CANADA, not being able to recruit enough mariners, has decided to sign on Filipinos, reports Ventura California's gCaptain.
Canada entered into an agreement with the Philippines, enabling filipino merchant mariners to work on Canadian-flagged ships.
This landmark agreement not only provides new opportunities for the thriving Filipino seafarer community but also raises concerns among Canadian Merchant Mariners about potential wage decreases.
'Various sectors and government departments have expressed to Transport Canada the urgent necessity of sourcing qualified sailors to take on numerous roles, both on ships and ashore, to bolster maritime operations,' said Transport Canada representative Hicham Ayoun.
On March 29, an official agreement was signed between the two nations, recognsing the competency certificates of Filipino sailors known as the Standard for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
As a result, Filipino mariners are now eligible to work on Canadian-flagged vessels through a work visa, eliminating the previous requirement of obtaining permanent residency status beforehand.
Marine Commerce CEO Bruce Burrows: 'We've been seeking assistance from Transport Canada to facilitate the immigration of more foreign workers to man our vessels, including officers and regular sailors, as we face a severe personnel deficit in Canada's maritime industry.'
SeaNews Turkey
Canada entered into an agreement with the Philippines, enabling filipino merchant mariners to work on Canadian-flagged ships.
This landmark agreement not only provides new opportunities for the thriving Filipino seafarer community but also raises concerns among Canadian Merchant Mariners about potential wage decreases.
'Various sectors and government departments have expressed to Transport Canada the urgent necessity of sourcing qualified sailors to take on numerous roles, both on ships and ashore, to bolster maritime operations,' said Transport Canada representative Hicham Ayoun.
On March 29, an official agreement was signed between the two nations, recognsing the competency certificates of Filipino sailors known as the Standard for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
As a result, Filipino mariners are now eligible to work on Canadian-flagged vessels through a work visa, eliminating the previous requirement of obtaining permanent residency status beforehand.
Marine Commerce CEO Bruce Burrows: 'We've been seeking assistance from Transport Canada to facilitate the immigration of more foreign workers to man our vessels, including officers and regular sailors, as we face a severe personnel deficit in Canada's maritime industry.'
SeaNews Turkey
