Amend EO No. 396 on STCW Administration

Need to Strengthen Institutional Framework

There is an identified necessity to enhance the institutional framework to ensure effective implementation of the STCW Convention in the Philippines.
Such strengthening aims to guarantee Filipino seafarers meet the international standards prescribed in the Convention.

Role of MARINA as Lead Agency

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is recognized domestically and internationally as the lead agency for implementing the STCW Convention as mandated by Executive Order No. 396, Series of 1997.
MARINA is also responsible for ensuring Philippine compliance with all IMO maritime safety conventions and related instruments.
It is deemed in the national and seafarers’ best interests to maintain MARINA’s role as the Administrator for the STCW Convention.

Section 1: Administration Responsibilities of MARINA

MARINA shall remain the lead agency responsible for administrating the STCW Convention in the Philippines.
Obligations include:
1. Communicating necessary supplemental information and amendments related to STCW compliance to the IMO and other concerned agencies.
2. Issuing STCW endorsements upon receipt of competency certificates from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), ensuring compliance with standards prescribed by the Convention.
3. Coordinating, monitoring, and verifying compliance of government agencies with their Quality Standards System as required by Regulation I/8 of the Convention.
4. Participating in policy formulation activities by concerned agencies to support Convention implementation.
5. Facilitating validation requests from other maritime administrations to confirm the Philippines’ compliance with the Convention as per Regulation I/10.
6. Acting as the central repository for information related to Regulation I/9 of the Convention.
7. Performing all necessary and proper acts to effectively implement the Executive Order.

Section 2: Composition and Chairmanship of the STCW Executive Committee (EXCOM)

The MARINA Administrator shall serve as the Chairman of the STCW Executive Committee (EXCOM).
Regular members include the heads of:
- Commission on Higher Education
- Professional Regulation Commission
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
- Department of Health
EXCOM is granted the authority to expand its membership to include other government entities and private sector associations as deemed necessary.

Section 3: Repealing Clause

All rules, regulations, or parts of previous issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 4: Effectivity

The Executive Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

This framework ensures the Philippines maintains compliance with international maritime training standards while clearly defining administrative responsibilities and coordination mechanisms between key government agencies and stakeholders.