QuestionsQuestions (MTC Resolution NO. 02, S. 1998)
The Resolution cites that, as a Party to the STCW-78 Convention as amended in 1995, the Philippines has obligations to promulgate laws, decrees, orders, and regulations, and to take all other steps necessary to give full and complete effect to the Convention.
It states that the STCW-78 Convention as amended in 1995 came into effect on 01 February 1997.
Unless otherwise required by their employers, all Filipino seafarers who have taken the 3 Basic Safety Courses (BSCs) with valid certificates under STCW-78 are given until 01 February 2002 to take the PSSR Course.
It allows them to hold two (2) certificates for the 4 BSCs.
They are: (1) Personal Survival Technique, (2) Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, (3) Elementary First Aid, and (4) Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.
It mandates that the 4 BSCs be made mandatory to all new entrant-seafarers as a prerequisite to their shipboard employment.
It requires that seafarers take the 4 BSCs in one training center as a package course so that only one training certificate is issued for the 4 Basic Safety Courses.
They must endeavor to be accredited to offer the 4 courses within the current year; otherwise, their existing permits shall not be renewed.
They may renew their permits only up to December 31, 1998, and no new permits will be issued to offer PSSR only.
It requires that accreditation of the 4 BSCs be integrated under one training permit with a single expiration date.
Upon renewal, they must synchronize with the latest expiration date or the new permit of the 3 BSCs.
Yes. The deadline applies “unless otherwise required by their employers,” meaning employers may require earlier completion of PSSR.
It was adopted on 07 April 1998. It was signed by the named officials from the Maritime Training Council and other government agencies listed in the document (e.g., Department of Labor and Employment/MT Council Chairman, Commission on Higher Education, Professional Regulation Commission, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, and other offices/representatives).
Seafarers who already have 3 BSCs certificates are given until 01 February 2002 to take PSSR and may end up with two certificates for the 4 BSCs. New entrant-seafarers must take all 4 BSCs as a package in one training center so only one certificate is issued.
It limits PSSR-only offerings going forward by setting a sunset for renewals (until Dec. 31, 1998) and prohibiting issuance of new permits for PSSR-only, thereby pushing centers to offer the full integrated set of BSCs under one permit.
The Resolution aims to standardize and integrate accreditation into a single training permit with synchronized expiration dates, ensuring consistent delivery and certification of the complete four-course package.