Consolidated MARPOL 73/78 training course topics cover regulations aimed at preventing and minimizing, both accidental and operational, pollution from ships.

TACLOBAN CITY – The alarming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have dramatically changed the existing education and training landscape to technology-based learning to lessen physical contact in adherence to the existing health and safety protocols. In order to adopt to the fast-changing technology and with the advent of the “new normal” way of conducting trainings, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) reviewed, revised and converted to online learning some of its courses, one of which is Consolidated MARPOL 73/78.

In the process of its conversion and with the conduct of cost analysis, it was observed that there is a need to reduce the training fee of the said course from Three Thousand Pesos (P 3,000.00) to One Thousand Three Hundred Pesos (P 1,300.00). Accordingly, the matter was submitted to the NMP Board of Trustees (BOT) for consideration and approval.

On 07 April 2021, during the 1st NMP BOT Meeting for FY 2021 (virtual), the NMP BOT unanimously approved the Agency’s proposal for the reduction of its training fee for the course on Consolidated MARPOL 73/78.

“The benefit of this move would mean for the benefit of our seafarers”, said Trustee Dario R. Alampay of the Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA).

Trustee Conrado F. Oca also shared his thoughts by saying “What is beneficial to our seafarers is beneficial to everyone.”

With the said approval, there will be a drop in price by One Thousand Seven Hundred (P 1,700.00) or 43.33% from the previous fee. On this premise, more seafarers will be encouraged to enroll considering the importance of the course as regards the protection of our marine environment, the same reason why most shipping companies require their new recruit to undertake the aforementioned course.

NMP’s Consolidated MARPOL 73/78 is now OFFERED ONLINE. Said initiative confirms with the reprioritization of government programs on adult learning in protecting the marine environment and in improving its accessibility to seafarers.

“NMP plays a crucial role in engaging seafarers to be responsible partners of government in marine pollution prevention. With the offering of the course, NMP continues to provide and create awareness on the effects of ship’s daily operations to the marine environment and contribute for the attainment of the IMO’s overarching objective to achieve safe, secure and efficient shipping on cleaner ocean”, said NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod.

The implementation of the new rate will be effective on 24 May 2021 for both online and face-to-face learning of the said course.