Definition of Terms
- Convention: The 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
- Maritime Administrator: Head of MARINA.
- STCW Certificate: Valid document issued or recognized by MARINA authorizing the holder to serve as per STCW Convention; for Filipinos, endorsement of certificates by MARINA.
- Dispensation Certificate: Temporary certificate allowing a seafarer to serve in a capacity without proper certificate for up to six months, excluding radio operator roles.
- Ocean-going ships: Vessels navigating international waters, foreign or Philippine-registered.
- Port: Harbor with facilities for loading/unloading or docking.
- Fishing Vessel: Vessel used for catching sea living resources.
- Wooden Ships of Primitive Build: Wooden sailing vessels.
Scope and Application
- Applies to Filipino seafarers on coastwise-operating ships.
- Exceptions: warships, naval auxiliaries, government non-commercial ships, fishing vessels, pleasure yachts not in trade, and wooden primitive ships.
- Seafarers apply personally at MARINA; companies/agencies can apply on behalf under limited conditions (promotion, replacement, renewal).
- Conditions for companies/agencies include submission of specific documents and affidavits guaranteeing authenticity.
Application Process Location
- Applications to be filed at MARINA Central Office or nearest MARINA Regional Office to the seafarer’s residence or vessel’s homeport.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Masters and Officers:
- Valid PRC-authenticated license.
- Medical examination focusing on eyesight (including color vision) and hearing from DOH-accredited facility.
- Approved sea service time as required for rank progression.
- Relevant training certificates.
- Ratings:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Medical fitness including eyesight and hearing.
- Required sea service and training depending on deck or engine department.
- Special Ratings for specialized tasks require additional specific training and sea/land service.
Medical Requirements
- Pre-employment medical exams covering physical, chest X-ray, CBC, blood typing, urinalysis, stool exam, dental, psychological exam, vision with color perception tests, hearing, audiometry, and speech clarity for radio operators.
- MARINA accepts DOH-accredited certificates or company-designated clinics temporarily (within six months transition period).
- Medical certificates are valid for six months.
- No STCW certificate applications accepted without valid medical certificate.
Basic Common Training Requirements
- Mandatory SOLAS courses: Firefighting, First Aid at Sea, Personal Survival Techniques, Survival Craft Handling.
- Additional department-specific training for officers and ratings including navigation, engine watchkeeping, radar, and radio communications.
- Specialized tanker qualifications required for personnel handling specific cargo with defined sea service and courses.
Documentary Requirements
- Different sets of documentary requirements (Set 1 and Set 2) including employer letters, application form, authenticated licenses, valid medical certificates, seaman’s service record book, and certificates of training.
- Applications filed by companies require affidavits guaranteeing authenticity of documents.
Application Procedure
- Verify all documents including dates and authenticity.
- Submit documents at MARINA offices, obtain queue number.
- Documents assessed; if accepted, proceed to payment.
- Submit required documents after payment.
- Receive return slip with release date of STCW Certificate.
Continued Proficiency and Revalidation
- Certificates need revalidation every five years.
- Requirements for revalidation include medical fitness and professional competence evidenced by:
- Approved sea service of at least one year in the last five years or equivalent duties;
- Passing tests or completing approved refresher courses focusing on regulatory changes.
Validity of Certificates
- Standard validity: five years.
- Provisional certificates (up to one year) may be issued for:
- Insufficient sea service under six months;
- Seafarers unable to apply in person;
- Hearing deficiencies;
- Lack of original PRC license but possession of certification;
- Absence of audiometry facilities locally.
Replacement of Lost Certificates
- Report loss immediately to MARINA.
- Apply for replacement with affidavit of loss and pay corresponding fees.
Fees
- Issuance: P250 per STCW endorsement certificate.
- Replacement of lost certificate: P500.
- Rush processing: additional P100, available for confirmed imminent departures.
- Authentication of documents: P20 per document.
- Fees include documentary stamps and may be adjusted.
Penalties and Administrative Fines
- Shipping companies/manning agencies allowing seafarers on board without MARINA endorsement fined progressively from P10,000 to P25,000; seafarers also fined for expired certificates or late renewals.
- Submission of false or fraudulent documents leads to criminal prosecution and fines ranging from P2,000 to P7,000 for first offense, doubling thereafter.
- Repeat offenses may lead to suspension or disqualification by PRC or relevant agency.
- Companies/agencies liable for spurious documents face fines from P12,500 up to P100,000 and possible suspension of permits.
- Responsible officials and employees may face criminal charges.
Due Process
- Offending parties receive a show cause order.
- Cases heard in accordance with administrative rules ensuring notice and hearing rights.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Memorandum Circulars Nos. 41, 41-A, and 41-B.
Effectivity
- This Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or widely circulated newspaper.
- Copy furnished to IMO Secretary-General via Department of Foreign Affairs as required by STCW Article IV.