Filipino Training Centers Suspended

East Asia Maritime Training Center, JCC Review Center, and Marine Consultancy and Stargate Management Corp have been issued "cease and desist" orders effective June 16th, after inspections were conducted by Marina in March.

The training centers, which offered short term courses to seafarers bound for commercial ships, were found to be deficient in training equipment, materials, and qualified instructors.

Marina Administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. ordered a re-inspection of the training centers to substantiate the charges, after all three protested against the allegations.

"The re-inspections will determine whether they have already rectified the deficiencies, and only then will we lift the suspensions," a Marina official said.

Marina regulates institutions providing mandated courses such as safe navigation, collision regulations, and crowd crisis management for trainees who will serve on commercial ships.