QuestionsQuestions (MIA STCW Circular No. 2015-01)
It is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 10635 and its IRR, and the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), as amended. Its objective is to prescribe mandatory minimum standards and procedures for examination, assessment, and certification of Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages, and to streamline the process by ensuring compliance with STCW requirements.
To all candidates for certification as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.
A candidate must pass: (1) theoretical examination (Annex 1); (2) practical assessment (Annex 2), with possible exemptions; (3) GOC examination under NTC or an existing valid GOC/COC as GMDSS Radio Operator (STCW Reg. IV/2); and (4) assessment of competence in ancillary proficiencies (Basic Training, survival craft/rescue boats other than fast rescue boats, advanced fire fighting, medical first aid, and medical care).
If a candidate already passed the Management Level—Deck theoretical examination under MARINA as Chief Mate, they are exempt from the Master theoretical requirement if the same class standards were passed within the last 5 years. Similarly, exemption applies to practical assessment if the candidate already passed the Management Level—Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate within the last 5 years.
Among others: proof of successful completion of approved ECDIS simulator training (or approved alternative); proof of approved MLCD (Category-C) or approved alternatives for Category-A and B; proof of approved seagoing service (with stated minimum durations and roles); validity of each element including the medical certificate at the time of application; and other requirements like birth certificate and TRB-related documents depending on circumstances.
Not less than 36 months as OIC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 GT or more; or not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months of such service has been served as CM on ships of 500 GT or more.
They must submit proof of passing the theoretical examination for OIC-NW 500GT and above (based on STCW Circular 2014-08, Annex 1) compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments under Regulations II/2.2.1.
No. The circular states that the approved seagoing service may not be substituted with other types of approved service, except that equivalents may be allowed only for revalidation of the COC under Section 12.
A valid medical certificate not more than 2 years from issuance, issued by a DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital with QSS in place, consistent with STCW Regulation I/9.
The candidate must submit required documents (except TRB) via the STCW online system when enabled or to the EAD/STCW Office in Manila or an authorized MARINA regional EAD; secure an online appointment number; proceed to EAD with original documents including the TRB; complete the application form indicating competences; pay the examination fee; register in the Seafarer’s Certification System; get a schedule; and proceed to the examination venue at the scheduled time.
The candidate must report at least 30 minutes prior, follow instructions of authorized MARINA personnel, take only the competences indicated, complete all competences within the time allowed, and not leave the premises until after the scheduled exam.
The candidate must pass all competences within 24 months. If the candidate fails to complete all competences within the 2-year period, those that received a PASSED mark beyond 2 years shall expire and must be re-examined accordingly.
If a candidate fails in 3 or more competences in one sitting, they are not allowed to apply for re-sit within a 1-month period.
If a candidate fails in a particular competence 3 times, they are not allowed to apply for re-sit in that competence until they show proof of either (1) approved seagoing service for not less than 3 months with certification by the ship’s master that the candidate underwent on-board experience related to that competence, or (2) successful completion of an approved training/refresher program relating to that competence.
Candidates must demonstrate competence per Annex 2 after completion of required approved education/training; they must be pre-registered in the Seafarers Certification System for practical assessment to be valid. For passing, all required competences must be passed within 24 months, with similar expiration logic and restrictions for failing a competence three times.
The candidate must comply with NTC requirements for the GOC examination. Then the candidate submits the GOC to MARINA’s STCW office or its regional counterpart for assessment and issuance of the corresponding Certificate of Competency as GMDSS Radio Operator under STCW Reg. IV/2. The validity issuance period is synchronized with the issuance of the OIC-NW COC.
MARINA License: 5 years from issuance. COC: 5 years from issuance for STCW 2010 fully compliant; otherwise until the validity of the COP with the shortest period of validity, but not later than MARINA License validity. COC fully compliant with STCW 1995 amendments is until Dec. 31, 2016. COE has the same validity as the COC.
At intervals not exceeding 5 years, revalidation requires proving continued professional competence through: approved seagoing service (12 months in total during preceding 5 years, or 3 months total during preceding 6 months immediately prior), or equivalent functions (with an allowed 2 days ashore = 1 day seagoing service ratio), or passing approved theoretical examination and practical assessment, or completing an approved training program allowed by the Administration, and satisfying all other requirements listed (including Sections 4.1.3 and 4.1.4).