Cebu-based Aznar Shipping Corp. is expanding its cadetship program for the upcoming academic year, opening onboard training opportunities for more than 200 aspiring seafarers as the domestic shipping industry grapples with a critical shortage of qualified maritime officers in the Visayas.
The initiative comes as Central Visayas faces a widening talent gap that threatens to constrain one of the country’s busiest inter-island shipping corridors. Industry estimates indicate the region’s 525 active vessels require about 2,625 officer-level personnel, but only enough manpower is available to fill around 45 percent of those positions, leaving a shortfall of 1,446 officers.
The deficit includes 938 deck officers and 508 engine officers, highlighting a persistent bottleneck in maritime training where many cadets struggle to secure the mandatory onboard experience needed for professional certification.
To help narrow the gap, Aznar Shipping has expanded partnerships with maritime schools including the Palompon Institute of Technology, University of Cebu, University of the Visayas, Philippine Maritime Institute in Bohol, and Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro.
“The future of Philippine shipping depends not only on modern vessels and stronger routes, but also on the young seafarers who will operate and sustain the industry,” said Kyle Alexander Aznar, president and chief executive officer.
“We want to make sure that financial limitations do not prevent hardworking and deserving cadets from getting the onboard experience they need,” he added.
Unlike many domestic shipping operators, Aznar Shipping does not charge apprenticeship fees, removing one of the biggest financial hurdles facing maritime students seeking to complete their training.
Cadets undergo practical training aboard vessels serving key Visayas routes, including Danao-Isabel, Tabuelan-Escalante, and Bogo-Palompon, allowing them to gain sea time while supporting essential inter-island transport services.
The expansion comes as the Visayas cements its role as the country’s maritime hub. Philippine Ports Authority data showed the region accounted for 48.56 percent of national passenger traffic and half of all ship calls in 2025.
By investing in cadet training, Aznar Shipping is addressing a structural workforce challenge that extends beyond its own operations. A stronger pipeline of licensed officers is expected to improve the reliability and safety of domestic shipping while supporting the continued growth of inter-island trade and tourism in one of the Philippines’ most maritime-dependent regions.
