The 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 16 April 2026, at the Sheraton Ballroom of the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City, Philippines.

Organised as a non-profit event, the forum is expected to attract about 450 delegates representing approximately 180 organisations. The target audience includes professionals from the safety, technical and marine departments of shipping operators, alongside other maritime industry stakeholders. Delegate attendance will be free, with sponsors covering the event’s expenses.

Following registration and welcome coffee, SAFETY4SEA Managing Editor Apo Belokas will deliver the welcome address. Keynote addresses are due to be given by Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director of the STCW Office at the Maritime Industry Authority, and Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, President of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific.

The first panel will examine human factors in the changing maritime landscape. Topics will include developments concerning STCW and the Maritime Labour Convention, crew performance in increasingly complex operations, and the effects of automation, digitalisation and decarbonisation. Speakers will also discuss safety culture and safety learning.

A second session will focus on transferring experience and applying best practices to improve safety. The discussion is set to cover proactive risk management, leadership, company culture, accident prevention and lessons drawn from casualties. Participants will include representatives from crewing and shipmanagement organisations.

The programme will also feature a presentation of the SEAFiT Crew Survey before a panel dedicated to the human element at sea. Speakers from registry, mental health, insurance, welfare and medical organisations will address psychological safety, leadership, crew wellness, health management and resilience.

Training and workforce development will form another major part of the agenda. A panel on future-ready seafarers will consider the crew shortage, maritime education, reskilling and upskilling, as well as the importance of soft and human skills. Representatives from maritime learning, shipmanagement and technology-related organisations are scheduled to participate.

The final panel will provide a platform for seafarers to discuss life and work at sea. The session will explore the advantages and disadvantages of maritime careers, current onboard challenges, incentives for attracting new entrants and the impact of emerging technologies on seafaring professions. The listed participants include serving officers, a chief engineer, a captain and the founder of the Youth in Maritime Organization.

The event is advertised as running from 09:00 to 17:00, although the published agenda lists the final panel from 16:15 to 17:30. Networking coffee and buffet breaks are also included in the programme.