NSAP Officially Moves to PHILCAMSAT Responding to the global demand for objective risk mitigation tools, the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training (PHILCAMSAT) and the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies-Pacific Maritime Institute (MITAGS-PMI) have entered into an exclusive partnership to offer the Navigational Skills Assessment Program (NSAP™) to the international maritime community.

NSAP™ is a risk-based measurement tool developed by MITAGS-PMI and is designed to assess a mariner’s performance in custom simulation scenarios. Three Masters and two Chief Officers from Shell STASCO, U.K. participated in the program’s pilot launch last February 16 to 17, 2015.

The 2-day program focuses specifically on core skills required of licensed deck officers as defined by international standards and industry best practices. Critical areas in navigation such as Bridge Resource Management (BRM), compliance with International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), situational awareness, prioritization skills, communication skills and conformity to company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are objectively measured using a realistic but safe environment using a modern bridge simulator. Each NSAP session uses realistic scenario-based exercises geared towards each company’s operations and is assessed only by trained and qualified subject matter experts accredited by MITAGS-PMI. The ultimate goal of the program is to help reduce catastrophic maritime incidents by addressing mariner competency and knowledge. At the conclusion of the NSAP session, a comprehensive report is provided to the company which can be used to determine the allocation of resources to improve specific skills or mitigate specific risks.

Anchor for Excellence Quiz Bee Names Central Visayas ChampionThe finals for the National Maritime Week Intercollegiate Quiz Bee, “Anchor for Excellence,” organized by PTC and spearheaded by maritime party-list ANGKLA, was held last Oct. 8 at the Mariner’s Court in Cebu City. A six-man team from the University of Cebu Maritime Education and Training Center (UCMETC) emerged as champions.

The team was composed of engine cadets Joseph Andales, Patrick Dean Balbin and Archie Rodriguez; and deck cadets Vincent Adam Balunan, Riedjkan Eballena and Ivan Clyde Torrefiel. Serving as coaches were Capt. Gerry Enjambre, 2nd Mates Candlario Tatoy and Mario Yu and 3rd Engineers Ron Gabriel Tercera and John Brylle Algabre.

Organized to promote Philippine maritime academic excellence, the quiz bee focused on questions on STCW, CHED Memorandum Orders for maritime programs, current maritime events, maritime laws passed and bills authored by ANGKLA and MARINA.

Emerging as runners-up were the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (first runner-up), Southwestern University (second runner-up), University of Cebu-Lapu-Lapu Mandaue (third runner-up), and University of the Visayas (fourth runner-up).

Team UCMETC received a cash prize from ANGKLA and training gift certificates from different MARINA-accredited centers, which they shared with their fellow winners from the 4 educational institutions. The team will represent Central Visayas in the national finals to be held in Manila on January 2016.

J.T. Essberger/Transocean Shipmanagement (TOS) Singapore held its 3rd Safety, Security, Health, Environment and Quality (SSHEQ) Seminar for the year last October 5 to 10 at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Manila. The conference is part of the company’s commitment to the development of its Filipino officers and crew through continuous training and competency enhancement. PTC CEO Gerardo A. Borromeo opened the event with his welcome remarks which were then followed by sessions on Communication and Human Management headed by Dr. Bayani Almacen. Other topics discussed during the 5-day conference included Shipmanagement Updates, Standards in Shipping, Crisis Media Response, Risk Assessment, ISO 14001 and MLC, facilitated by Capt. Bernd Schlarmann, Fleet Manager for Chemical Tankers, JTE Shipmanagement; Capt. Dirk Herrman, Manager for Corporate Quality, JTE Shipmanagement; and C/E Alfredo Haboc, Training Director of the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training (PHILCAMSAT). Also in attendance were Essberger Crewing Services Senior Manager Mr. Bjoern Borbe, Transocean Shipmanagement Managing Director Capt. Josef Stingl and Transocean Shipmanagement Crew Manager Ms. Nurhuda Hanafiah.

On the final day of the week-long conference, participants enjoyed a glam and glitzy Great Gatsby-themed fellowship night which also served to commemorate the 25th-year anniversary of Transocean Philippines - a committed partnership between PTC and Transocean Shipmanagement (Pte.) Ltd. During the event, the company honored its 10, 20 and 25-year service awardees who were awarded by Capt. Josef Stingl of TOS and Capt. Ronald Enrile of PTC. Donna Delgado, Marine Personnel Specialist of TOS Philippines, was also recognized for her 25 years of continuous and loyal service to the company.

Transocean Shipmanagement Holds 3rd SSHEQ Seminar for 2015

Photo shows TOS officers and crew with (seated in front, from L-R) PHILCAMSAT Training Director C/E Alfredo Haboc, Essberger Crewing Services Senior Manager Mr. Bjoern Borbe, JTE Shipmanagement (Hamburg) Fleet Manager Chemical Tankers Capt. Bernd Schlarmann, PTC Senior Vice President Marine Management Capt. Ronald Enrile, JTE Shipmanagement (Hamburg) Manager Corporate Quality Capt. Dirk Herrman, PTC CEO Gerardo Borromeo, Transocean Shipmanagement Managing Director Capt. Josef Stingl, PTC Crewing Operations Associate Director Capt. Pol Haboc, Transocean Shipmanagement Crew Manager Ms. Nurhuda Hanafiah, Transocean Shipmanagement Marine Personnel Specialist Ms. Donna Delgado and Transocean Shipmanagement Crewing Manager Kareem Duazo.

Health, Wellness and Entrepreneurship for PTC GMPs and their Families PTC’s Family and Crew Relations (FCR) presented a day of health and wellness to the company’s GMPs and their families during a Life Skills Seminar last October 24 at the Mainsail Cafe of First Maritime Place in Makati. Starting bright and early with an energetic Zumba session, participants were treated to a refreshing demo on the making of healthy but delicious fruit smoothies by foodie, She Dauin. Participants were also taught how to bake sweet and tasty pastries before being given a financial literacy talk by Ms. Jude Mapalo of AXA Life. Representatives from Pag-Ibig and the San Antonio Skills Development Center were present to talk about their services while GSK and Health Metrics gave female attendees the opportunity to get vaccinated against cervical cancer. Kids likewise enjoyed the event as they participated in an art & crafts activity where Yhana Mae Regana’s won the Best Greeting Card contest.

Earlier on October 3, Mrs. Elisa Momo conducted a seminar on decorative balloon art for those who were interested in starting their own party needs business. Mrs. Momo, wife of AB Estaniel Momo from NMM-Stena, learned the craft of balloon making from a PTC Life Skills Seminar back in 2006 and now shares her knowledge with her fellow GMP family members who would, likewise, like to pursue their own entrepreneurial initiatives.

Wallenius Conducts BMS & FMS Training for Senior OfficersIn line with the company’s strategic objectives for the year, Wallenius Marine conducted a training program to educate its senior officers on the principles of an effective Business Management System (BMS) and Fleet Management System (FMS). Held last October 26 to 29 at the First Maritime Place in Makati, the program aims to help develop a company culture that encourages safe and responsible behavior both onboard and onshore. On the first day of the training, participants were introduced to Wallenius Shipping’s new process-oriented BMS which covers all integral processes within the organization. The next three days focused on orienting the officers of the company’s new fleet management system which is hinged on modern maintenance philosophies, enabling increased efficiency, improved planning and enhanced monitoring quality.

PTC Extends Aid to Typhoon Lando VictimsIn response to the onslaught of tropical storm Lando (international name Koppu) last October 18, PTC has extended assistance to residents of severely affected municipalities in the province of Aurora in Central Luzon. PTC helped provide over 3,000 canned goods which were delivered to various evacuation centers last October 23. Over 700 sets of emergency relief packs containing various supplies such as rice, drinking water, mosquito nets, cooking pots and sleeping mats were also distributed on October 24 to the municipalities of San Luis, Dingalan and Dinalungan through the assistance of Mayor Anabel Tanson, Mayor Zenaida Padiernos and Mayor Tito Tubigan, respectively. The donation was made possible through the support of PTC’s principals, GMPs and employees.

PTC Iloilo Conducts Basic Baking DemoPTC Iloilo held a basic baking demonstration for PTC GMPs and their families last October 10, 2015 at the John B. Lacson Culinary Kitchen in Molo Campus, Iloilo City. Chef Red Zamora taught participants easy-to-prepare yet delectable baked pastries such as cookies, muffins, apple and pineapple pie which they can prepare for their families or use for additional livelihood. Ms. Richel Sucgang, Area Sales Manager of ACM Homes Iloilo, also gave attendees a short talk on the planned seafarers’ village to be built in Iloilo.

Promoting Gender Awareness and DevelopmentPTC, in cooperation with Northern Marine Management and ANGKLA, participated in a Gender Awareness and Development (GAD) Seminar for the teachers of the Masaya National High School of Laguna last September 26 at the Blue Resort and Hotel in Los Baños, Laguna. As part of the seminar, Candy D. Mauricio from PTC’s Office of the Chief Strategy Officer conducted a talk on understanding the importance of GAD and discovering its impact in Philippine society and education. Moreover, the vital role of educators in promoting GAD, developing gender-fair curricula and assisting victims of gender-based violence were emphasized during the seminar.

PTC Oktoberfest 2015The musical talents of PTC employees were once again highlighted during this year’s Oktoberfest held last October 16 at the Main Sail Café. The event, organized by the Human Resources Department and Magkaakbay, showcased singer Annie Lachica from the Office of the CFO, beat boxer Van Villamor of FMSS and rock bands Kudos of FMSS, Band Aid of HMI and Wave 8 of PTC. Surprise performers also delighted the crowd, namely Ms. Karen Avelino of PHILCAMSAT who jammed with Kudos and other employees who sang along with guest band, Daisy Chains.

PTC Kicks Off 2015 Basketball Tournament The PTC Group Basketball Club kicked off its 2015 Basketball Tournament with a formal opening ceremony last October 15, 2015 at the YMCA of Makati in Sacred Heart Street, San Antonio Village. The inter-departmental tournament aims to promote camaraderie and the spirit of sportsmanship among employees of the PTC Group. The opening ceremony featured a parade of the participating teams, namely PTC Blue, PTC Gray, PTC White, FMSS-GSC, FMSS-MSC, PHILCAMSAT-MAST, HMI-CTI, ACM, Abojeb and ProGear, along with their respective muses. Games are held every week at the YMCA Makati and Makati Coliseum with the Finals scheduled for the first quarter of 2016. The tournament is sponsored by Qatar Airways and Constellation Travels.

New Panamanian Ambassador Visits PTC H.E. Ambassador Rolando A. Guevara Alvarado of the Republic of Panama (center) made a courtesy visit to PTC last October 1, 2015. He was welcomed by (from L-R) PTC Chief Commercial Officer Edgar Milla, Christina S. Manzano, PTC-CSJ President Carla S. Limcaoco and PTC CEO Gerardo A. Borromeo.

CTI Moves to New OfficeConstellation Travels Inc. moved from the 7th to the 11th Floor of Pryce Center at #1179 Chino Roces Avenue corner Bagtikan Street, Makati City last September 21, 2015. Clients may reach them through their new trunk line number (632) 2241730 or via email at fantasticholidays@constelltravel.com.ph.

Exmar Christens New LPG CarrierPTC congratulates Exmar Shipmanagement on the delivery and naming of its latest LPG carrier “Kaprijke” last August 24 at the Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Bay, Zambales. Kaprijke is the 5th newbuild in Exmar’s series of twelve LPG 38000m3 carriers to be delivered to its fleet by 2018. Following her delivery, EXMAR’s midsize fleet will stand at 13, with another 2 under time charter and another 7 under construction. The ship also stands as an affirmation of the world-class craftsmanship of Filipino workers in the global shipbuilding industry as it is the first ever LPG vessel to be built in the Philippines.

PTC Snapshots