Bohol’s first maritime training center opens

BACLAYON, Bohol — Seafarers from Bohol no longer have to go elsewhere for the required maritime training and upgrading.

The Southern Institute of Maritime Studies (SIMS)-Bohol, the first and only maritime training center in the province, was inaugurated on Sunday, Dec. 1, to increase the capabilities of maritime professionals in the country.

Located in Barangay Cambanac in Baclayon town, SIMS-Bohol aims to provide seafarers with the knowledge and skills required in the maritime industry.

Dr. Glenn Mark Blasquez, SIMS vice president, said seafarers from Bohol need not go to Manila or Cebu for training and upgrading as the training center in Bohol, the fifth country’s producer of seafarers, would help seafarers tackle the changing trends in the industry.

“It signifies our unwavering commitment to excellence in maritime institutions. It stands as a beacon of knowledge providing our maritime students with skills and quality training necessary to navigate the vibrant and complex world of maritime operations,” added Blasquez, also the president of the Association of Technical Schools in Manila and a member of CHEd Maritime Curriculum Review Committee.

SIMS-Bohol is the branch of SIMS – Cavite, which was established on October 18, 2000.

The inauguration was graced by Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Alburquerque Mayor Don Ritchie Buates, lawyer Melita Adame, Jubac-Blasques clans, and other officials.

Aumentado said the training center is a long-awaited facility dedicated to addressing the specific needs of Boholano seafarers.

“This center symbolizes hope and opportunity providing our local workforce with world-class training and a competitive edge. It also strengthens our local economy, creating jobs and fostering growth,” he added.

For Malaluan, more Boholanos will be interested in pursuing careers in maritime because of the training center in the province.

She also said SIMS-Bohol is becoming the premier provider of world-class maritime training, exceeding international standards and making Bohol a cradle of the next generation of competent seafarers.

She added that seafaring is the only profession where international standards are developed and strictly implemented through the international maritime organizations and administrations of the International Maritime Organization’s member states.

In 2023, more than 578,000 Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas, supplying more than 25 percent of the world’s requirements. They have an annual average dollar remittance of US$ 6.5 billion.