Factors Affecting Lapsed Contract of Filipino Seafarers amidst the COVID-19

In a desperate effort to slow down the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic virus, the ever-increasing steps taken by nations worldwide have thrown the global economy into chaos and disrupted especially the shipping industry that affects Filipino seafarers that results to have a lapsed or extended contract while onboard the vessel and unable to come home. This study focused on analyzing the factors affecting the lapsed contract of Filipino seafarers amidst COVID-19. The study applied the quantitative-descriptive method wherein a survey was used. A three (3) part structured questionnaire was utilized. The first part is to determine the problems encountered by Filipino seafarers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The second part identifies the current situations of Filipino seafarers in terms of being stranded in the sea, extended contracts while not properly paid and the last is the crew change problem. The last part identifies the practices used onboard to cope with the lapsed contract due to COVID-19. The locale of the study was under the College of Maritime Education in Lucena City, Province of Quezon. In this study, the respondents were purposively selected base on the availability of Filipino seafarers who experienced lapsed contracts. Frequency, weighted mean were used in the statistical analysis. The survey questionnaire or the research instrument was in a google form, in order to prevent direct communication with the respondents and follow the health guidelines. As an output of the study, informative seminars would be a big help to spread awareness and information for every seafarer who possibly experienced having a lapsed contract.