Definition of Terms
- Defines key technical and procedural terms including: Annual Monitoring Program, Assessment, BSMarE, BSMT, Competence, Curriculum, Evaluation, Maritime Education Programs (MEPs), Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs), Monitoring, Findings, and Prohibited Acts.
- Clarifies roles and activities relevant to maritime education quality assurance and monitoring.
Monitoring Approach and Implementation
- Monitoring is outcomes-based focusing on program outcomes, core processes, and accountability of MHEIs and personnel.
- MHEIs must provide necessary documents and records for evaluation.
Qualifications and Composition of the Monitoring Team
- Lead Evaluator requires extensive qualifications including completion of lead auditor course, relevant training, and no conflict of interest.
- Technical Evaluators must be graduates of the program, knowledgeable of standards, and trained accordingly.
- Monitoring Team comprises evaluators from CHED and MARINA, including observers with no conflicts.
Preparation and Approval of Annual Monitoring Program
- Joint preparation of Annual Monitoring Program by CHED and MARINA outlining institutions, programs, team composition, budget, and schedule.
- Prioritization of institutions with prohibited acts, nonconformances, phased-out programs, and those on a three-year cycle.
- Procedures for preparing, approving, and communicating the Monitoring Plan and handling cancellations or postponements.
Key Areas of Evaluation
- Nine key areas include Quality Standards System, Curriculum, Teaching Methods, Assessment, Faculty, Admission and Retention, Facilities, Shipboard Training, and Research.
- Nonconformances in all areas but Research may lead to sanctions.
Conduct of Monitoring
- Detailed procedures including pre-monitoring meeting, opening meeting protocols, methodologies for evaluation, documentation, deliberation, and closing meeting.
- Monitoring instruments and reports are standardized and continuously updated.
- Confidentiality and feedback mechanisms are emphasized.
Monitoring Findings
- Findings categorized as Noteworthy Efforts, Prohibited Acts, Nonconformance, Observations, and Opportunities for Improvement.
- Prohibited Acts include unapproved programs, unauthorized operations, false advertising, and improper issuance of documents.
- Prohibited acts reported immediately for appropriate action.
Action on Monitoring Report
- Lead Evaluator submits reports to MARINA; MARINA reviews and forwards to CHED.
- CHED communicates with MHEIs and manages corrective action submissions.
- Monitoring Team reviews corrective measures; follow-up verification conducted if necessary.
- TPME and CEB involved for recommendations, decisions, and possible sanctions including program phase-out.
Submission and Implementation of Corrective Actions
- Requires root cause analysis and corrective action within 15 working days.
- Nonconformance closure within one month, with follow-up verification.
- Observations must also be addressed timely or escalated to nonconformance.
- Failure to comply may result in sanctions or program phase-out.
Appeal Procedures
- MHEIs may file appeals against findings with supporting evidence.
- Appeals reviewed by MERC and TPME, decisions made by CHED Commission en banc (CEB).
- Decisions are final and executory; one motion for reconsideration allowed within 10 days.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Repeals inconsistent policies and provisions.
- Establishes separability of provisions.
- Effective immediately upon issuance.