QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS No. 1404)
LOI No. 1404 establishes a Maritime Training Council to implement the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, supporting the Philippines’ position as a major supplier of seafarers and promoting safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.
The Council is attached to the Ministry of Labor and Employment (now effectively under relevant successors like the DOLE structure) for administrative and policy control, meaning it operates within that department’s framework for policy alignment.
The Minister of Labor and Employment is the Chairman of the Maritime Training Council.
Members include: (1) Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority; (2) Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard; (3) Director of the Bureau of Higher Education; (4) Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; (5) Administrator of the Welfarefund Administration; (6) Chairman of the Professional Regulations Commission; and (7) one (1) representative from the private sector appointed by the Chairman.
It must develop, formulate, and prescribe standards of training for seafarers as required by the Convention.
The Council can issue certificates of proficiency or competency to seamen who meet the training requirements of the Convention.
It assists in regulating and supervising the establishment and operation of seamen training centers throughout the country.
The Council must liaise and coordinate with international organizations, particularly the International Maritime Organization (IMO), concerning training, upgrading, and qualifying seafarers.
It must formulate rules and regulations to implement STCW of 1978 and attain the objectives of the LOI.
It must prescribe and collect fees from seamen training centers subject to clearance by the National Tax Research Center, and then remit them to and have them constitute part of the Seafarers Welfare Fund (SWF).
The Council’s operations are funded from SWF proceeds. For the current fiscal year, LOI authorizes collection of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos from the SWF office; future annual requirements are allocated by the SWF office subject to approval by the Minister of Labor and Employment in his capacity as Chairman of the SWF.
The Council has a Secretariat composed of a representative each from the agencies represented in the Council and administrative personnel. It may also call upon any government agency or instrumentality for technical and personnel assistance.
It must study, evaluate, and recommend to MECS the number and maximum enrollment of nautical schools to ensure graduates have reasonable opportunity for employment aboardship after graduation.
Section 5 states it repeals, revokes, or amends the Governance of Specialized Maritime Training of 1982 (LOI 588, S-1977) and other instructions or issuances inconsistent with LOI No. 1404.
It takes effect immediately upon issuance.