QuestionsQuestions (PRC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 08-11)
It is issued pursuant to Section 10(c), Article IV of Republic Act No. 8544 (Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Act of 1998), as implemented by Section 29, Article VII of Board for Marine Deck Officers Resolution No. 02-04.
To facilitate the issuance of STCW 95 Certificates to successful examinees in the marine deck officers licensure examinations.
To ensure that STCW 95 Certificates are issued during the oath taking ceremony or immediately thereafter, avoiding the need for applicants to go to the STCW Division after passing the licensure exam.
All applicants for marine deck officers licensure examinations who have already completed or have taken the required training courses for the issuance of STCW 95 Certificates.
From Maritime Training Council (MTC)-accredited training centers; and if required, the courses must be recognized by the Board of Marine Deck Officers.
Every marine deck officer shall be assigned a permanent unique registration/Certificate number that appears in the Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Competency, and Endorsement Certificate.
The circular does not apply to marine deck officers with seagoing services on board: (a) warships/naval auxiliaries or other state-owned/operated ships in governmental non-commercial service; (b) fishing vessels; (c) pleasure yachts not engaged in commercial trade; and (d) wooden ships of primitive build.
Original and photocopy of the Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (SSBT) and certificate/documentary proof for the appropriate Functions in the Management Level Course (MLC).
It must be valid until the last day of the scheduled examination.
As Officer In Charge of a Navigational Watch: at least twelve (12) months on board seagoing ship of 500 GT or more, documented in an approved training record book. As Chief Mate: sea service in the operational level for at least twenty-four (24) months under Regulation II/2. As Master Mariner: sea service as Chief Mate for at least twelve (12) months under Regulation II/2.
For the Seafarers’ Identification and Record Book (SIRB), the applicant must submit the original and photocopy of pages 1 and 2 and other pages reflecting sea service, with arrival and departure stamped by immigration.
A duly notarized company Certification of Sea Service including vessel name/type, rank/capacity, trading area and GRT, with dates of sea service; and a duly notarized and properly accomplished original Certificate of Sea Service (PRC-MDO Form No. 5).
Documents with questionable/doubtful authenticity are subjected to further verification. If found fake/fraudulent, the Records Verifier accomplishes a Referral Form (MDO Form No. 33) signed by the Chief/Asst. Chief of the Division and forwards it to the lawyer handling Marine Deck Officers administrative cases for appropriate action.
The STCW Records Verifier verifies authenticity of training certificates through Completion Reports submitted by accredited MTC training centers; then forwards processed applications to the Qualified Assessor/Member of the Board for assessment and approval, and ultimately to the Application Section Head for status reporting.
Return to PRC two (2) days before the first day of the examination to know the school, building, and room assignment for the written examination.
They are required to pay registration fees, the PRC ID card fees, and for the issuance of STCW 95 Certificates.
It takes effect immediately. It supersedes any previous issuance to the contrary.