Description

Given the large number of Filipino seafarers who visit port-based welfare centres around the world, it is essential that ship visitors and welfare providers understand more deeply the world from which these seafarers come. To strengthen this understanding, ICMA’s AHOY! Training and Immersion Course will take place January 31- February 5, 2027 in Manila, Philippines, offering participants a first-hand experience of Filipino seafarers’ social and cultural background, as well as insights into key institutions in the country’s maritime sector.

First launched in 2016 and held again in 2023, the AHOY! course has proven to be a meaningful and transformative learning experience for those serving seafarers globally. Each day features lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions with experts from the maritime industry, labour unions, training institutions, cultural organizations, and welfare services. Participants will also visit relevant sites around Manila—such as training facilities, dormitories, and other places significant to seafarers during their time ashore.

While the schedule is full, participants will also have the chance to experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality through its culture, music, and cuisine.

The goal of AHOY! 2027 is to equip a new generation of ship visitors who are more attuned to the needs, strengths, and priorities of this vital global workforce serving aboard thousands of ships worldwide. Participants will learn not only from Filipino leaders in maritime affairs but also from experienced figures in international seafarers’ welfare.

Scholarship might be available, primarily intended for those not of Filipino background. Priority will be given to ICMA members, with allocations reflecting membership size and global footprint, though spaces may also be available to other welfare partners.

Details

Places are limited and designed for those not of Filipino culture.  As the course will be conducted in the English language, a reasonable knowledge of written and spoken English is required.  A letter of endorsement from your ICMA member society is necessary. 

Hotel – MANILA PRINCE HOTEL, 1000 San Marcelino St., Ermita, Manila

Contact – ICMA General Secretary for registration or more information: gensec@icma.as.

Registration – Registration form (click here).

  • Regular registration: $750USD – (includes six nights hotel, meals and program, but no reduced rate and no additional scholarship support).
  • Reduced rate registration + Scholarship (limited number per society): $450USD – (includes six nights hotel, meals and program fee and a $500 travel bursary to help defray costs of travel).

Visa – Participants should secure their visa for transit or arrival, as applicable – ICMA with Stella Maris Manila can provide a formal letter of invitation.  For the majority of course participants no visa will be required for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. However, it is your responsibility to verify whether you need a visa for travel to Philippines or any transit during travel. Traveller must hold valid ticket for return journey to country of origin or next country of destination and a passport valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the stay in the Philippines.

Insurance – ICMA expects all participants to have in place suitable travel insurance. ICMA will not be liable for any of these additional costs.

Practical Information – We will soon have our practical information tab for more information on ground transport, electrical plugs, weather and similar considerations.

Sponsors and Partners – ITF Seafarers’ Trust, The Seafarers’ Charity, Stella Maris Manila, AMOSUP, The Mission to Seafarers-Philippines

Schedule (developing)

  • January week 1 – online – An Introduction to the Philippines 1 – The Philippines (available at: https://icma.as/training)
  • January week 2 – online – An Introduction to the Philippines 2 – Traditional Pinoy Culture (available at: https://icma.as/training)
  • January week 3 – online – An Introduction to the Philippines 3 – Contemporary Pinoy Culture (available at: https://icma.as/training)
  • January week 4 – online – An Introduction to the Philippines 4 – Filipino Seafarers in History (available at: https://icma.as/training)
  • January week 5 – online – An Introduction to the Philippines 5 – Contemporary Pinoy Culture II (available at: https://icma.as/training)
  • January 31 – Sunday – Arrivals
  • [January 31 – Welcome booth open 18h00 – 19h00 (optional)]
  • February 1 – Monday 8h30 – Registration, Welcome and Orientation
    • February 1 – Monday – Course Introduction, Understanding Overseas Foreign Workers; Developments in deployment of Filipino seafarers
    • February 2 – Tuesday (offsite) – Services for Seafarers in Manila
    • February 3 – Wednesday – Seafarers’ welfare in the Philippines: meeting industry leaders, legal resources, NGOs and partners
    • February 4 – Thursday (offsite) – Visit to Philippines industry maritime training facility in Manila – panel presentation with maritime students and serving seafarers
    • February 5 – Friday – (offsite morning) Culture and Social Life in Manila: visit to religious and social venues in Quiapo area – Black Nazarene Shrine, boarding houses and outdoor market, visit to Stella Maris Manila; (return to hotel) Conclusions – workshop to discuss and interpret course experience and understand lessons learned
  • February 5 – Friday – 17h00 – End of regular schedule
  • February 6 – Saturday – departures