Declaration of Policies.
Section 2
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - The State shall protect the rights and overall welfare of Filipino seafarers, promote their full employment, and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry regardless of sex or creed, including equitable access to education, training, and development consistent with existing domestic and international laws, standards, and conventions, particularly the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC 2006), as amended, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention). The State shall endeavor to secure decent working and living conditions for seafarers; standardize the terms and conditions of their employment; promote their skills and competencies; regulate operations of manning agencies; incentivize maritime stakeholders; establish and enhance mechanisms for administrative, adjudicative, and social and welfare services for seafarers and their families. The State shall encourage the participation of women in the seafaring profession and their meaningful contribution to the achievement of national development goals as productive members of the community. The State shall likewise ensure that appropriate action is imposed for violations of human rights at sea, effective sanction are adopted in deterring future abuses, and that those who engage in human rights violations do not benefit from their illegal actions. Towards these ends, shipowners, Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), manning and recruitment entities shall be recognized as vital partners in protecting and empowering Filipino seafarers.