Previous Accreditation Practices by MARINA and OTS
- Prior to this amendment, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Office of Transport Security (OTS) jointly accredited training providers or centers offering courses for Ship Security Officers and Company Security Officers.
- This accreditation was aligned with the relevant provisions of the SOLAS Convention.
Transitional Provisions on Recognition of Ship Security Officers
- Paragraph 4 of Regulation VI/5 provides a transitional period until July 1, 2009.
- Within this period, personnel who held or could document qualifications as Ship Security Officers before the Regulation’s enforcement are still recognized by the authority.
Training and Competence Requirements
- Completion of an approved SSO training program is a prerequisite for proving professional competence under the transitional provision of the STCW Code as per MTC Resolution No. 04, Series of 2008.
Administration and Accreditation Under MTC
- MTC Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2008 assigns the Maritime Training Council (MTC) Secretariat the responsibility for accrediting SSO training courses under the adjusted program.
- The rules governing accreditation approval are pursuant to MTC Resolution No. 03, Series of 1998.
- MTC is empowered to set standards for administering Ship Security Officer training per the STCW Convention.
Transition of Accreditation Responsibility
- Effective November 2, 2009, MTC shall commence accreditation of SSO training programs.
- MARINA’s authority to issue accreditations for SSO training providers ended on October 30, 2009.
- MARINA-issued accreditations prior to this cutoff shall not be renewed.
- Existing accredited training providers may continue operating SSO courses until their accreditation expires.
Acceptance of Previously Issued SSO Training Certificates
- Training certificates issued by MARINA-accredited providers during their valid accreditation period will be accepted by the National Assessment Center.
- These certificates remain valid for five years from the issuance date for purposes of obtaining Certificates of Proficiency.
Role of the Office of Transport Security (OTS)
- OTS representatives will participate in the inspection of SSO training centers applying for accreditation with MTC.
- They may also participate in assessment of SSO applicants at the National Assessment Center.
- OTS personnel involvement is conditional upon meeting qualifications for assessors under the STCW Convention.
Formulation of Implementation Guidelines
- The MTC Secretariat is tasked to formulate guidelines to implement the resolution effectively.
Decentralization of Certificate of Proficiency Issuance
- The issuance of SSO Certificates of Proficiency will be incorporated under MTC Resolution No. 04, Series of 2008.
- Resolution No. 04 decentralizes the assessment of competence.
Signatories and Effectivity
- The resolution was adopted on October 8, 2009.
- It was signed by key government and maritime authorities, including representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Professional Regulation Commission, POEA, OWWA, CHED, Philippine Coast Guard, DFA, and a private sector maritime union.
- The resolution mandates that the Maritime Training Council and related agencies adhere to the new accreditation and certification frameworks stipulated.
This comprehensive framework reflects harmonization with international maritime security standards under the STCW Convention, strengthens the regulatory role of the Maritime Training Council, and ensures the continuity and credibility of SSO training and certification in the Philippines.