TheEffect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Filipino Seafarers: An Industry and Qualitative Analysis

Date

1-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Amelia L. Bello

Committee Member

Gideon P. Carnaje Amelia L. Bello Agham C. Cuevas

Abstract

This study aims to answer the following question: "How has the pandemic uniquely affected the situation of seafarers and their industry?" The study targets to answer and/or provide a clearer picture to this problem in the industry as it presents a unique situation for the deployment of seafarers. The study also aims to learn more about the different problems faced by seafarers for employment or re-deployment while also taking account of the effect on their remittances. The study also used the New Economics of Labor Migration as an explaining factor as to why seafarers choose to seek deployment despite the pandemic, hence highlighting their resiliency.

The COVID-19 pandemic has largely affected both seafarers and the seafaring maritime industry . However, despite the pandemic and the multiple repercussions caused by it, both parties (industry and workers) have resilience, implying that sea-based OFWs will continue to migrate despite the pandemic .. The pandemic is viewed. as yet. another constraint or risk that both seafarers and companies must consider and prepare for in order to keep the industry and their families alive. With the slow reopening of borders and eventual loosening of restrictions, the shock and response to the pandemic will bring back the industry to its feet. In terms of migration, even though there were significant health risks, seafarers continued to migrate to their work on a contractual basis during the pandemic because, according to the NELM theory, their families' survival during the pandemic hinged on them getting on board and deployed for their contract to be deemed a success. With the obvious threat of the coronavirus, seafarers were more likely to be contracted as they and their families would survive any threat related to the pandemic, whether it was consumption or medical bills to combat the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Language

English

LC Subject

COVID-19 Pandemic, Seafarers, Industry Analysis, Qualitative Analysis

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2023 E2 L69

Document Type

Thesis

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