CME partners with SPWD, SMDI; host '21st-century skills for seafarers' seminar

To prepare future seafarers for the challenges of the profession, promoting holistic development, the College of Maritime Education (CME) hosted a seminar Cultivation to Seafarer's Quest: Basic 21st Century Skills, in collaboration with Stitching Pastoraat Werkers Overzee (SPWD) and Seacoms Maritime Development International (SMDI), at the AEC Little Theater, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF), Dec. 4.

The seminar focused on cultural and mental health awareness, as well as the basic social skills essential for modern seafarers. Topics included cadet, cultural awareness, mental health and suicide prevention, bullying, long-distance relationships, and financial literacy.

Pastor Stefan Francke, Waterbouwpastor at SPWD and Pastoral Care for Workers in Dredging and Marine Construction shared his experience as a waterbouwspastor or marine construction pastor where he provides pastoral care to workers in dredging, offshore and marine construction.

He discussed how should seafarers adapt to the culture in global maritime operations, he emphasized the importance of understanding different cultures, stating, “A seafarer who respects diversity sails smoother waters.”

Pastor Rancho Villavicencio, an Accredited Trainer for the Wellness at Sea Programme and Sailor’s Society Leadership Coach and the founder and executive director of Seacoms Maritime Development International. He shared his experience in two decades of facilitating soft skills to seafarers and office staff, he is an international trainer and motivational speaker to different local manning and international shipping companies across Asia, U.S.A and Europe.

Villacencio explained about mental resilience at sea and reminded students stating "Strength is not just about ensuring storms but knowing when to seek a lifeline."