Question & AnswerQ&A (PRC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 08-11)
The authority is Section 10 (c), Article IV of Republic Act No. 8544, also known as the Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Act of 1998, as implemented by Section 29, Article VII, Resolution No. 02-04 of the Board for Marine Deck Officers.
The primary objective is to facilitate the issuance of STCW a95 Certificates to successful examinees in the Marine Deck Officers licensure examinations during or immediately after the oath-taking ceremony.
These guidelines apply to all applicants for Marine Deck Officers licensure examinations who have already completed or have taken the required training courses for the issuance of STCW a95 Certificates.
Applicants must be medically fit, particularly with good eyesight and hearing. A comprehensive medical certificate issued by a DOH-accredited medical clinic or hospital, valid for at least one month after the licensure examination, is required.
Training courses must be taken from Maritime Training Council (MTC) accredited training centers and, if required, courses must be recognized by the Board of Marine Deck Officers.
The guidelines do not apply to marine deck officers serving aboard warships, naval auxiliaries, or other government non-commercial ships; fishing vessels; pleasure yachts not engaged in commercial trade; and wooden ships of primitive build.
Requirements include properly accomplished action sheets, original and photocopies of certificates, medical certificates, birth certificates, seafarers’ identification and record book, proof of sea service, company certification of sea service, training certificates, NBI clearance, community tax certificate, pictures, metered documentary stamps, mailing envelopes, and payment of examination fees.
Repeaters must submit their accomplished action sheet with proof of application for issuance of STCW a95 Certificates, current certificates of registration, PRC ID if applicable, NBI clearance, medical certificate, community tax certificate, colored pictures, documentary stamps, mailing envelopes, and examination fee.
Applicants secure and accomplish the required forms, submit documents for evaluation, have documents checked for authenticity, pay fees, receive certificates and notices, and wait for examination schedules. The STCW Records Verifier verifies training certificate authenticity and forwards approved applications to the Board for assessment and approval.
Documents with doubtful authenticity undergo further verification. If found fraudulent, a referral form is accomplished and forwarded to the lawyer handling Marine Deck Officers administrative cases for appropriate action.