QuestionsQuestions (PRC BOARD FOR MARINE DECK OFFICERS AND BOARD FOR MARINE ENGINEER OFFICERS JOINT Resolution NO. 08-02, S. OF 2008)
The main purpose is to adopt a single licensure examination for the Marine Deck Officers and Marine Engineer Officers in the Management Level to address the global shortage of officers and maintain high professional and ethical standards.
The Boards' powers and duties are established under Republic Act No. 8544, also known as the Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Act of 1998.
The two levels are the Operational Level and the Management Level Officers.
The Management Level Officers include the Chief Mate and Master Mariner for the Deck Department, and the Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer for the Engine Department.
Because the standards of competence, tasks, duties, responsibilities, and level of knowledge required for Chief Mate and Master Mariner, and similarly for Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer, are similar; also to provide a proactive solution to the global shortage of officers in the Management Level.
The Chief Mate licensure examination will be adopted as the licensure examination for the Management Level of Marine Deck Officers.
The Second Engineer Officer licensure examination will be adopted as the licensure examination for the Management Level of Marine Engineer Officers.
A licensed Chief Mate must have completed at least 24 months of approved seagoing service as Chief Mate on board a ship of 500 gross tonnage or more, apply and pay the required fee, and secure approval from the Board.
A licensed Second Engineer Officer must have completed at least 24 months of approved seagoing service on board a ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750Kw propulsion power or more, apply and pay the required fee, and secure approval from the Board.
The resolution took effect immediately upon its adoption on July 24, 2008.
The provisions are influenced by Republic Act No. 8544 (Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Act of 1998) and the 1978 STCW Convention as amended, and its STCW Code.
India, United States of America, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others, have adopted and implemented a single licensure examination.