Question & AnswerQ&A (NTC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 06-06-2003)
The conduct of refresher courses is mandated pursuant to Act 3846, as amended, E.O. No. 546, Section IIA of Article 55 of the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and Regulation I/11 of the STCW-78 Convention, as amended.
A seafarer issued a GMDSS training certificate under the 1978 STCW Convention who has no accumulated sea service performing functions appropriate to the certificate held for at least one year in total during the preceding five years must attend a refresher course before taking the GOC examination.
A seafarer holding a GMDSS radio operator certificate who has no accumulated sea service performing functions appropriate to the certificate for at least one year in total during the preceding five years must attend a refresher course before the revalidated certificate is issued.
Only Radio Training Centers duly accredited by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) are authorized to conduct the refresher course.
No, training certificates issued by non-NTC accredited Radio Training Centers will not be honored.
The refresher course includes subjects such as Introduction to GMDSS, Radio Telex, INMARSAT System, COSPAS/SARSAT System, DSC System, NAVTEX System, Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), Search and Rescue procedures, GMDSS Radio Regulations, Reserve Source of Energy, and assessments through written and practical exams.
The lecture sessions must not exceed 16 students per class.
Classrooms must have at least 42 square meters for every 16 trainees and must be equipped with necessary and required facilities.
A Radio Training Center violating provisions of Act 3846, as amended, or this Circular shall be subjected to penalties prescribed in Memorandum Circular No. 4-89.
All accredited Radio Training Centers must submit a report listing their graduates to the National Telecommunications Commission within three working days from the date of course completion.
This Circular took effect immediately upon filing on June 27, 2003.