An inauguration and blessing of the Diesel Plant Simulator 2 (DPS2) was held last 27 February 2012 at the facilities of the NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training, Inc., located at General Luna corner Sta. Potenciana Streets, Intramuros, Manila.

The DPS2 is a project of the All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), the Philippine Seafarers’ Union (PSU), the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ) and the Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc. (PJMCC) to improve the skills of seafarers in diesel plant operations. This project is funded by the Seafarer’s Promotion Fund (SPF).

The DPS2 is based on the typical modern large container ship equipped with the latest control system and large propulsion engine plant. It is designed to meet the demands for operational training of engineers in order to improve the trainee’s skills and working efficiency in case of normal routine practice, emergency and remedial operation for many minor and critical malfunctions. The event started with a ribbon cutting ceremony headed by Hon. Danilo P. Cruz, Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The blessing of the facility was presided over by Rev. Ricky Villar, OSA.

CE Rowell M. Villaluz then led the guests to a demonstration of the DPS2 operations. The integral machineries in the simulator were explained by a crew of engineers. Then a demonstration of how the simulator worked was held. The demonstration was culminated with a blackout situation with the engineers having able to resolve the malfunction quickly to the applause of the guests.

A programme was held after the demonstration led by the Welcome Remarks of Capt. Elizeo Z. Clemente, General Manager of NYK-Fil Maritime E-Training, Inc. Distinguished guests, Mr. Masahiro Kondo, Manager of the JSU Manila Branch, Dr. Conrado F. Oca, President of AMOSUP, Atty. German N. Pascua, Vice-President of PSU, Capt. Tetsuya Hakozaki, Manila Representative of IMMAJ and Mr. Eduardo U. Manese, President of PJMCC delivered their inspirational messages to the audience.

DOLE Undersecretary Hon. Danilo P. Cruz then addressed the audience with his keynote speech where he expressed his high regards for the DPS2. He believes this should go a long way in improving the skills of our Filipino engineers.