Philippine Global Seafarers: Ethnicity and Identity in Ships with Multinational Crews

Abstract

labor market for seafarers. Filipino seafarers, who come mostly from the Ilonggoand Bisaya-speaking areas in the Visayas and Mindanao, are a significant group in the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) economy. Their social values of hierarchy, respect, work ethics, expectations about effort and compensation, and food are defined by upbringing in their local communities, as well as their education and training. On the other hand, “masters” and officers onboard are mostly white Europeans, or other Asians. There are both success and horror stories of the Pinoy seafarer’s work relations onboard ships with crew of other nationalities. The ship maybe owned by Greeks, Japanese or Europeans, but the laws observed on board follow those of the Bahamas, Panama, Liberia or other “flags of convenience”. The standard employment contract incorporates the regulations of the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA). In this context, how do Philippine seafarers view themselves, in relation to their ethno-linguistic origins, as a Filipino, and in the context of work in global ships with multinational crews? This paper argues that ethnicity and national identity are subordinated to the demands of the global labor market for seafarers, and to the factors “pushing” the Pinoy seafarers into the rough seas: lack of job opportunities, widespread poverty, and an economy facing pressures from trade deficits to pay off the $50 billion foreign debt. Welfare programs and interest representation of seafarers by seafarer unions and organisations often downplay, if not ignore ethnicity. Socio-cultural sensitivities need to be included in training programs to prepare seafarers, alongside the pursuit of Philippine interests in the highly competitive global labor market.