Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 780)
The Board on Philippine Marine Examinations consists of the Collector of Customs for the Philippine Archipelago, the Superintendent of the Nautical School, the Inspector of Boilers, the Inspector of Hulls, and one master of a merchant vessel appointed by the Insular Collector of Customs, with the Insular Collector of Customs as president ex officio.
The minimum ages are 28 years for master, 25 years for first mate, 23 years for second mate, and 19 years for third mate.
The applicant must have served as a certified first mate for at least three years on a seagoing sailing vessel or five years on a seagoing steamer and be at least 28 years old.
Applicants must be examined on reading and writing; sail and rigging management of coasting and pilot boats; loading and careening procedures; knowledge of coasts, shoals, banks, reefs, ocean currents, tides, prevailing winds; navigating the compass; port entry and exit methods; storm precautions; vessel damage repair; coastal lighthouses; maritime laws; sanitation and port police regulations; collision prevention signals and lights; and other relevant maritime subjects.
Every applicant must be physically examined by a competent physician selected by the Board and must be found physically sound to be eligible for further examination and licensing.
Applicants must be citizens of the United States or of the Philippine Islands to apply for licenses as master, mate, patron, or engineer, with exceptions granted through certification of prior service and loyalty oath for other nationals.
They must pay an additional tonnage tax of ten cents United States currency per net ton per month during the period of noncompliance.
Applicants must answer correctly at least seventy-five percent of the questions in their written examination to obtain a license.
Applicants for master or engineer licenses must pay ten dollars, and applicants for mate, patron, or assistant engineer licenses must pay five dollars, as compensation for examination and license issuance.
They must employ and carry at least one licensed chief engineer, and if making night runs, at least one licensed chief engineer and one licensed assistant engineer.
The oath affirms acknowledgment of United States sovereignty and authority in the Philippine Islands and commitment to supporting the government without resistance during service under the license.