For seafarers’ security and convenience

AMOSUP collaborates with UTS for digitalization

Published November 8, 2024
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(From left) UTS Hart, AMOSUP Santos and Oca, and UTS Gittenberger

"No longer will our seafarers have to carry thick folders or papers wherever they go. No longer will they have to worry about documents being damaged, lost or delayed," states Dr. Conrado Oca, President of the Associated Marine Officers' and Seamen's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP).

 

Dr. Oca, VAdm. Eduardo Ma R Santos, AMOSUP EVP, and United Training Services (UTS) Founders Mr. Jan Hart and Mr. Edmund Gittenberger officially launched the e-Sea app and the Seafarers' Digitalization and Verification Center (SDVVC), at the AMOSUP Seamen's Center Basement in Intramuros, Manila on September 27.

 

AMOSUP and UTS collaboration aims to streamline essential seafaring paperwork by moving it to a digital platform, making life easier for Filipino seafarers.

 

Dr. Oca continued to address the seafarers, saying, "The center is here for you." This is our commitment to making your life easier and ensuring that Filipino seafarers remain at the forefront of the global maritime industry."

 

He underscored that the opening of the center “marks a significant milestone not just for us but most especially for our members, the heart of this initiative.”

 

Digitizing.

The e-Sea app is expected to revolutionize the way seafarers manage their careers and documents. 

 

VAdm. Santos remarked, “It’s all for you, our members. This is one of the biggest, significant welfare assistance to all our members, making sure that your certificates are valid, your certificate are authentic.”

 

The app free for all Filipino seafarers at no cost and can be downloaded on google play and the apple store. 

 

At the SDVVC, the UTS staff will assist the seafarers simplify their document management by replacing physical papers with a QR code for instant access and verification of qualifications. 

 

This shift enhances efficiency, security, and competitiveness by enabling seafarers to manage their certifications in real-time without the hassle of bulky paperwork or delays. This is expected to benefit both seafarers and employers by streamlining the verification process and reducing the need for physical documents.

 

The e-Sea app addresses a common challenge faced by Filipino seafarers: managing physical documents like certificates, passports, payroll, and travel documents, ensuring that they are fully compliant and competent to safely perform their jobs wherever they are going to work.

 

By digitizing these essential items, the app enables users to access, manage, and renew their paperwork through their mobile devices, both online and offline. This ensures that critical documents are always at hand, reducing the burden of paper trails and eliminating the risk of losing vital documents while at sea.

 

The app not only stores documents but also provides validation services, allowing users to verify certificates and other paperwork digitally. This feature adds an extra layer of security and convenience, streamlining the certification renewal process and making compliance with industry standards more accessible.

 

Community building.

The e-Sea app goes beyond just a digital paperwork platform. It also serves as a community hub for Filipino seafarers, providing access to relevant industry news, updates and developments. This ensures that users are always up to date on the latest trends and regulations, further empowering them in their professional lives.

 

Seafarers can also use the app to connect with one another, creating a sense of community and solidarity among Filipino maritime workers worldwide. The app is a tool not just for managing a career but for fostering a support system for those who often spend extended periods away from home. 

 

Long-time partners.

UTS CEO Hart stated, “To stay number one is more difficult than becoming number one.” Hence, the software was developed for Filipino seafarers to demonstrate their skills competencies, as well as how they managed to maintain them all."

VAdm. Santos acknowledged that Hart is a dear friend of Filipino seafarers and has been a long-time partner of AMOSUP, beginning with the establishment of the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) facilities at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP).

 

He also announced a future cooperation with UTS on wind farm trainings, in support of the maritime industry's decarbonization initiatives.

 

UTS Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Gittenberger said that they have been working with the Filipino team to develop the e-Sea app for the past two years.

 

“They have been working day and night to get this done. These are the people who really made it happen,” Gittenberger stated.

 

Recognition.

AMOSUP earned a prestigious award from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in recognition of the union’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipino seafarers.

 

Dr. Oca received the plaque of appreciation from Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on September 27. Subsequently, he proceeded to e-Sea app and SDVVC launching.

 

He shared the good news to the AMOSUP members, exclaiming that the award was given because “Filipino seafarers are great sailors!”