QuestionsQuestions (STCW CIRCULAR NO. 2018-02)
It is issued pursuant to Presidential Decree 474, Republic Act No. 10635 and its IRR, and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, 1978, as amended.
To prescribe standards for the implementation of training courses in accordance with the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended.
It covers all maritime training institutions (MTIs) conducting mandatory training courses for STCW certification under the Convention, requiring compliance with course design, assessment, instructor/assessor qualifications, and training facilities/equipment standards.
They are institutions conducting maritime training courses duly accredited by MARINA.
Course Package includes Course Plan, Instructional Materials, and Assessment Tools.
It must consist of: (1) Course Plan with Parts A–E (Course Framework, Course Outline and Timetable, Course Syllabus, Instructor’s Guide, Course Assessment), plus (2) Instructional Materials and (3) Assessment Tools.
It requires MTIs to ensure training courses are designed and structured in accordance with written programs, methods and media of delivery, procedures, and course materials necessary to achieve prescribed standards of competence.
It provides the minimum training requirements and serves as a guide for MTIs in designing and developing their own course packages; MTIs must cover the prescribed minimum subject areas/topics and meet minimum training hours.
The Circular states MTIs shall have the minimum training hours indicated in the Course Outline, excluding assessment time; it does not prohibit additional training beyond minimum hours as long as STCW standards are met.
MTIs must have an assessment system covered by its quality management system, and the assessment system must cover the minimum information stipulated in Annex IV.
They must meet MARINA’s existing qualification standards for accreditation of instructors, supervisors and assessors of approved training programs, consistent with MTI quality policies and procedures.
Facilities and training equipment prescribed in the Course Framework (Annex II) must be complied with as minimum requirements; MTIs may use additional equipment, but all equipment must satisfy training and assessment outcomes, considering safety and security during the entire training and assessment period.
The simulator must be suitable for objectives and tasks; capable of simulating shipboard equipment operating capabilities to appropriate physical realism; have behavioral realism for skills; provide a controlled environment producing various relevant conditions (including emergency/hazardous/unusual); provide interaction/interface for trainee and instructor as appropriate; and allow instructor control/monitoring/recording for effective debriefing.
The certificate format must conform to Annex V of the Circular.
Violations are governed and sanctioned under the IRR for RA 10635 and MARINA Circular No. 2013-05 (including amendments/addenda), as promulgated by the Administration.
It includes a repealing clause stating provisions of existing MARINA and STCW circulars, rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with it are deemed repealed and/or superseded accordingly.
Yes. MTIs may continue offering approved existing training courses, but must comply with the Circular within six (6) months upon its effectivity.
It takes effect immediately on the day of its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.