MANILA , Philippines, Oct. 28—Filipino seafarers remain  the top pick of Japanese ship owners, managers and operators, the chairman of International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) disclosed Tuesday.  Speaking here at PICC Convention Center for the 2^nd Global Forum and Migration and Development (GFMD), particularly the session on International Migration for the Benefit of Workers: Best Practice from the Business and Professionals, Capt. Takao Manji, said that the preference for Filipino sailors is due to the fact that these mariners are “completely disciplined, hard-working, flexible and reliable.”  “That is the reason why we like (Filipino seafarers) not because they are cheap,” the IMMAJ chair further stressed as he painted a bright and promising future for Japan-bound Filipino seafarers.   An average Filipino seaman is paid between USD1,000 to USD1,250 monthly while officers are paid around USD2,500 to USD3,000 a month.  Over 50,000 Filipino sailors or 65 percent of Japan ’s maritime personnel are manning  the country’s 3,000 merchant ships.  Manji also expressed his appreciation to Filipino seafarers in making Japan ’s shipping industry one of the most dominant in the world.  ”We truly appreciate the efforts of the Philippines in expanding the Japanese shipping industry,” the IMMAJ added.  To reciprocate the efforts of the Filipino mariners, Manji said that the Japanese shipping industry is pouring vast amounts of money to spend for the training that will insure the competency of the Filipino sailors.  Filipino seafarers picked to join Japan’s merchant marine fleet are given substantial salaries which are tax-free, with good accommodations in their parent ships, free communications privileges with their families and two months of paid vacations.  

“We believe that happy crews make for a safe ship.” Manji further stated.