Declaration of Policy
- Recognizes the importance of naval architects.
- Aims to nurture globally competitive naval architects with high professional standards.
Definitions
- Naval Architecture: Engineering branch concerned with ship hydrodynamics, hull design, maneuverability, and marine environment operation.
- Naval Architects: Professional engineers with a BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
- Practice includes design, construction, installation, consultation, management, and teaching related to marine vessels and shipyards.
Professional Regulatory Board of Naval Architecture
- Composed of a Chairperson and two members appointed by the President from Commission recommendations and APO nominees.
- Term: 3 years, renewable once; vacancies filled by Presidential appointment.
- Suspension/removal for neglect, incompetence, dishonesty, examination manipulation, criminal conviction, unprofessional conduct.
- Powers include supervising practice, conducting exams, issuing registrations, adopting code of ethics, hearing cases, issuing subpoenas, setting CPD guidelines, curriculum prescription, and rulemaking.
- Members must be natural-born citizens, 35+, registered naval architects with 10+ years experience, good moral character, no conflicts of interest.
- Records kept by the Commission; secretariat provided.
- Compensation as per General Appropriations Act.
- Annual reports and meetings with APO and academic bodies.
Licensure Examination and Registration
- Licensure exam required annually with prescribed fees.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens or from reciprocal countries, with good character, sound mind, no criminal conviction, and appropriate degree.
- Exam covers general engineering, naval architecture, marine engineering, ship design, maritime laws.
- Passing requires 70% general average and no subject below 60%.
- Reexamination allowed after 3 failures with a 1-year wait.
- Certificates and professional IDs issued upon passing and fee payment.
- Registered naval architects must take oath before practice.
- Only one APO accredited for naval architects; membership mandatory for registry; CPD compliance part of membership.
Exemptions from Examination and Registration
- Foreign naval architects temporarily employed with permits under specific conditions.
- Builders of small vessels (<5 gross tons) for personal/business use.
- Trainees/drafters under supervision.
Non-Issuance and Disqualification
- Persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or of unsound mind denied registration.
Suspension and Revocation
- For dishonesty, unethical conduct, immorality, conviction, or unsound mind.
- Reinstatement available after two years subject to conditions.
- Replacement certificates may be issued.
Seal of Registered Naval Architects
- Must use prescribed seal on professional documents with signature, PTR number, date/place, and APO membership ID.
- Seal use prohibited if registration expired or revoked.
Vested Rights
- Current holders of valid certificates automatically recognized under the new law with new certificates issued.
Prohibitions
- Construction or alteration of vessels must have designs signed and sealed by registered naval architects.
- Admeasurement, inspection, teaching, shipyard operation, ship recycling/salvaging, and classification activities require registered naval architects.
- Only registered individuals may practice naval architecture.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreign naval architects admitted only if their countries grant equal practice rights to Filipinos.
Roster and Public Information
- Board maintains updated roster of registered naval architects with status publicly available.
Government Positions
- Positions requiring naval architecture services to be filled only by registered naval architects within one year.
- Permanent seats given to APO representatives in key maritime government boards.
Enforcement Assistance
- Commission lawyers prosecute illegal practice.
- Government authorities assist enforcement.
Penal Clause
- Violations penalized by fines (P50,000 to P1,000,000) or imprisonment (6 months to 3 years) or both.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- Board to promulgate rules, ethics, and technical standards within 90 days.
Funding
- Appropriations for implementation included in subsequent General Appropriations Act.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Republic Act No. 4565 and conflicting laws/issuances.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect remaining provisions.
Transitory Provisions
- Existing certificates remain valid until expiry; renewal per new law.
- Faculty must be registered naval architects within one year to continue teaching.
- Old Board continues interim until new Board constituted.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspaper.