Act No. 3583

Provision Overview: This section amends Section 1198 of the Administrative Code, outlining the establishment and authority of the Board of Marine Inquiry within the Bureau of Customs.
Key Definitions:
- Board of Marine Inquiry: A five-member body responsible for investigating marine accidents and related charges.
- Insular Collector of Customs: The official overseeing the implementation of marine investigations.
Important Requirements and Procedures:
- The Board consists of:
  - The Surveyor of the Port (Chairman)
  - One master mariner and one chief engineer from the Division of Hulls and Boilers
  - One master mariner and one chief engineer from the Philippine merchant marine (not in Civil Service)
- Members appointed by the Secretary of Finance receive a per diem of twenty pesos for service.
- The Board can investigate the professional conduct of marine officers, ensuring the opportunity for defense.
- Decisions on suspension or cancellation of marine certificates are final unless appealed to the Department Head.
Consequences:
- Marine certificates may be suspended or revoked due to misconduct, intemperate habits, or neglect of duty.
- Collectors of customs may withhold vessel clearance if there are concerns regarding the mental capacity of the crew under investigation.
Procedure for Review:
- Investigations and findings from local customs boards must be submitted to the Board of Marine Inquiry in Manila for final review.

Provision Overview: This section amends Section 1200 of the Administrative Code, detailing the fees associated with the issuance of marine certificates.
Key Definitions:
- Marine Certificates: Credentials issued to individuals as master, mate, patron, or engineer after examination or exchange.
Important Requirements:
- Fees required for certificates:
  - Master: 60 pesos
  - First, second, third mates, and major patron: 40 pesos
  - Chief marine engineer: 60 pesos
  - Second, third, fourth marine engineers: 40 pesos
  - Chief motor engineer: 60 pesos
  - Second, third, fourth motor engineers: 40 pesos
  - Bay, river, and lake motor engineer and patrons: 30 pesos

Provision Overview: This section amends Section 1201 of the Administrative Code concerning the compensation of marine examiners.
Key Definitions:
- Board of Marine Examiners: A group responsible for examining and certifying marine personnel.
Important Requirements:
- Members receive a per diem of twenty pesos for a minimum of seven hours of service.
- A cap is placed on compensation, limiting it to 1,800 pesos per examination.

The Act establishes and empowers a Board of Marine Inquiry to investigate marine incidents.
It clarifies the fee structure for various marine certificates, ensuring financial transparency.
It sets compensation limits for members of the Board of Marine Examiners while defining their roles and responsibilities.
The amendments aim to enhance maritime safety and professionalism in the Philippine maritime sector.