Seafarers arming themselves with information to fight piracy

The continuing problem of piracy has lead to a cross-training program for Filipino seafarers to arm themselves with information once the unlawful act at sea occurs on their respective ships.

Recently, Filipino seafarers participated in a pilot training course in the United States conducted by the US Maritime Administration. The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. said that the training was a one-week course and was only a part of a long-term training against piracy.

The embassy said a cross-training program would also be conducted in the Philippines in 2012 in cooperation with the Department of Labor and Employment-Maritime Training Council (DOLE-MTC).

"It was an important first step in implementing the Memorandum of Cooperation on Maritime Counter-Piracy Training and Education. It forms part of the strategic bilateral initiative aimed at developing an efficient and safe maritime transport industry," expressed Philippine ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr.

The Ambassador also added the Philippines are one with the global maritime community in condemning the atrocities of sea pirates and their senseless disregard for human lives and properties.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood underscored the purpose of the one-week pilot training course is "to build relationships, share ideas and experiences, and take action against the growing threat of piracy."