THE Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI Colleges) and REE maritime
schools have been shut down after allegations of substandard quality,
poor passing rates and low student retention after the European
Commission threatened to disallow Filipino maritime qualifications.Despite student protests over the closure of PMI schools in Manila and Quezon City, where 12,000 students are enrolled, the government stripped BS Marine Engineering and BS Marine Transport degree courses at the Philippine Maritime Institute of recognition.
"We have taken measures to close down three higher education institutions despite strong pressure from stakeholders," said Philippines Labour and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz following a poor report from the European Maritime Safety Agency (ESMA).
The ESMA report called for the withdrawal of recognition of Filipino Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping certificates.
Manila ordered other maritime schools to accept PMI transfer students "even without necessary documents"" according Philippines Inquirer.
The country is also under review for the flag state white list status by the UN's International Maritime Organisation. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) that includes the Manila Amendments 2010 will also be checked for compliance.
