 and2014 with policy implications.  On research, in additional to Philippine awards and being in the list of PHILIPPINES MEN AND WOMEN OF SCIENCE and in the  SPECIALIZED PHILIPPINE REFERENCE FOR EXPERTS AND SCIENTISTS , she is a recipient of numerous global awards like the  2011 Outstanding Asian Research Leadership Award from the International Association of Multidisciplinary Research (IAMURE)   and the lifetime 2017 Research Fellowship from the Royal Institute of Singapore, to cite a few. She is Vice-Chair of the Expert Group on Recruitment, Career Development and Job Transition (2019 to date)  for Seafarers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation for Seafarers Excellence Network ( APEC-SEN), being managed  by KIMFT, South Korea as the secretariat of the Asia Pacific Economies  of the  Maritime Industry Authorities . In 2022 ,she accomplished a commissioned funded APEC SEN research entitled “COVID-19 Reaction: APEC SEN Distance Learning Platform for Seafarers’ ‘. Her publications are listed on Google scholar, Scopus Index and Web of Science.

 

Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA

Apo is the Founder & Managing Director of the SQE Group, including SQE MARINE, SQE ACADEMY, SAFETY4SEA and RISK4SEA. He is a veteran Maritime Safety, Quality & Environmental Expert, Consultant, Trainer and Project Manager with a 30 year background in shipping as Technical, Marine, Safety & Training Superintendent, Consultant and Project Manager. He entered shipping as Engineering Superintendent with a leading ship manager operating a mixed fleet of bulk and oil/chemical tankers and later shifted to regulatory compliance and QHSE specialization  as superintendent and later as a Consultant, Trainer and Project Manager. Apostolos has successfully completed a wide range of QHSE projects including 250+ management system projects (ISM/ISPS/ISO 9001-14001-18001/TMSA/MLC/DBMS), 500 vessel and office audits to various standards and he has trained more than 10,000 people in a wide variety of QHSE and Shipping related subjects. He is holding Mechanical Engineering Bachelor and Master’s specializing in Energy & Environment and Master’s Degrees in Maritime Business and Business Administration (MBA). Apostolos is the founder and Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA that produces a wide range of paper magazines, the globally leading portal in Safety & Environmental protection for shipping (www.safety4sea.com) and numerous large scale events and he is a frequent speaker in many events across the globe, while he has chaired more than 70 large scale forums so far. You may explore more about the activities of the group at www.sqegroup.com

 

Leo M. Bolivar, Country Manager, International Registries (Far East) Limited

Mr. Bolivar joined International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) in August 2015 as Office Manager for the newly opened office in Manila, Philippines and was promoted to Country Head of the Philippines in 2016. Prior to joining IRI, Mr. Bolivar worked for Navis Maritime Services, Inc., where he served on the Board of Directors and most recently held the position of Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager, where he was responsible for the management of day-to-day administrative operations. Additionally, in this role he oversaw internal and external audits and assisted in the development and implementation of compliance with key corporate, legal, and regulatory requirements. Mr. Bolivar has also held the positions of Director, Corporate Treasurer and Vice President for Administration with Crossbow Outsourcing Inc, Director and Head of Administration at Ulstein Marine Services, AS, and Owner’s Representative and Consultant at Uljanik Plovidba d.d. Mr. Bolivar has also worked as an Executive Assistant to the Owner’s Representative at Stolt-Nielsen Philippines Inc. Mr. Bolivar is a member of the Philippines Norway Business Council, Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. and currently the Chairman and co-founder of Maritime Stakeholders Alliance Asia, Inc.

 

Gerardo Borromeo, Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, PTC Holdings Corporation

Gerardo A. Borromeo is the Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) Group of Companies, a diversified company with strategic initiatives and business interests in shipping and maritime services, real estate, energy and fuel distribution, healthcare and aviation. He serves as Vice President for External Affairs of the Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA) and has been reappointed as Vice Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). Mr. Borromeo is also a member of the Board of Governors of the World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden and serves as Chairman of its Executive Board. For two consecutive terms, he served as President of InterManager, an international trade association of global ship managers; the only Filipino to be elected to this leading post. For his valuable contributions to the Philippine maritime industry, Mr. Borromeo was honored by MARINA with the TIMONEL Maritime Achievement Award in 2014 and was the first Filipino to be awarded the distinguished Seatrade Personality of the Year Award at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Asia in 2015. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Mr. Borromeo represents MIT as a Regional Chair and Educational Counselor for the Philippines, while also serving as a member of the Executive Board of MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

 

Blanca Joy Bustamante, Business Development Manager, The Maritime League, Inc.

Blanca Joy Bustamante, is a dynamic professional with a decade-long tenure orchestrating international maritime events and driving sales and marketing initiatives. With 10 years of expertise in organizing high-profile maritime events across borders, she excels in coordinating logistics, managing stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution. Additionally, she brings over a decade of experience in sales and marketing, consistently exceeding targets and fostering lasting client relationships. Currently, leading the organization of the prestigious Maritime League Beacon Expo 2024, Blanca Joy leverages her multifaceted skill set to deliver unparalleled experiences and drive success in the global events arena. Committed to innovation, excellence, and exceeding expectations at every turn.

 

Capt. Fanis Chatzikampouris, Vetting Manager & CSO HSQE & Crew Dept Overseer, Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd

With over 22 years of experience, Capt. Fanis Chatzikampouris is currently serving as the Vetting Manager & CSO – HSQE & Crew Dept Overseer at ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO LTD and AEGEAN BULK CO INC.

 

Brix John Cordova, Third Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.

Third Mate Brix John Cordova wears two hats with equal passion: seafarer by trade and maritime instructor ashore. His mission is to ignite a spark in young minds and prepare the next generation of maritime professionals. As a Seasonal Maritime Instructor at the Philippine Nautical and Technological College (PNTC) Dasmarinas in Cavite, Cordova cultivates a stimulating learning environment where students acquire a comprehensive foundation. This includes not only the essential knowledge and technical expertise but also a deep understanding of maritime safety regulations and best practices. A 2013 graduate of the University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, Cordova remains a dedicated learner himself. He actively seeks out the latest advancements and regulatory changes within the maritime sector. This unwavering commitment allows him to make a positive impact on society while fulfilling his role ashore.

 

 

Ismael Ibarra, Second Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd   

Second Officer Ismael Ibarra hails from Butuan City and is an alumnus of the Saint Joseph Institute of Technology. He is a Philippine-licensed seafarer, boasting nine years of experience with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd.

 

 

 

Pushkal Kapoor, General Manager, ISF Group

Pushkal Kapoor is currently holding the position of General Manager at ISF Group. His journey in the maritime sector spans over a decade, primarily sailing on oil tankers as a navigating officer in the main fleet. His experiences at sea have not only shaped his understanding of the maritime world but have also instilled in him a deep respect for the precision and discipline required in navigating the vast oceans. Beyond his maritime career, Kapoor is an entrepreneur with a passion for creating and nurturing new ventures. He co-founded a film design studio and a sports events company in India, both of which have allowed him to explore his interests outside of the maritime industry and apply his leadership skills in diverse settings. Kapoor’s expertise lies in creating and implementing efficient systems and processes, a skill that has proven invaluable in both his nautical career and entrepreneurial endeavours. He takes pride in his ability to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and foster innovation across various projects and teams.

 

 

Jose Albar G. Kato, Vice President for Internal Affairs, FAME

Mr Jose Albar Kato is the current Vice President for Internal Affairs and former President of Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment, Inc. (FAME). He is also a founding  & current trustee  of the Joint Manning Group (JMG) an umbrella organization of independent, well -established and long standing maritime and manning associations in the country. He currently chair the committees of FAME  and JMG on Legal and Legislative Matters.  An active industry representative to  the International  Advisory Committee on Global Maritime Affairs formed under the Department of Migrant Workers.  Mr. Kato is also the President of Albar Shipping and Trading Corporation.  A graduate in Secondary Education major in Physics, with Postgraduate degrees in Guidance and Educational Management and a  Masters in Business Administration.

 

Stella Kiss, General Manager, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS)

Stella Kiss is a Clinical Psychologist deeply passionate about fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment within the maritime sector. With a primary focus on cultural psychology, she offers a unique perspective for understanding and addressing the mental and emotional well-being of seafarers and onshore staff. Her work also encompasses the critical issue of combating sexual harassment at sea, a topic that strongly resonates with her commitment to ensuring the well-being of all individuals working in the maritime industry. She is dedicated to assisting in creating supportive and harmonious working environments

 

Dr. Christian Angelo P. Lubaton, Medical Director, Nordic Medical Clinic

Dr. Didoy is the Head of the Nordic Medical Clinics of OSM Thome Group, serving the seafarers, shore employees, and stakeholders in the maritime industry. He is a licensed nurse and physician from University of Santo Tomas. Dr. Didoy practices holistic medicine, integrating physical-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of a human being, to help a person be at best of health and life. His background molds NMC’s Holistic Healthcare approach and serves as a compass for the Clinic’s seafarer centric approach. Dr. Didoy has authored two books: “Don’t Let Them Lose You: How To Take Care of Your Health So You Can Take Care of Others” and “Whole Again: Restore Your Body To It’s Original Design.” He is regularly invited to deliver Physical Health and Mental Well-being talks and seminars for companies and organizations of local and international audiences.

 

Dr. Mike Morales, President , MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy

Dr. Mike Morales was commissioned as a naval officer in 1983. After serving with the Philippine Coast Guard, he volunteered as an instructor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1986 and later joined its permanent military faculty. As a computer scientist, he developed a network-based marine radar simulator that was used to train naval and maritime cadets. Dr. Morales promotes transformational leadership as an alternative to traditional leadership and training models. Transformational leadership is concerned not only with the successful accomplishment of the mission but also with raising the values and expectations of people, the organization, and the community. As a research fellow of the Japan Foundation in 2005, he studied leadership training at the military academies of Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In 2016, he continued his research as a Fulbright visiting scholar at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He continues to train and advise the armed forces and other uniformed services in the area of education and leadership development. In 2019, he assumed the presidency of the Mitsui OSK Lines-Magsaysay Maritime Academy. Dr. Morales has a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences from the United States Coast Guard Academy, a master’s degree in computer science from the Ateneo de Manila University, and a Ph.D. in software engineering from Cranfield University in the U.K. He was awarded as one of the outstanding teachers of the Philippines by the Metrobank Foundation

 

Allan Raymund Olano, General Manager , Philippines, Green Jakobsen Inc.

Allan Raymund Olano, General Manager and Consultant When Green-Jakobsen established its Philippine office, Allan was the first office manager. Apart from managing the day to day operation of the Philippine office, he was also involved in training and course development. He has vast experience in leadership/soft skill courses and safety & health training. In 2009 he decided to go back at sea. He also worked as a Training Superintendent to another company until he passed his Australian (AMSA) license and worked there for almost five years. Allan is a licensed Master Mariner. He spent his sea life working mostly on dry cargo vessels like containers ships, RoRo, bulk carriers from Cape size vessels to self-unloading ships and an Ore-Oil carrier. In July 2018, Allan rejoined Green-Jakobsen Philippines as General Manager.

 

 Marianne Camille Pastolero, Fourth Engineer, Grindrod Shipping Pte Ltd

Marianne Camille is a motivated, driven, and highly-spirited engineer with experience on basic auxiliary machinery powerplant. A person with good communication skills, great attention to detail, and an agile thinker known for driving change by tackling ambiguous problems and effectively communicating solutions.

 

 

Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager, RISK4SEA

Dimitris joined SQE Group back in 2012 and now holds the position of Business Development Manager at RISK4SEA, an innovative SaaS platform which aims to provide Port State Control performance transparency to the market. He has more than 10 years of experience within the industry and held various commercial positions and participated in several projects with the aim to assist shipping companies to improve/maintain their safety and quality standards.

 

Chester Quintal, Helpline Manager, International Seafarers’​ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN)

Chester joined ISWAN in 2005. He is in charge of the operation and management of all the helplines that ISWAN runs. He is also responsible for the in-house training of new and existing helpline team members as well as developing guidelines and procedures. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Before he joined ISWAN in the UK, Chester practiced and taught law in the Philippines.

 

Jhovine Delos Reyes, Second Mate , Magsaysay Maritime Corporation

Second Mate Jhovine Delos Reyes has recently completed her onboard duties aboard the MV Hosanger in the Marshall Islands. With nine (9) years of tenure, she began her career as a deck cadet with Magsaysay Maritime Corporation. Second Mate Delos Reyes is a proud alumna of the University of Cebu – METC, hailing from Cebu City, where she was born and raised.

 

 

Vadm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP)

VADM EDUARDO MA R SANTOS was the 23rd Chief of the Navy of the Philippines from 1996 to 1999. He started the modernization of the Philippine Fleet, with the deployment of three (3) Peacock class patrol ships purchased from the UK and production of locally manufactured Patrol Craft Fast (PCF). He also served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. From 1980-1986, he was the Manager of the premier and busiest port in the Philippines, the Port of Manila. He has commanded four combatant ships of our Navy and has held key command positions to wit: Chief of Naval Intelligence, Chief of Naval Staff and Commander Naval Forces Central Philippines. Upon retirement from public life in 1999, ADM SANTOS became the first President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, a position he holds up to the present. He is also the Executive Vice President of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) – the largest Seamen’s Union in Asia. He heads many social/professional organizations in the country notably: · Chairman of 1Bataan Integrated Transport System Inc. · Chairman and President of the Bagong Bayani Foundation for OFWs, · President of the Philippine Chapter of The Nautical Institute (NI) · President of the Philippine Chapter of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMAREST). · He is also the Chairman of the Philippine Navy Board of Advisers and President of the Citizens’ Support your Navy Foundation. · In November 2019, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from CrewConnect Global, the largest event in maritime human resources, manning, education and training. It has been held annually over the past 20 years, averaging 500 delegates-maritime experts in attendance from all over the world. · Currently, he is the Chairman and President of the Maritime League · Recently, he became a member of the CHED-MARINA’s Technical Panel for Maritime Education. Nominated by the Philippine Maritime Industry Authority ,  he is appointed as International Maritime Organization (IMO) Goodwill Ambassador. · He is also designated as Director of the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) as of March 2022. In the international scene, he is Vice Chairman of GlobalMET, Chair of the Finance Committee Chair of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) , a member of ITF’s Ships’ Automation Working Group and the 2023  Annual President of the Asia maritime Universities and Fisheries Forum or AMFUF. . He is married to Lil Santos with 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren.

 

Sundeep Sequeira, Sales Director, OneLearn Global (part of the OneCare Group)

Captain Sundeep Sequeira is Sales Director at OneLearn Global. For the last 16 years he has been actively supporting the Learning & Development of seafarers through simulation-based training, eLearning, crew engagement seminars, content creation projects, virtual reality and forward-looking learning management systems.

 

 

Chris Joseph C.  Soledad, Second Officer, PTC Ship Management

Chris is a dedicated Second Officer adept at applying first-hand knowledge of navigational operations to maintain equipment and maintain operational readiness. He is committed to carrying out assigned duties in an efficient manner while adhering to strict quality standards. Chris specializes in supervising operations.

 

 

Capt. Nicolo Terrei, Director, I.M.A. ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC.

Capt. Nicolo Terrei is a licensed and experienced Mariner and has sailed for over 24 years onboard various dry and liquid cargo vessel types. His first encounter with Filipino seafarers was on 1994 when he was assigned as Superintendent for COECLERICI Group assisting all vessels for certification under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. In 1998, he was designated as Director for COECLERICI (CC) Group Manning Agency in Manila, Philippines responsible for the monitoring and control of performance of crew onboard. During the same assignment, he spearheaded the surveillance of construction and start-up of transhipper for dry cargo dedicated for lightering in Persian Gulf. He has since developed his dedication and passion in the promotion of Filipino seafarers onboard international sea-going vessels. He established Elburg Shipmanagement in 2005, that is among the 20 leading recruitment agencies in the Philippines at present. In his vision to bring the Filipinos in the forefront of the global seafaring industry, he led the conceptualization and establishment of I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc. in 2007 together with the Registro Italiano Navale (RINA) and CONFITARMA which is the Italian Shipowner’s Association and has since became a counterpart of the Italian Shipwoners, Philippine government and of the Union in the development of Programs dedicated to the career and competence development of Filipinos. He is also the owner representative of Augustea Ship Manning Philippines Inc. handling 80 Bulk Carriers from 2014 up to present.

 

Giovanni Tuapin, President, Hartman Crew Philippines

Mr. Giovanni Tuapin is a seasoned maritime professional with over 18 years of experience driving excellence in maritime training and crew management. A graduate in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Saint Louis University Baguio City, Giovanni has continuously honed his skills through advanced management studies and participation in industry associations. Giovanni’s passion lies in equipping seafarers with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in today’s demanding maritime environment. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming organizations like Hartmann Crew Philippines (HCP), Intership Navigation Training Center (ISNTC) and Raytec Marine Philippines. At HCP, he ensured crew availability during the critical COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his commitment to operational resilience. At ISNTC, he spearheaded revitalization and modernization of the company. He also played a key role in securing grants for a state-of-the-art Engine Workshop, crane Training Facility and developing new, industry-aligned training programs. At Raytec Marine Philippines, he led sales and promotion efforts, demonstrating his strong commercial acumen in the maritime electronics sector. Giovanni’s expertise extends beyond training and is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional development. He has co-authored research papers on the maritime industry’s contribution to the Philippine economy and actively participates in industry organizations like the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Association of Maritime Training Center, Association of Technical Schools of Manila, The Propeller Club of Manila and Association of Licensed Manning Agency. This dedication to continuous learning and industry engagement positions him as a thought leader in the maritime sector.

LEAD SPONSORS

American Club

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the United States – indeed, in the entire Americas. The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping. Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations. Responsibility for damage to cargo, for pollution, for the death, injury or illness of passengers or crew and for damage to docks and other installations are examples of typical exposures. Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I such as that offered by the American Club distinguishes itself from ordinary forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

www.american-club.com

 

MacGregor

MacGregor is a family of innovators. By offering engineering solutions and services for handling marine cargoes and offshore loads we make the sea more accessible, safe and reliable for those whose livelihood depends on the changing conditions of the sea. To enable that we have a variety of strong product brands and committed experts with a passion for solving challenges – and the power of the sea is sure to provide those.

www.macgregor.com

 

SQEMARINE

SQE Marine is a leading provider of Safety, Quality and Environmental Solutions providing Consulting, Training and Information products in these areas. We have been successfully providing a product and service range to more than 1,200 clients (based in 75+ countries) over the last 20 years, operating a DNVGL Certified Training Center and a LR ISO 9001 certified management system. Strong enough to provide immediate response and feedback to all client queries and needs, we provide a range of competitively priced services and timeliness for product / service delivery; we provide foolproof products and services to ensure full after sales support for as long as necessary. Last but not least, technical competence is the core of our management system & operations. Our vision is to be a leading world class corporation that provides reliable maritime solutions in the areas of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental, Crisis, Security, and Risk Management. Our mission, therefore, is to provide real life, effective and efficient maritime solutions range including Consulting, Training and Information provision in order to maximize client benefit and minimize risk.

www.sqemarine.com

 

SPONSORS

 

ARCADIA SHIPMANAGEMENT CO. LTD

Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD was established in Athens in 1998 with a clear strategic goal – “the safe transportation of cargoes worldwide with respect to the environment”. Initially the Company assumed the management of two different types of vessels (dry and wet) but at a later stage ARCADIA, realizing the increased demands and responsibilities of the current times, focused its activities on tanker management. Following the Company’s establishment in 1998, an ambitious investment program began with the construction of high specification aframax and suezmax tankers, in South Korean Yards, on behalf of Companies that had entrusted the management of their vessels to ARCADIA.

www.arcadiasm.gr

 

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd

Blue Planet Shipping Ltd (BPS) was established and based at Piraeus since 1996, to manage 8 Dry Bulk Carriers. In 1998, BPS split into two separate companies. BPS retained its root name and Third Millenium Shipping Ltd (TMS) was set up to manage vessels for different owners. BPS managed 7 out of the 8 vessels; (AKMI – ARIS – EVMAR – COSMAR – ALMAVITA – AFROS & ALKIMOS) and the management of the ASTROMAR was undertaken by TMS. In 2002, clients of the company placed an order for 6 New Building Supramax vessels in China, of which 5 were delivered in 2003 and 1 in 2004. The new vessels (APOLLON – APEX – AKMI – EVNIA – NICOLAOS A and AVRA) were registered under Cyprus and Greek Flags. With the company by then managing a total of 14 vessels, it began recruiting different nationalities to man the ships, focusing mainly on Greek, Ukrainian, Burmese and Moroccan crews.

www.blueplanetshipping.gr

 

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp.

Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital-Executive’) currently operates a fleet of 40 vessels including 36 container carriers and 4 modern bulk carriers with a total dwt of 2,915,834 tons and total teu of 180,363 approx. The fleet under management includes vessels of Nasdaq-listed Capital Product Partners L.P. The Capital-Executive team has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capital-executive.gr

 

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp.

Capital Gas Ship Management Corp. (“Capital Gas”) is a ship management service provider, currently operating a fleet of 14 modern LNG Carriers with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2.44 million cubic meters and a total dwt of 1.14 Tons. Our Team consists of highly skilled personnel with extensive experience in the LNG Sector from initial design and newbuilding supervision to LNGCs operations and technical management. Capital Gas Ship Management is a member of SIGTTO and SGMF.

www.capitalgas.gr/

 

Capital Shipmanagement

Capital Ship Management Corp. (‘Capital’) is a distinguished oceangoing vessel operator, offering comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management, currently operating a fleet of 39 tankers (12 VLCCs, 15 Aframaxes, 11 MR/Handy product tankers and 1 small tanker) with a total dwt of 5.95 million tons approx. Capital has extensive experience in managing various vessel types and sizes including all tanker segments (VLCC, Suezmax, Aframax/LR2, Panamax/LR1, MR/Handy and small tankers), dry bulk segments (Cape, Panamax, Handymax and Handy), as well as OBOs and containers. The excellent performance of Capital Ship Management has been recognized by oil major companies and major traders in the industry. It is one of a few ship management companies to have successfully completed the comprehensive office assessment process of numerous major oil companies and has also established long standing relationships with major traders, liners and operators. The Company offers comprehensive services in every aspect of ship management including: safety and technical management, claims & insurance, bunkering, vetting preparation and attendance, risk assessment, newbuilding design and supervision, IT services, accounting, financial management and other administrative functions, as well as in-house human resources management, such as crewing and personnel training with state-of-the-art technology.

www.capitalship.gr

 

Columbia Ship Management

With over 40 years of tradition, commitment and professionalism, Columbia has established its position as a world-class ship manager and maritime service provider. Since our founding in Cyprus, we have developed a global reputation by continuously exceeding our clients´ expectations when providing the highest quality and professional management services. Our success is based on the tremendous added-value granted to our clients by leveraging a strong global network and the will of being a leading force in the maritime industry.

www.columbia-shipmanagement.com/

 

Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED)

EASTMED is a ships management company with head offices in Glyfada (Athens), Greece. Presently the company has under management 78 vessels, employs 200 shore based personnel and a further 3000 seagoing staff. The fleet comprises of 29 tankers, 39 dry bulk carriers and 10 container ships, adding up to a total DWT capacity of 7.2 million tons. Principally both the tankers and the dry cargo vessels are employed on the spot market and occasionally will enter into short period charter agreements on a number of ships of the fleet.

The following overseas companies are employed as exclusive agents of EASTMED:

· Intermar Chartering (UK) Ltd. in London, U.K.: Covers the London chartering market.

· Eastern Mediterranean Manning Agency in Manila, Philippines: Directly selects, trains, and employs Filipino Masters, Officers, and Crew exclusively for the vessels under EASTMED’s management.

EASTMED was granted by Lloyd’s the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification in December 2010 and is in the process of being certified with ISO 50001 within 2016. EASTMED is presently a member of BIMCO, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO, thus joining forces for improved standards in the industry. EASTMED voluntarily participates to AMVER reporting system, operated by the US Coast Guard for promoting safety of life and property at sea. Managed vessels are honored with AMVER awards on an annual basis.

www.eastmed.gr

 

EURONAV

Euronav is an independent tanker company engaged in the ocean transportation and storage of crude oil. The Company is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, and has offices throughout Europe and Asia. Euronav is listed on Euronext Brussels and on the NYSE under the symbol EURN. Euronav employs its fleet both on the spot and period market. Sustainability is a core value at Euronav as it ensures the long-term health and success of our people, our business, and the environment we work in. It involves a commitment to safety and environmental practices, as well as an innovative approach to the use of technology and information.

www.euronav.com/

 

Green Jakobsen

 

Green-Jakobsen A/S is a maritime consultancy offering ship owners, operators, ship management companies and maritime entities a unique combination of skillsets that encompasses all aspects of managing the human factor in shipping. Our approach is to analyse, diagnose and then improve the safety mindset, leadership and human resource performance of people on shore and at sea. Our combined decades of experience with proven, custom-made programs is the foundation of our work. By balancing industry knowhow with out-of-box thinking, we transform strategy into daily work by using tangible tools which we implement alongside our customers on board and in the office. We are a group of people who combine our academic, seafaring and business experience and we are based in Copenhagen, Manila, Athens and Mumbai, with some 30 employees in total.

Our areas of expertise are:

· Maritime safety performance – reducing LTIF, providing strong tools and methods to support the safety initiatives and focus on behaviour and actions

· Maritime leadership – training leaders to fulfil the performance driving role, providing knowledge and tools to act as competent leaders on board and ashore

· HR performance and management – linking the management and development of people and their competencies with leadership skills and safety performance

· Soft skills courses – offering a wide range of subjects for company specific courses and seminars

· Measure and develop safety performance – strengthening a proactive safety culture in an ongoing cycle in a plug-and-play solution including on board training and development

www.green-jakobsen.com 

www.safety-delta.com

 

I.M.A. Assessment & Training Center Inc.

Founded in 2007, I.M.A. Assessment & Training Center Inc. is an in-house maritime training center tailored to meet the unique demands of the shipping industry. With a commitment to upholding maritime standards and enhancing crew competency, we offer specialized services in the realm of assessment and training for both pre-boarding and post-boarding personnel. Understanding the importance of a skilled and knowledgeable crew, our Academy employs a team of seasoned maritime professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our training modules. Our comprehensive training programs are designed to equip seafarers with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform at their best, ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of shipping operations. In addition to our core training programs, we recognize the ongoing need for continuous learning and adaptation in the maritime sector. To this end, we’ve also introduced on-board training initiatives, allowing crew members to receive continuous education and updates, even while at sea. With our state-of-the-art training facilities, coupled with the latest maritime technologies and methodologies, I.M.A. Assessment & Training Center Inc. stands as a beacon of maritime excellence, dedicated to producing world-class seafarers and advancing the global shipping industry.

www.imaphilsinc.com/

 

ISF Group

ISF Group is a knowledge solutions provider for the Maritime and Offshore sector. We have a panel of Maritime experts with experience on various vessel types (for all vessel types) who conduct programs and design eLearning courses. We also have an inhouse tech team which designs IT solutions to manage and track crew progress and evaluations.

Very briefly, our scope of services:

  • Classroom training and instructor led workshops
  • Self-paced eLearning programs and e-assessments.
  • Distance learning onboard career progression program for all ranks
  • Indigenously developed web-based portals to manage training, briefings, learning development of employees (LMS & CMS).
  • Research and consultancy projects to enhance the organization activities and various audits, inspections, surveys.
  • Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality Training & Development.

www.isfgroup.co.za

 

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC. and its affiliates (IRI) provide administrative and technical support to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime and Corporate Registries. The RMI Registry is one of the leading registries in the world with 5,510 vessels surpassing 196 million gross tons at the end August 2023. IRI has a network of 28 worldwide offices that have the ability to register a vessel, including those under construction, record a mortgage or financing charter, incorporate a company, issue seafarer documentation, and service clientele. The quality of the RMI fleet can be measured by the RMI’s continued White List status on both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The RMI also meets the flag criteria for a low risk ship under the Paris and Tokyo MoU’s New Inspection Regimes and has qualified for the United States Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 roster for 19 consecutive years, which is unprecedented. The most important asset to the RMI Registry is its customers and IRI strives to provide them with full service from any office, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

www.register-iri.com

 

Latsco Marine Management Inc.

Latsco Marine Management Inc. a subsidiary company of Latsco Shipping Ltd., has been established 1st January 2019 and is currently located at Kifisia. Latsco’s history begins over half a century ago as part of Latsis Companies’ Group. Latsco provides operational, technical, financial and ship building services, focusing on fundamental principles of quality, integrity, safety, health, environmental protection and energy efficiency, with established programmes for performance excellence, profitability and growth of management of clean energy transportation vessels. Latsco pursues all entrepreneurial ventures with ethics, integrity, consistency to incident-free operations and ultimate aspiration of providing excellent services through long-lasting customer relationships. Currently, LMM Inc. manages a fleet of 27 vessels (MRs, LR2, VLGCs), while another 2 vessels shall be delivered up to 2020.

www.latsco.com

 

Magsaysay Maritime Corporation

Magsaysay Maritime Corporation is a leading provider of excellent quality crew and exemplary crewing services for the world’s maritime and cruise industries. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines, and with affliates and subsidiaries in Indonesia, China, Panama, and Croatia, MMC provides partner Principals around the world direct access to topnotch, well-trained, and exemplary crew of various cultures and nationalities for both merchant marine vessels and cruise ships. MMC’s service is anchored on building a human resources pipeline and investing heavily in the sourcing, selection, training, and certifcation of seafarers and crew members for the specifc jobs that they will perform onboard cruise ships and merchant marine vessels.

magsaysay.com

 

 

OneCare Solutions

Offering a full spectrum and tailor-made solutions to the maritime industry.

OneCare Solutions is a leading Health and Wellbeing Platform, established in 2022 to offer a collection of services to the maritime industry, ranging from health and wellbeing services, trainings, recruitment, and medical supplies.

We are an enduring global entity that strives to improve seafarers’ health and wellbeing through a strong network of specialists, who are committed to this aspiration. We have a strong commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to our seafarers, underpinned by a disease prevention approach. Our in-depth medical expertise and our health and wellbeing platform can enhance medical access and minimize health risks, leading to proactive interventions and a decline in over disease burden, unnecessary shoreside referrals, and spending. Through our global network of medical providers, we can support medical emergencies, medical referrals, case management, and medical supplies on a worldwide scale. Our mental health training can assist organizations in reducing the risk of incidents related to human error and improving safety and team dynamics, enhancing productivity, and reducing absenteeism. Our medics are recruited through a rigorous selection process, which includes meticulous curriculum vitae screening, credentials checks, and clinical interviews with all potential candidates, ensuring only the highest caliber candidates are selected.

onecare.solutions

 

RISK4SEA

RISK4SEA is an online platform to provide PSC performance transparency to the market by analysing PSC Data providing KPI, Demographics, Detentions Analytics, reports, Benchmarks and Insights for 23 fleet segments in an advanced analysis of the last 5 years to assist stakeholders to:

-PREPARE for forthcoming PSC inspections
-ANALYSE PSC performance to identify strengths & weaknesses
-BENCHMARK fleets against competition and the industry

www.risk4sea.com

 

SEAFiT

SEAFiT, powered by SAFETY4SEA, is a pioneering mental health program providing comprehensive guidance and a holistic approach to maritime stakeholders to evaluate the mental health state of both their shore and sea staff and raise awareness over wellbeing issues.

seafit.safety4sea.com

2024 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum: Empowering seafarers to ensure smooth sailing

The 3rd SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum was a full day event that successfully took place on Tuesday 23rd of April 2024, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Philippines, where it became apparent that the maritime industry needs to foster an improved environment onboard and pay closer attention to its crucial workforce: our seafarers.

The event was organized by SAFETY4SEA having the American Club, MacGregor, and SQE MARINE as the lead sponsors. More sponsors of the event included the following organizations: Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. LTD, Blue Planet Shipping Ltd, Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp., Capital Gas Ship Management Corp., Capital Shipmanagement, Columbia Ship Management, Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited (EASTMED), EURONAV, Green Jakobsen A/S, I.M.A. Assessment & Training Center, ISF Group, INTERNATIONAL REGISTRIES, INC., Latsco Marine Management Inc., Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, OneCare Solutions, RISK4SEA, and SEAFiT.

Supporters of the event included: Filipino Association for Mariners’ Employment (FAME), Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, The Nautical Institute, International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), Marino Ph, Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementers, Inc. (PAEPI), Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMARSEST), and The Maritime League. Also, The Manila Times and Worldoils were the event’s media sponsors.

Main issues discussed

  • How digitalization and decarbonization impact human factor
  • Regulatory update: Where we stand with STCW, MLC
  • Addressing human factor in SIRE 2.0
  • Enhancing human performance
  • Best practices for future-ready maritime professionals
  • Key trends and evolution of training
  • Competency requirements of seafarers
  • Crew challenges & alarming trends
  • Addressing mental health: strategies & initiatives
  • The role of leadership in seafarers’ overall wellbeing
  • Bridging skill gaps

Opening the event, Apo Belokas, Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, welcomed the attendees and speakers, expressing gratitude to all event sponsors and supporters. He also presented key insights from the 2023 SEAFiT Survey, which found that the top priority for seafarers is maintaining communication with their families. In response to the findings of the survey, SAFETY4SEA has initiated a petition urging industry leaders to back free internet access for maritime personnel to improve their welfare. Apo Belokas urged everyone to get involved in the initiative by signing, spreading the word, and participating actively, emphasizing the chance to significantly improve connectivity onboard.

Gerardo Borromeo, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PTC Holdings Corporation, delivered the opening keynote address, highlighting current industry trends such as the advancement of digitalization and decarbonization as maritime operations enter a new era. He emphasized that while these changes present challenges for companies to adapt to, they also pose a reality for many seafarers who struggle to keep up and maintain high standards in their jobs. Therefore, taking into consideration and caring for the welfare of seafarers has become more important than ever.

Focus Presentation: Human factors in decarbonization era

Apo Belokas, the Managing Editor of SAFETY4SEA, delivered a focus presentation which explored the role of human factors in the decarbonization era, as well as the role of human factors in ensuring safety and Port State Control compliance onboard. In his informative presentation, he also emphasized the overlooked importance of investing in the human factor in today’s maritime sector. Furthermore, he pointed out the need for modern training methods that take digitalization into account, and training on non-technical skills that can aid in fostering a safe and inclusive environment onboard.

Session #1 Exploring the role of human factors

During the first panel discussion, Vadm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), and Capt. Nicolo S. Terrei, Director of I.M.A. Assessment and Training Center, Inc., shared their valuable insights on the evolving landscape of maritime training. They explored ideas on how the maritime industry can overcome its crew shortage and be more attractive. They also emphasized the need for training methods and curriculums to keep pace with the advancements in decarbonization and digitalization.

Additionally, Gerardo Borromeo, Vice-Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, PTC Holdings Corporation, pointed out that there is a significant shortage of skilled seafarers. He emphasized that this shortage is particularly concerning as the maritime industry continues to adopt new technologies and alternative fuels, posing challenges even for experienced seafarers.

Focus Presentation:  The role of human factors in PSC performance

Following the first session, Dimitris Psarros, Business Development Manager at RISK4SEA, delivered a focused presentation on the role of human factors in PSC (Port State Control) performance. He explained that human error is a significant cause of detentions onboard, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation before inspections to reduce the risk of errors. Dimitris Psarros also discussed how automation can assist in creating a detailed deficiency profile of local PSC stations to identify detainable items more effectively.

Focus Presentation: The Role of AR/VR in transforming maritime

Pushkal Kapoor, General Manager, ISF Group, followed with another focus presentation, on new realities for the industry and the role of AR/V. In particular, his presentation explored the impact of the digital wave on the maritime industry and how AR/VR technologies are transforming training landscapes. Furthermore, Pushkal Kapoor highlighted the importance of proactively fostering safety at sea through simulation and digitalized applications.

Session #2 Soft skills and training

Leo M.  Bolivar, Country Manager, International Registries (Far East) Limited, delivered a presentation focused on the significance of soft skills for a maritime leader. He emphasized that soft skills are vital for ensuring safety and efficiency in maritime operations. Additionally, Leo M.  Bolivar also pointed out various core soft skills essential for maritime leaders to effectively manage and lead their teams, ultimately contributing to the overall success and safety of maritime operations.

Dr. Mike Morales, President, MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy, thoroughly explored leadership dynamics in his presentation, analyzing various cultural and psychological factors that influence the relationship between leaders and followers. Dr. Morales also explained that effective leadership enhances safety standards. Moreover, according to the presenter, effective leadership requires targeted coaching. As a result, he advocated for training leaders who can assess each individual and situation, adapting their approach accordingly.

Sundeep Sequeira, Sales Director at OneLearn Global, part of the OneCare Group, discussed current trends shaping the maritime industry and their impact on training methods and requirements. Furthermore, the presentation emphasized the importance of soft skills training for crew members. As the presenter noted, this approach not only helps crew members on a personal level, but also enhances their relationships with crewmates, contributing to a safer and more cooperative environment.

Giovanni Tuapin, President, Hartmann Crew Philippines, Inc., delivered a presentation that focused on the importance of integrating soft skills training alongside technical skills in the maritime industry. He emphasized that in the current transformation of the maritime sector, technical skills alone are no longer sufficient. To bridge the skills gap, there needs to be a concerted effort to develop soft skills among crew members, shoreside personnel, and leadership. Giovanni Tuapin also highlighted the challenges in implementing organization-wide soft skills training, particularly in tailoring programs to meet the diverse needs of different groups within the industry.

Pushkal Kapoor, General Manager, ISF Group, highlighted during panel discussions that soft skills are vital for ensuring safety onboard. Clear and effective communication can be crucial in ensuring safety and efficiency onboard ships. Crew members must be able to understand and convey information accurately to avoid misunderstandings and potential hazards. That is why the maritime industry should adapt its training methods to include the development of soft skills.

Focus Presentation: The Maritime League Event, BEACON EXPO 2024

Blanca Joy Bustamante, Business Development Manager, The Maritime League, presented key info about the BEACON 2024 event, which is set to take place from September 30 to October 2 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines. The event focuses on the “Oceans of Opportunity; Sustaining Blue Economy in the Philippines” theme and covers topics like maritime logistic chain and maritime security. It includes a 3-day conference, exhibitions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators.

Session #3 Crew wellness and resilience

Dr. Christian Angelo P. Lubaton, Medical Director, Nordic Medical Clinic, presented ways that a holistic approach to crew welfare can be fostered. His presentation also emphasized the importance of a deliberate and intentional design of a healthy lifestyle for crew members. As he explained, while internal motivation is beneficial, it is the sustained commitment to lifestyle design that determines long-term success or failure. Furthermore, Dr. Lubaton highlighted the importance of providing onshore support and improving living conditions onboard to prioritize the welfare and health of the crew.

Chester Quintal, Helpline Manager, International Seafarers’​ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN), delved into the various issues reported by seafarers who reach out to ISWAN’s helplines, highlighting relevant trends in the industry. Chester Quintal also provided valuable insights and information on seafarers’ welfare, particularly focusing on issues impacting their mental wellbeing. His presentation also offered an array of practical solutions to enhance the overall wellness and resilience of seafarers, addressing the challenges they face at sea, and providing support through the helpline services.

Allan Raymund Olano, General Manager, Philippines, Green Jakobsen Inc., focused on the importance of psychological safety for high performance among maritime crews. He discussed the definition of psychological safety, its impact on performance and collective intelligence, and the role of on-board leaders in fostering an open and trusting atmosphere. Alan also introduced the Human Performance Dashboard, which allows vessels, fleets, or organizations to visually assess their performance in various areas, including psychological safety.

During the panel session, Jose Albar G. Kato, Vice President for Internal Affairs, FAME, offered his insight into the current needs of seafarers and what they look for in a company both before they are recruited and afterwards. Meanwhile, Stella Kiss, General Manager, Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), highlighted the importance of mental health in ensuring a happy and safe crew that can keep up with the demanding conditions of living and working at sea.

Session #4 Seafarers’ panel

In this panel discussion, seafarers provided a firsthand perspective on the current challenges the maritime industry has to face, particularly relating to personnel onboard ships. They shared insights into the realities of working and living at sea and offered career guidance, highlighting the various aspects that make the maritime industry an attractive career choice for younger individuals. Additionally, the speakers addressed ways to improve crew welfare and identified key issues that need to be addressed to improve crew welfare.

In Philippines, the heart of seafaring nation, it became apparent through this panel discussion that seafarers have a lot to offer, and voices need to be heard and understood. SAFETY4SEA would like to thank the following seafarers who participated in the panel and shared their messages across the industry: Jeffrey Aldas, Chief Officer, Philippines Coordinator, Adopt-A-Ship; Arvin Alonzo, Chief Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.; Brix John Cordova, Third Mate, Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc.; Ismael Ibarra, Second Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd; Marianne Camille Pastolero, Fourth Engineer, Grindrod Shipping Pte Ltd; Jhovine Delos Reyes, Second Officer, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation; and Chris Joseph C. Soledad, Second Officer, PTC Ship Management;

Session #5 Experience transfer and best practices

Capt. Fanis Chatzikampouris, Vetting Manager & CSO, HSQE & Crew Dept Overseer at Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd, presented on the challenges and requirements for seafarers in adapting to new technology systems on vessels’ engines and managing new fuels. He emphasized the need for adequate skills, education, training, and familiarization for seafarers up to 2050. He also highlighted the importance of developing appropriate safety management procedures for emergency response and other hazardous events, as well as the need for enhanced non-technical skills, such as maintaining situational awareness and recognizing potential hazards.

Dr. Angelica Baylon, External Relations Director at MAAP, presented on the importance of experience transfer and best practices in the maritime industry. She supported the idea that promoting the transfer of experience and best practices beyond compliance can drive continuous improvement, foster innovation, and enhance sustainability and competitiveness. She also pointed out the significance of embracing a collaborative mindset, leveraging emerging technologies, and prioritizing safety and sustainability to chart a course towards a brighter future for the maritime community and the global economy.

Jay Babera, Vice President of PH Crewing Operations at OSM Thome, shared key highlights from the OSM Thome Cares Program during his presentation. As explained, the program adopts a holistic approach that emphasizes building life relationships, not just work relationships, among crew members. According to the presenter, this comprehensive approach prioritizes crew welfare by addressing various needs, including spiritual, mental, social, and physical well-being.

During the last panel discussion, Atty. Iris Baguilat, President of Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila), Inc., advocated for a holistic approach to fostering crew welfare. She emphasized that a happy crew leads to a safe crew, and highlighted that addressing welfare challenges can make the maritime industry more attractive, thereby facilitating the recruitment of new seafarers.

Find more photos at Flickr

Who Should Attend

This is a must attend event for all companies and individuals interested in Maritime Environmental Excellence and Sustainable Shipping , including:

  • Ship owners
  • Ship Manager Company Staff (Technical, Marine, Operations, Safety & Quality)
  • Maritime professionals
  • Regulatory & government authorities
  • Flag state representatives
  • Classification societies representatives
  • Marine Insurers & P&I Executives
  • Experts on information technologies (IT) onboard
  • Other relevant with smart technologies Industry Organizations/ Executives/ Experts

Delegate Helpdesk

General Information

Who can I contact for more information on the event?
Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com

Registration

How do I register?
To register you should fill in the online registration form and follow the instructions contained in the Registration Form.

Is the event free to attend for the delegates?
Attendance to the event is FREE subject to online registration. In case you are interested, please complete the online registration form and confirm with the organizers. FREE attendance includes coffee, snacks and drinks during breaks. Attendance does NOT include accommodation and/or traveling or parking which should be paid in by the delegates as decided/applicable.

What happens if I am unable to attend despite being registered?
Appreciate if you could inform the organizers by e-mail as soon as possible before the event.

At the event

Where is the event being held and how do I get there?
The event location is at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Philippines. For more information on the venue, please click here.

What happens when I get to the event venue?
When you arrive at the event please go to the registration desk and collect your badge which should be worn at all times. Welcome coffee and snacks are available during registration and breaks.

After the event

How may I evaluate and comment on the event?
You may comment with the organizers at any time, during or after the event. Furthermore an event evaluation form will be available online after the event to complete anonymously any comments you may have.

Please contact the organizers directly at e-mail: info [at] safety4sea [dot] com


We look forward to welcoming you at this event!

Supporters

Media Sponsors

Organizer

Lead Sponsors

Sponsors