Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10698)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10698 is the 'Naval Architecture Law.'
The State recognizes the importance of naval architects in nation building and development and aims to develop globally competitive naval architects with high-quality professional practice through regulatory measures.
Naval architecture is a branch of engineering concerned with the hydrodynamic and hull form characteristics of the ship, structural design of the hull, maneuverability, and ability to operate in the marine environment, including marine engineering aspects such as propulsion, steering, and mechanical ship functions.
Naval architects are professional engineers who possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and have completed studies related to design, construction, maintenance, and operation of marine vessels and structures along with their machinery and engineering systems.
Practice includes designing and supervising construction, modification or repair of floating vessels or structures; consulting, valuation and management services related to naval architecture; operation of shipyard facilities; teaching naval architecture subjects; and employment in government roles requiring naval architecture expertise.
The Board is composed of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from nominees recommended by the Professional Regulation Commission and accredited professional organizations of naval architects.
Members must be natural-born Filipino citizens, residents for at least five years, at least 35 years old, of good moral character, hold a relevant degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, be duly registered and in active practice for at least ten years, be a member in good standing of the APO, and must not have certain conflicts of interest or criminal convictions.
The Board regulates the practice of naval architecture, supervises examinations and registrations, supervises professional ethics, hears administrative cases, issues subpoenas, prescribes standards and curricula, adopts seals, and performs other necessary regulatory functions.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or citizens of states with reciprocity, of good moral character and sound mind, free from criminal convictions involving moral turpitude, and hold an appropriate bachelor's degree from recognized institutions.
Applicants must obtain a general average of at least 70% with no rating below 60% in any subject to pass.
Foreign professionals temporarily employed under specific conditions, those making or constructing small boats under 5 gross tons for personal or business use, and trainees or apprentices under supervision as part of their training are exempt but require temporary/special permits from the Board.
Violators may be fined between fifty thousand pesos to one million pesos, or imprisoned from six months to three years, or both, at the court's discretion, in addition to administrative sanctions.
It is unlawful to construct or alter floating vessels without preparation and approval of plans by a registered naval architect, conduct certain vessel inspections without a qualified naval architect, teach naval architecture professionally without registration, operate shipyards or ship recycling without contracting registered naval architects, and for unregistered entities to practice naval architecture.
The foreign naval architect must be legally qualified in their own country and meet standards equivalent to Philippine law, work only on the contracted project with a corresponding Filipino counterpart, secure a temporary/special permit from the Board before employment or visa issuance, and not engage in private practice. The permit is valid for six months and renewable.
The law mandates a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program prescribed by the Board, with a CPD Council to administer it, requiring compliance for maintenance of good standing in the accredited professional organization.