Manila, Philippines – Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized the urgent need to prioritize mental health in maritime education and training during the National Conference of Guidance Counselors and Student Affairs Officers of Maritime Schools, held from 02 to 06 December 2024, in Manila. Organized by Stella Maris-Manila in collaboration with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the conference convened approximately 70 guidance counselors and 30-40 participants from maritime, government, and church-based organizations. With the theme “Mental Health: An Urgent Concern!”, the event aimed to empower counselors and student affairs officers with the tools to support the mental, emotional, and psychological well-being of aspiring seafarers. In her presentation, titled “Mental Health Matters! Where Do Mental Health Issues and Concerns Come in the MLC and STCW for Maritime Schools?”, Administrator Malaluan highlighted mental health as a critical component of maritime operations, especially amid ongoing updates to global maritime standards. Malaluan discussed the ongoing comprehensive review of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its associated Code. Among the 22 identified areas for revision is the integration of mental health considerations, gender sensitization, and measures to prevent bullying and harassment, including sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). “The review and revision of the STCW Convention and Code must align with existing efforts to establish training provisions for preventing bullying and harassment in the maritime sector,” Malaluan said. She stressed the need for companies to create psychologically safe workplaces that protect seafarers’ mental health. She also shared recent data from the third quarter of 2024, which showed a slight increase in the seafarer happiness index to 7.16 out of 10, up from 6.99 in the previous quarter. This upward trend reflects efforts to address mental health concerns within the industry. Administrator Malaluan acknowledged the landmark signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12021, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in September 2024. The law establishes a framework to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers and ensures their readiness to meet the global maritime industry’s demands. The conference reinforced the pivotal role of guidance counselors and student affairs officers in nurturing skilled and mentally resilient seafarers. As the maritime industry evolves, integrating mental health into maritime training standards remains a top priority, ensuring the success and well-being of Filipino seafarers both locally and globally.

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