The PTC Group has earned two prestigious nominations for the Industry Champion Award at the Crew Connect Global Awards 2026. This recognition highlights outstanding initiatives and leaders driving meaningful impact in promoting maritime careers and inspiring the next generation of global maritime professionals.
The two PTC Group nominees are:
- The PTC Sea Mariners Program: Nominated for pioneering accessible senior high school cadetship pathways.
- Chief Engineer Mark Philip “MAKOi” Laurilla: Training Manager for Digital Transformation and Innovation at PHILCAMSAT, nominated for his digital advocacy and educational leadership.
Chief MAKOi Laurilla: Driving Digital Transformation in Maritime Education
With over 25 years of maritime experience—including 13 years as a Chief Engineer—Chief MAKOi Laurilla has become a leading voice in modern maritime advocacy. As PHILCAMSAT’s Training Manager for Digital Transformation and Innovation, he leverages digital platforms to provide aspiring seafarers, cadets, and students with transparent, practical insights into life at sea.
Across his roles as an active seafarer, instructor, course developer, professor, and training executive, Chief MAKOi advances maritime education through:
- Digital Advocacy & Content: Educational videos and insights demystifying shipboard life.
- Institutional Engagements: School visits, career talks, and academic mentoring.
- Industry Leadership: Forum panels advocating for continuous learning, discipline, and digital innovation in training.
PTC Sea Mariners Program: Pioneering the “School-as-a-Ship” Model
Established in 2013, the PTC Sea Mariners Program became the first initiative in the Philippines to place Senior High School graduates as young as 18 directly aboard international vessels.
Utilizing an innovative “School-as-a-Ship” model, the program bridges the gap between academic instruction and shipboard employment by integrating:
- STCW Basic Training: Essential safety and operational certifications.
- Structured Mentorship: Onboard guidance from seasoned maritime officers.
- Cadetship Placement: Clear, fast-tracked pathways into global fleet operations.
By combining early hands-on exposure with rigorous safety training, the program continues to build safety-oriented, future-ready seafarers for the global shipping industry.
Through these combined efforts, PTC Group and PHILCAMSAT reinforce their commitment to elevating Philippine maritime education, recognizing excellence, and shaping the future of global seafaring.