Philippines Launches Special Edition of ICS Training Record Books

In co-operation with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the Filipino Shipowners Association (FSA) and the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) have launched a special new Philippines edition of the widely used ICS/ISF Training Record Books.

The four existing ICS/ISF books (for deck officer cadets, engine officer cadets, deck rating trainees and engine rating trainees) have been fully updated to match the competences required under the ‘Manila’ amendments to the IMO Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 2010).

The new books are specifically for use by Filipino officer cadets and rating trainees seeking to qualify as seafarers under the amended IMO STCW Convention.  The contents are identical to the regular ICS/ISF Training Record Books already used by thousands of trainees worldwide, but are being made available for use by Filipino trainees at a specially discounted price, being printed in the Philippines under special license from ICS.

The ICS/ISF Training Record Books are fully approved by MARINA for the purpose of demonstrating that evidence of properly structured and competence-based on board training has been comprehensively documented, as required by STCW 2010, both for deck and engine-room trainees seeking STCW certification at operational level (officers) or support level (Able Seafarers and ratings).

While employers and sponsors of Filipino trainees are encouraged to use the new Philippine version in order to benefit from the lower cost, the standard version of the ICS/ISF books (already being used by many Filipino trainees) will continue to be recognised by MARINA.

Copies of the Philippines edition of the ICS/ISF Training Record Books may be purchased at the FSA Secretariat (see contact details below).

FSA Trustee, Gerardo Borromeo, commented: “Filipino employers are very pleased to be working with ICS to help ensure that the training we provide our Filipino maritime professionals meet the very high and stringent standards required by IMO and by the international shipping industry.”      

ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe added: “In view of the great importance of the Philippines as the world’s largest source of qualified seafarers of the calibre and competence which the global shipping industry needs, ICS is glad that MARINA has decided to use a special version of the existing ICS/ISF books to help them meet fully their obligations under STCW 2010, before the IMO deadline at the end of next year.”

On behalf of the Maritime Industry Authority, (MARINA), Dr Max Mejia, Administrator added:        

“MARINA is pleased to support this noble project of the ICS and FSA. The ICS Training Record Book serves as an excellent tool to help guide the competency development and career advancement of our future Filipino global maritime professionals.”