The PTC Group has earned two nominations for the Industry Champion Award at the Crew Connect Global Awards 2026, recognizing initiatives and individuals making a meaningful impact in promoting maritime careers and inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals. The nominees are the PTC Sea Mariners Program and Chief Engineer Mark Philip “MAKOi” Laurilla, Training Manager for Digital Transformation and Innovation of PHILCAMSAT.
Established in 2013, the PTC Sea Mariners Program was the first program in the Philippines to place Senior High School graduates as young as 18 aboard international vessels through its pioneering “School-as-a-Ship” model. By integrating STCW Basic Training, mentorship, and cadetship support, the program helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and global maritime careers while developing safety-oriented and future-ready maritime professionals.
With more than 25 years of maritime experience, including 13 years as a Chief Engineer, Chief MAKOi has built a trusted digital platform that provides aspiring seafarers, cadets, and maritime students with practical and honest insights into life and careers at sea. Through his work as a seafarer, instructor, course developer, professor, and PHILCAMSAT training executive, he has helped advance maritime education through digital transformation, school engagements, industry forums, and public advocacy—encouraging the next generation to pursue maritime careers with discipline, competence, continuous learning, and resilience.
PTC Group employees are invited to support our nominees by voting for the shortlist at crewconnectglobal.live. Multiple votes may be cast using an incognito tab on any browser. Crew Connect Global attendees will select the ultimate winner from the shortlist through the event app, with the winner to be announced during the Crew Connect Global Awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 21, in Manila.
Tags: