QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10635)
RA 10635 declares policies to ensure compliance with the 1978 STCW Convention (as amended), all international agreements implementing or applying it, and other related maritime safety conventions that the STCW seeks to promote; it also mandates the harmonization of legal/administrative measures to be appropriate and consistent with the STCW Convention.
It is the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), created under Presidential Decree No. 474, as amended. RA 10635 designates MARINA as the single government agency mandated for complete and effective implementation of the STCW Convention.
It is the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, including its subsequent amendments.
A certificate issued to masters, officers, and GMDSS radio operators under the relevant chapters of the STCW Convention’s Annex, entitling the holder to lawfully serve and perform functions at the specified level of responsibility.
It is an attestation of the maritime administration as to the authenticity and validity of the certificates, incorporated in the certificates for masters and officers, stating that issuance complies with STCW requirements.
Certificate of competency is for masters, officers, and GMDSS radio operators under STCW competence provisions for lawful service/functions at a level of responsibility. Certificate of proficiency is a certificate (other than competency) issued to a seafarer after meeting training competencies or seagoing service requirements under STCW.
Any person employed, engaged, or working onboard seagoing ships, whether in domestic or overseas trade, and to whom the STCW Convention applies.
MARINA must act as the single and central maritime administration for all STCW compliance purposes and ensure effective implementation of the STCW Convention and related international conventions/agreements it seeks to promote compliance with.
MARINA assumes powers/functions of the PRC, CHED, TESDA, DOH, and NTC relative to issuance/validation/verification/correction/revocation/cancellation of certificates of competency, endorsement, proficiency, documentary evidence required of seafarers, and other matters related to STCW implementation. It is subject to specific provisions in RA 10635 (e.g., for marine officers, ratings, GMDSS, maritime education, and medical standards).
MARINA must ensure the system is STCW-compliant. The powers, duties, and functions of the PRC for marine deck and engine officers under RA 8544 are to be exercised by MARINA henceforth. However, the compensation/allowances of the Marine Deck and Marine Engine Officers boards must be comparable to other PRC regulatory board chairpersons/members as provided in the General Appropriations Act.
MARINA must adopt STCW-based rules/regulations governing ratings, including (i) monitoring/verification of ratings compliance, (ii) harmonizing procedures for periodic evaluation/assessment/monitoring of accredited institutions, and (iii) issuing certificates of proficiency to ratings.
MARINA must ensure legal/administrative measures for GMDSS certificates comply with the STCW Convention. It must assess, revalidate, and issue GMDSS radio operator certificates according to STCW.
MARINA must ensure maritime education/training is structured and delivered in accordance with STCW-compliant programs/methods/materials. It must chair the TPME of CHED, where TPME formulates/reviews/recommends maritime education policies, standards, and guidelines (including curricula and facilities). MARINA also monitors/verifies compliance (in coordination with CHED) and supports quality assurance and phasing out substandard institutions.
It requires MARINA to coordinate with DOH to ensure medical standards are consistent with international conventions and existing laws. MARINA must ensure medical examinations and issuance of medical certificates by DOH-accredited hospitals/clinics/labs and practitioners follow STCW medical standards, and that certificates are issued by duly-qualified DOH-recognized and accredited medical practitioners, with a maintained register of recognized practitioners for public access.
It provides that the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in lieu of the Secretary of National Defense, shall be included as a member of the Maritime Industry Board.
MARINA must issue the required IRR within six (6) months from effectivity, ensuring efficient/convenient processes for issuance/validation/verification/correction/revocation/cancellation of STCW-required documents—such as one-stop shop arrangements, computerization/automation, and elimination of redundant fees/charges.