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CAVITE, Philippines — “I could bring back a lot of information to my country.”
That was the clear takeaway of one of the foreign delegates following a technical tour of two maritime training institutions (MTIs) in the Philippines, held alongside the Regional Forum on the Effective Implementation of the STCW Convention and its Code.
According to Sok Sorphea, a delegate from Cambodia, it was her first time visiting a maritime training facility of such scale and capability. She said the experience offered both theoretical knowledge and practical exposure.
“I think I have gained a lot from the technical tours, both in terms of theory and the practical exercises that I have seen. I also had the chance to be on a rescue boat for a few rounds, which was very motivating. I believe I can bring a lot of this knowledge back to my country as well,” she said.
A total of 16 delegates joined the tour, observing advanced training facilities and simulation capabilities designed to develop competent and future-ready seafarers.
The delegation was divided into two groups. One group visited Magsaysay Learning Resources, Inc., while the other toured Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc..
At Magsaysay, delegates observed live fire-fighting exercises using LPG and ethanol, and took part in hands-on demonstrations of the Ballast Operation Simulator for bulk ships and the Crane Simulator for crane operation and troubleshooting. The interactive sessions provided a firsthand view of the practical, competency-based training methods used in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, at PHILCAMSAT, delegates actively engaged with the institution, asking about its programs and training offerings. They showed particular interest in standard courses and the most frequently conducted programs. Delegates also observed a live demonstration of firefighting techniques using various alternative fuels.
The activity formed part of broader regional discussions on the implementation of the STCW Convention, which sets qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.
Surfyan Saif Khanzada, a delegate from Pakistan, said the forum underscored ongoing developments in maritime regulations and their impact on seafarers worldwide. “When you attend this forum, you realize how changes are taking place in our STCW conventions. These updates will be more effective and productive for seafarers,” he said. (/)