12/08/2026
NEWS | For students dreaming of a career at sea, exposure to maritime training in Sablayan can now begin while they are still in public high school.
The Archipelago Philippine Seafarers’ Training Institute Inc. (APSTII), the training arm of Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp. (FastCat), assisted the Municipality of Sablayan in setting up the Maritime Track at Sablayan National High School, where a Kongsberg Maritime Simulator procured by the local government was launched on Aug. 6. APSTII also donated educational equipment to support the program. APSTII identifies itself as a maritime training institution providing training for aspiring and working maritime professionals.
The simulator is intended to give Maritime Track students practical training and eventually provide training opportunities for local fisherfolk and aspiring maritime professionals.
The launch included the introduction of a Maritime Simulation and Training Program, the signing of a memorandum of agreement, and a live simulator demonstration. FastCat also donated maritime training equipment as part of the initiative.
The two-day program continued Aug. 7 with HULI: Philippine Fishers’ Forum, bringing government agencies, maritime organizations, educators and coastal communities together to discuss safety at sea, sustainable fisheries, vessel maintenance, livelihoods and maritime career pathways. The forum and participation of government and industry organizations were also reported by the Agricultural Training Institute-MIMAROPA.
For aspiring seafarers in Sablayan, the initiative brings maritime training exposure into the public high school setting, providing students an earlier introduction to the skills and technology used in the industry.
FAS Maritime was among the official media partners of the two-day initiative.
CORRECTION: The Kongsberg Maritime Simulator was procured by the Municipality of Sablayan and was not donated by APSTII. APSTII assisted in setting up the Maritime Track and donated other educational equipment. The story has been corrected to reflect this.