During his Christmas visit to the Philippines, Stefan conducted seminars at several maritime academies.
At the IMEC office, he led two seminars for students who are about to begin their careers at sea as Able Seamen (ABs) or Greasers. These students study at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) and receive scholarships from IMEC to support their education.
In addition, he presented the seminar “RESC-Q Int – Power Skills for Starting Seafarers” to first-year cadets at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in Zambales. The participants were students from both the Engine Department and the Maritime Transportation Department. PMMA follows a military-style educational system.
Finally, Stefan led the follow-up seminar “Going Onboard – What to Take in Your Suitcase?” for first- and second-year maritime students at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City. It was already the third time he had been invited to speak at this institution.
Through these seminars, SPWO contributes to the quality of life and work on board. As Stefan also presents similar seminars at Dutch maritime academies together with his port chaplain colleagues Helene Perfors and Pascal Handschin, there is a valuable exchange of knowledge and experience. The seminars in the Philippines help us gain a deeper understanding of the Filipino mindset and cultural background. At the same time, it is beneficial for Filipino seafarers to gain a better understanding of the cultures of colleagues from other nationalities. In this way, these educational activities contribute to greater intercultural understanding and cooperation within the international maritime industry.
