Manning Strategies and Management Practices of Manning Agency as Perceived by the Filipino Seafarers

This study determined the manning strategies and management practices as perceived by Filipino Seafarers. Knowing the practices and management of manning agencies aware Filipino Seafarers and maritime students be ready and have an idea of the struggles they may face in a manning agency. The researchers aimed to achieve the objective of the study, to gather the data needed and help the beneficiaries of the study. A qualitative research design was used in this study and the researchers collected and analyzed non-numerical data obtained using interviews as a research instrument. The researchers used open-ended questions as the interview guide to gather data on the Manning Strategies and Management Practices of Manning Agency as Perceived by Filipino Seafarers. The collection of data was done through a recorded Zoom meeting. This study was conducted in Lucena City Quezon Province. There were a total of five (5) respondents coming from different places in the Philippines who are seafarers either rating or officers who are still active seafarers. The result of the study about Manning Strategies and Management Practices of Manning Agency as Perceived by Filipino Seafarers. The researchers gained knowledge of the perception of Filipino Seafarers of their agency. It was found out the requirements of a manning agency to seafarers are their training with COP and COC certificate as it states that the relevant requirements of training competencies or seagoing service under the STCW Convention have been met. The respondents' personal experience in applying to a manning agency, some respondents experience a normal procedure applying to a company and scholarship program in which they take examinations and interviews and complete all requirements as well as the training. Furthermore, some respondents experience a backer system it is where applicants seek backup to recommend them to a manning agency. Some manning agencies give offers and services for them also to persuade the seafarer, manning agencies also looking for a good background and performance from their career as well as manning agencies also maintain the rotation of the crew. It is important to note that the specific problems and how they are overcome may vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific manning agency involved.