Marine Exams and Licensing Act

The board must investigate the applicant’s character and qualifications.
Examination includes review of presented evidence and any additional evidence the board considers relevant.
Certification of suitability is required before the license may be issued by the Insular Collector of Customs.

The board meets thrice yearly in Manila to examine applicants who filed one month prior.
Physical fitness certification by a competent physician is mandatory.
The board can require ship’s logs for masters and mates.
Age and experience qualifications for each position are specified:
- Master: 28 years, 3 years as certified first mate on sailing vessels or 5 years on steamers.
- First Mate: 25 years, 2 years as second and third mate on sailing vessels or 3 years on steamers.
- Second Mate: 23 years, 1 year as third mate on sailing vessels or 2 years on steamers.
- Third Mate: 19 years, 9 months as seaman/apprentice of sailing vessels or 18 months on steamers or graduation certificate from the Nautical School.
- Patron: 23 years, examined on practical seamanship and navigational knowledge.
Engineer applicants examined on knowledge and experience in steam machinery, engines, and boilers, including practical tests.

U.S. license holders are eligible for equivalent positions.
Written exam covers seamanship, navigation, cargo handling, and duties of the position.

Applicants must correctly answer at least 75% of questions.
All examinations and records are maintained at the office of the Insular Collector of Customs.

Licenses valid until July 1, 1904.
Licenses may be suspended or revoked for misconduct, intemperance, incapacity, or neglect of duty.

From August 1, 1903, applicants must be U.S. or Philippine citizens.
Non-citizen masters, mates, patrons, or engineers already acting may receive certificates upon proof of competency and allegiance oath.

Vessels with non-citizen masters must have a U.S. or Philippine citizen as mate or watch officer.
Ships with non-citizen mates must have a U.S. or Philippine citizen as master or watch officer.
Similar rules apply to engineers: a chief or assistant engineer must be a citizen; exceptions require two citizen assistant engineers.
Non-compliance incurs an additional tonnage tax per net ton per month.

Vessels failing to meet officer citizenship requirements may not sail under U.S. flag or engage in coastwise trade without paying additional tonnage taxes.

All seagoing steam vessels must carry licensed chief engineer.
Night-running steam vessels must also employ a licensed assistant engineer.
Additional engineers may be required by the Insular Collector of Customs.
River and harbor steam vessels require only a second-class licensed chief engineer.

"Sailing vessel" means vessels 150 tons or over.
"Steamer" means vessels 100 tons or over propelled by steam alone or with sails.

Licensing fees: $10 for masters and engineers; $5 for mates, patrons, and assistant engineers.
Fees paid to the Insular Treasury.
Board members not government employees to receive $5 per diem during examination sessions.