The Philippines: A global power in seafaring

To serve as a role model for other educational institutions, whether public or private, that would want to capitalize on the competitive advantage of the Philippines in supplying the world demand for seafarers (both officers and seamen), let me describe in detail the genesis and operation of the National TDG-NYK Maritime Academy (NTMA), a world-class maritime training institute established by one of the top international shipping lines in Japan — NYK — and one of the leading Philippine conglomerates, TDG Diversified, owned by one of the branches of the Delgado clan.

- BERNARDO M. VILLEGAS

NTMA was established in 2007 in response to the growing demand for competent, disciplined, and globally competitive Filipino seafarers. It was the first ever maritime school put up in the Philippines by a foreign ship owner in partnership with a Filipino company. The school is guided by a strong commitment to become a “Force for Good” and live out NYK’s mission of “Bringing Value to Life.” The academy graduated its first batch in 2011.

NTMA’s programs are globally aligned and employ state-of-the-arts facilities, among which are state-of-the-art simulation equipment and digital learning tools to replicate global maritime environments. It offers a BS in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and a BS in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) aligned with Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and NYK Line standards. It follows the dual training system through a cadet development program that ensures a seamless transition from school to vessel deployment: cadets stay for three years on campus and in their fourth year they undergo real-life onboard training in NYK’s international fleet. While in school, the cadets reside on campus in a safe and nonthreatening environment that allows them to focus on their studies and learn how to interact smoothly with their fellow cadets.