To what seems like a response to the advisory issued my International Maritime Organization, for easing restrictions on crew change and expediting the same, MARINA is planning to open more major ports. For the time being only Manila is opened for crew change. But Subic, Batangas and Davao are some of the major ports that are in the plan to be opened.
Marina Administrator VADM Robert Empedrad said in a virtual conference that he is in close contact with IATF over this matter. He also said that IATF, have been advised to bring back more seafarers who are stranded in the foreign waters. This will benefit country in terms of revenue as foreign seafarers will sign on and sign off here. And also Philippines seafarers will be able to join ship from within country as well, so they don’t have to travel outside the country. When this is going to happen, will be seen in coming weeks. Hope everything goes in favor of hardworking seafarers.
Image Credits: Rahul Ram @rahulramt
