Attributes of Filipino Seafarers: Will They Enhance Global Competitiveness Among Filipino Officers?

In the 17th century, Filipino seafarers were the primary choice of foreign shipowners. They were hired to complement the galleons. The global survey of Seafarers International Research Center (SIRC) 2002 showed 28.1% deployment with 9% as senior officers and 19% as junior officers while 72% were ratings. The SIRC 2002 survey showed that Filipino seafarers occupy the No. 1 spot in global deployment. However, the recent survey conducted by the Baltic International Maritime Council (BIMCO/ICS) 2021 results showed officers from the Indo-Pacific occupy the top spot among senior officers and China was the top spot for junior officers. Nineteen years after 2002 the deployment position has changed with officers from the Indo-Pacific and China in the top spot. A study of attributes among Filipino officers who are currently in the employ of foreign shipowners will serve as the basis for an intervention program to increase the deployment of Filipino officers. The study when implemented will remedy the gap in the deployment. Research instruments were distributed to Filipino officers in Luzon and Visayan regions. The respondents of this study chosen using the simple random method were Filipino Management and Operational level officers who were employed by international shipping companies. Hard copies of the questionnaires were administered to the respondents in the Philippines while soft copies were sent to officers on board. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency, mean, and standard deviation. Significant differences among variables were determined through, a t-test of Independent Samples and One-way ANOVA. Results revealed that of the five attributes, two were found significant. The attributes of analytical and critical thinking and lifelong learners were found significant. To enhance global competitiveness study should be done to validate the result of this study and the impact of the intervention program.