Classification of Merchant Marine Officers Under STCW Convention
- The 1978 STCW Convention (as amended) and Code classify merchant marine officers into two levels: Operational Level and Management Level Officers.
- The Management Level includes Chief Mate and Master Mariner (Deck Department) and Second Engineer Officer and Chief Engineer Officer (Engine Department).
Competency Standards and Examination Rationale
- The standards of competence, duties, responsibilities, and knowledge for Chief Mate closely align with those for Master Mariner.
- Similarly, the standards for Second Engineer Officer are comparable to those for Chief Engineer Officer.
- A single licensure examination for Management Level officers is deemed a suitable and proactive response to the global shortage of Management Level officers.
- Other countries such as India, USA, Australia, and the UK have successfully implemented single licensure examinations for this category.
Adoption of a Single Licensure Examination
- A single licensure examination is adopted for the Marine Deck Officers and Marine Engineer Officers at the Management Level.
- The Chief Mate licensure examination will serve as the licensure examination for the Management Level Deck Officers.
- The Second Engineer Officer licensure examination will serve as the licensure examination for the Management Level Engineer Officers.
Upgrading Procedures for License Holders
- Registered/licensed Chief Mates with at least 24 months of approved seagoing service as Chief Mate on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more may apply for an upgrade to Master Mariner.
- Registered/licensed Second Engineer Officers with at least 24 months of approved seagoing service on ships powered by machinery of 750Kw propulsion power or more may apply for an upgrade to Chief Engineer Officer.
- Upgrading requires application, payment of fees, and Board approval.
Effectivity and Supersession
- The Resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption and publication in the Official Gazette.
- It supersedes any previous issuances that may be contrary to its provisions.
Administrative and Legal Formalities
- The Resolution was adopted on July 24, 2008, by the Boards for Marine Deck Officers and Marine Engineer Officers.
- It was attested by the Secretary of Professional Regulatory Boards and approved by the Commissioners of the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Copies of the Resolution are to be published and furnished to relevant legal institutions such as the U.P. Law Center.