Definitions
- Master Mariner: Licensed marine officer by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
- Harbor Pilot: Master Mariner licensed by MARINA and appointed by Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for a specific pilotage district.
- Pilotage District: Navigable area defined by PPA named after its principal port, requiring harbor pilot navigation.
- Panel of Examiners: Body created to administer Harbor Pilot Examination.
Composition and Role of Panel of Examiners
- Consists of MARINA Administrator/authorized representative (Chairman), 2 Master Mariners licensed as pilots, 2 Harbor Pilots from the relevant district.
- Members appointed by MARINA Board based on Chairman's recommendation.
- Panel meets at least twice a year; special meetings may be convened.
- Members receive reasonable reimbursements.
- Members serve a 3-year term unless replaced for cause.
- Panel Duties include:
- Establishing examination procedures and policies.
- Creating and updating a Test Bank semi-annually.
- Selecting successful examinees.
- Recommending issuance of licenses to qualified candidates.
- Implementing provisions of the Circular.
Basic Qualifications for Applicants
- Filipino citizen.
- Age between 35 and 55 years.
- Physically and mentally fit with perfect hearing and sight, certified by DOH-accredited clinic. ECG required if applicant is 40 years or older.
- Licensed Master Mariner with valid Endorsement Certificate per STCW Convention and at least 5 years’ command of merchant vessels (500+ gross tons).
- Good moral character and not listed in MARINA Watchlist.
Documentary Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Original and copies of Master Mariner License issued by PRC.
- Medical certificate (within 3 months) from DOH-accredited clinic.
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) showing 5 years sea service.
- NBI clearance.
- Three recent passport-size colored photos in uniform (no headgear).
- One self-addressed return envelope with stamps.
Application Process and Evaluation
- Application forms available at MARINA Central Office and Maritime Regional Offices.
- Applicants submit accomplished forms and required documents.
- MARINA or respective Regional Offices evaluate applications considering submitted documents and MARINA Watchlist.
- Examination permit issued within 7 calendar days if qualified; notice of disqualification issued for non-qualifying applicants within same period.
Examination Conduct, Scope, Schedule, and Results
- Exams administered in districts with at least 5 applicants.
- Examination Scope includes:
- Ship maneuvering behaviors.
- COLREG and buoyage systems.
- Ship traffic management and Rules of the Road.
- Weather and vessel mooring.
- Local marine features: banks, tides, currents, anchorages, berths.
- Customs, Quarantine Laws, PCG, PPA rules, local regulations, Notices to Mariners.
- Practical problem-solving.
- Exams scheduled with at least 30 days’ notice via newspaper publication.
- Passing grade: General average of 75%, no subject grade below 50%.
- Results released within 45 days after examination.
License Issuance and Validity
- License valid until the licensee reaches 70 years old.
- License may be revoked or cancelled for cause prior to expiration.
Penalties
- False statements or submission of fraudulent documents subject to:
- Administrative fine up to Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (₱25,000).
- Possible criminal prosecution under Revised Penal Code.
- Licensed harbor pilots may face suspension or revocation for violations or failure to maintain qualifications.
Fees
- Examination Fee: ₱3,000.
- Harbor Pilot License Fee: ₱10,000.
- License Re-issuance Fee: ₱5,000.
- Replacement of Lost/Damaged License: ₱5,000.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent prior rules and regulations on harbor pilot examination and licensing are amended accordingly.
Transitory Provisions
- Existing licensed harbor pilots must apply for license re-issuance within one year from the Circular’s issuance.
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.