Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 97)
The short title of Presidential Decree No. 97 is the Philippine Merchant Marine Officers Law.
Merchant Marine Vessels are commercial ships propelled by machinery, public or private, engaged in maritime commerce in foreign and local trade, vessels engaged in cadet training for the marine profession, and non-combatant vessels of the Philippine Navy operating similarly to commercial ships.
Marine Officers refer to both Deck Officers and Engine Officers.
The law provides for the examination, registration, issuance of licenses to certified marine officers, and the supervision, control, and regulation of the marine profession in the Philippines.
Two Boards are created: the Board of Examiners for Deck Officers and the Board of Examiners for Engine Officers. Their functions include licensing, conducting examinations, investigating applicants' character and physical fitness, and supervising the marine profession.
They must have at least five years of experience as Master of a seagoing vessel, a total of 15 years in marine practice, endorsement by a marine professional organization, and should not have any connection or pecuniary interest in marine training schools for two years prior to appointment.
Examinations are conducted twice a year: once in the last week of January in Manila, and once in the last week of July alternately in Cebu or Iloilo.
An examinee must obtain a general weighted average of 75% or above with no subject rating below 60% to pass.
Licenses are classified as Unlimited, Limited (foreign), Limited (coastwise), Restricted (Major), and Restricted (bay, lake, river, or harbor), depending on the tonnage and waters where the vessel may be commanded or navigated.
Applicants must be male, at least twenty-one years old, and citizens of the Philippines.
Grounds include conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude, immoral or dishonorable conduct, insanity, fraud in acquiring certification, gross negligence, addiction to alcohol or drugs affecting competence, false advertising, and violations of the Code of Ethics.
The respondent is entitled to representation by counsel, a speedy and public hearing, and the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses.
Members serve for three years and receive fifteen pesos per candidate examined, five pesos per license issued, and a per diem of ten pesos for each meeting during administrative investigations.
After five years, the Board may reinstate a revoked certificate if the individual has behaved exemplarily and has not committed illegal, immoral, or dishonorable acts during that period.