Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 63)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 63, s. 2018 is to further strengthen the authority of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as the Single Maritime Administration for implementing the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), ensuring compliance and protection of Filipino seafarers' professionalism and competitiveness.
This Executive Order pertains to the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is designated as the Single Maritime Administration responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the STCW Convention.
MARINA is tasked to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the STCW Convention, including approving maritime education programs, coordinating with CHED for the evaluation and inspection of maritime institutions, establishing medical standards with DOH, monitoring maritime education delivery, establishing control procedures with the Philippine Coast Guard, and issuing implementing rules and regulations.
MARINA evaluates the approval of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering, and other maritime higher education programs that may require compliance with the STCW Convention in the future.
The Technical Panel on Maritime Education is reconstituted to have five members from MARINA and four members from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
CHED coordinates with MARINA to evaluate and inspect maritime higher education institutions to ensure compliance with STCW standards and jointly issues rules and regulations related to maritime education programs.
MARINA, in consultation with DOH, shall establish standards for medical fitness and procedures for issuing medical certificates to Filipino seafarers, ensuring that medical practitioners assessing fitness are duly recognized and accredited by DOH.
MARINA, in coordination with CHED, shall continue to monitor and verify that maritime education programs are delivered as structured and compliant with the STCW Convention.
MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard are required to establish control procedures to verify and ensure that seafarers on board ships in Philippine ports are certified or have appropriate dispensations in accordance with the STCW Convention, without prejudice to the PCG's port state control functions.
MARINA shall submit to the Office of the President a progress report on the implementation status of this Order within six months from its effectivity and every year thereafter.
All executive issuances inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
Section 17, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution which provides that the President shall have control of all executive departments, bureaus and offices and shall ensure that laws are faithfully executed.
This Executive Order took effect immediately following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.