Racial Discrimination among Filipino Seafarers Onboard: Its Resulting Conflicts and Threats to Safety in Multinational-manned Vessels

This study explores the extent of racial discrimination experienced by Filipino seafarers on board multi-national manned vessels and examines its resulting conflicts and threats to safety. Specifically, it investigates discrimination across three factors: intrapsychic, organizational, and structural; and analyzes the relationship between racial discrimination and its impact on conflicts and safety. The study involved 254 Filipino seafarers, selected through purposive sampling from common hub areas in Manila, such as manning agencies, seafarer clubs, and training centers, achieving an 85% response rate. A researcher-made survey questionnaire, validated by experts, was used to collect data on racial discrimination, resulting conflicts, and safety threats. Data collected indicated that discrimination due to physical features in the intrapsychic category had the highest mean score, with respondents strongly agreeing they faced such discrimination. Organizational factors, particularly regarding disparate pay, also showed significant agreement. Structural factors reflected moderate discrimination related to global pay guidelines. Overall, the respondents moderately agreed that they experienced racial discrimination on board. The degree of conflict caused by racial discrimination was also noted, particularly in organizational factors, and the most significant safety threat was emotional distress, with a mean of 2.56. Correlation analysis confirmed significant relationships between racial discrimination and conflict (r=0.828, p=0.000), and between racial discrimination and safety threats (r=0.533, p=0.000). The study concludes that racial discrimination impacts the working conditions and productivity of Filipino seafarers, highlighting the need for interventions to address and mitigate these issues to ensure the well-being and safety of the crew.