“I thank you all, because without you, we are nothing. This is our business. Capt. Leonidas Varias, the founder of Crossworld Group, states, “We succeeded because you are good.” 

“Thank you, my fellow mariners for your unwavering dedication. Capt. Eleazar Diaz, Chairman Emeritus of Crossworld Marine Services, exalts, “Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond.” 

These are the passionate words of gratitude from the two seasoned ship captains who founded Crossworld Marine Services in the Philippines two decades ago. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the largest manning agencies in the country, a testament to its expertise in crewing services and, more importantly because of the excellent performance of Filipino seafarers.

Crossworld currently manages a fleet of over 380 various types of vessels. Manila is its headquarters and recruitment operations center, with branches in Cebu and Iloilo. It has offices in Limassol, Cyprus and Dubai, UAE. 

The founders, along with their seafarers, employees, and industry partners, gathered at the posh Diamond Hotel Makati on March 9 to commemorate the company’s milestone. 

The occasion was made more meaningful by the presence of Greek Ambassador to the Philippines Ioannis Pediotis, in recognition of the strong ties of the Philippines and Greece in global shipping.

Honors

Crossworld Marine Services CEO Simos Varias and President Capt. Levy Capayas spearheaded the program, which featured an award ceremony as its highlight. 

Plaques of recognition were given to dedicated and loyal seafarers with 10-20 years of service.

Office employees with 10-20 years of support were also recognized.

Appreciation plaques were also presented to the pioneering principals. 

The visionary founders, Captains Leonidas Varias and Eleazar Diaz, received the highest honors and respect. 

Simos proudly declares this small ecosystem, which we call Crossworld. He goes on to say, “This is the software that make it happen and all of us together form the DNA of this ecosystem.” 

“Thank you, personally I love you all,” his heartfelt concluding statement, elicited the most enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Resilience and sustainability 

Captain Capayas motivated the audience with his progress reports on the organization’s accomplishments and endeavors to benefit its crew, employees, clients, and society. 

By the end of 2023, Crossworld Group deployed a total of 7,800 Filipino seafarers, with more than 20% growth for the last 3 years. 

Capayas emphasizes, “We aim to deploy more well-trained and competent Filipino seafarers.” 

He cites the company’s initiatives for more efficient crew management, which include: collaboration with the world’s best software company SAP, the development of a seafarers’ app, and an e-signature documentation system. 

Crossworld also established the World Institute of Maritime Advance Studies (WIMAS), which will develop future officers, engineers, ETOs, fitters, cooks and other ranks. 

Furthermore, the company continues to improve the staff’s working environment for its employees and provide incentives to increase their enthusiasm and dedication to their jobs. 

Crossworld Cooperative also contributes significantly to the livelihoods of seafarers’ families and employees. 

The company has its own charity program with three divisions: Hopecross, which supports children with cancer, Helpcross, which aids those affected by natural disasters, and Achievecross, which assists students from low-income families.

Stronger 

Indeed, Crossworld’s foundation can be traced back to a collaboration between Greek shipowners and Filipino seafarers who both value working as a family. 

For nostalgia, collector photos were projected on the big screen, bringing back memories of hard work, camaraderies and celebrations for past two decades. 

The traditional Hellenic kiss on both cheeks was followed by tight goodwill hugs. 

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), a primary source of Crossworld officers, demonstrated a cake-cutting ceremony for a grand celebration and a sword routine for nobility and power. 

Simos and Capayas, proposed a toast for success after years of tedious efforts on challenges and for the glorious future ahead, adhering to the same philosophy of excellence as 20 years ago. 

At Crossworld, they say: “Together we are always ahead!”

The Team does not rest on its laurels, which is why Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Crew Service Centre Philippines, Inc. (BSM CSC PH) remains in the forefront of global ship management.

At the company’s Fleet Leader’s Meeting (FLM), held on April 17 18 at Citadines Bay City Manila, more than 70 operational and management level Filipino seafarers participated with enthusiasm to collaborate and share knowledge on operational topics including safety and new ideas. These meetings aim to improve communication and interaction between the seafarers, the company and the various relevant 16 parts of the Schulte Group in an effort to constantly improve team performance. 

Everyone eagerly engaged in exercises and workshops aimed to enhance and reinforce presentations, as well as to stimulate discussion and raise awareness.

Motivated 

BSM CSC PH’s Acting General Manager Capt. Armando Santosidad opened the meeting with motivational words that established the tone for openness, passion, and teamwork throughout the two-day seminar. 

He asked the participants what the BSM logo means and received responses of “Family, Hope, Future and Success.” He considered all the answers correct, but emphasized the BSM connotation as success. 

Capt. Santosidad was particularly pleased to see the participants, including cadets he interviewed a decade ago for the company’s educational support program.

“This is the testament you are now successful,” he remarked. 

Capt. Joseph Raluta, Director of BSM Maritime Training Centre, Philippines, spearheaded the presentations, discussions and exercises on leadership-related topics with professionalism and passion, with the assistance of C/E Michael De Guzman, Training Superintendent. 

Capt. Raluta advised the officers, “When you become a Master or a Chief Engineer, your career has just started, particularly with BSM where there are numerous opportunities to grow ashore as well.” 

“Learning never stops, improving never stops.” He further stated, “We expect you guys, especially senior officers to support this, because we are the one who will be to mold the next generation of seafarers.”

Mr. Hardy Romahn, Group Technical Manager of BSM Singapore, discussed compliance issues with regulations and company policies relative to BSM well-being campaigns. 

Furthermore, Ms. Lailani Tolentino Rahon, Country Manager of The Mission to Seafarers Philippines, and Dr. Fionnah Mae Sandoval, PEME Manager of SuperCare Medical Services both discussed health and well-being concerns.

Bonding 

Indeed, openness builds relationships and fosters unity. 

During coffee breaks, the marine officers interacted with their colleagues, executives, and shore staff. 

More importantly, they were able to freely discuss the issues at the open forum facilitated by BSM top executives. 

Finally, they reached a consensus on the correct and optimal solutions, as their primary objective is to ensure client satisfaction.

Recognitions 

At the end of the seminar, the group that participated most actively in the discussions and exercises throughout the two-day meeting was awarded with tokens from BSM CSC PH. 

The gala dinner was held in the pool area, where the officers finally had time to relax and let loose, with some karaoke, a buffet dinner, and free flowing drinks. Long Service Awards were awarded to seafarers for their service and commitment to the company which has undoubtedly helped contribute to the success of BSM.

Bicol’s premier maritime institution, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, commemorated its 50th founding anniversary on March 2-4, with the theme “Mariners’-50 years of Golden Service! Looking back and beyond…”

Dr. Marilissa Jimenez-Ampuan, President of MPCI and MPCF Canaman stated, “We are so much grateful. We will always include and embed the core values of our institution: leadership, social responsibility, honesty, and discipline.”

The officers, faculty, staff, students and alumni from all three campuses – Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges- Naga (MPCI), Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman and Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legazpi joined together in various festivities to celebrate the milestone event.

The activities included a grand parade and motorcade, basketball and volleyball exhibition games, a swimming competition, a trade fair, a pageant and raffle draws.

The inauguration of the MPCI Campus Museum, which features memorabilia of the late founder Commodore Jaime C. Jimenez, was the highlight of the occasion.

The event concluded with a Grand Awards Night at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel in Naga City, attended by Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion and Secretary Suharto Teng Mangudadatu, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General.

Awards were given to personnel logging 5-10-25-30 years of service, retired employees and the families of posthumous awardees. MPC’s institutional partners and outstanding alumni were also honored.

Mariners Polytechnic Colleges was conceived and founded by the late Commodore Jaime C. Jimenez, Sr., a retired officer of the Philippine Navy, Chief Marine Officer, and a staunch advocate for quality education. He formerly served as President of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI).

Commodore Jimenez, believed that the youth must be given the best education so they will become effective leaders of tomorrow. Hence, in 1974, he established the Mariners Polytechnic School in Manila with an initial enrollment of 35 students. Commodore Jimenez decided to transfer the school in the Bicol Region to help fellow Bicolanos in developing into competent seafarers.