Requirements for Master on Ships <500 GT Certification

Legal basis and governing framework

Republic Act 10635 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) authorize adoption of these mandatory minimum requirements.
The circular mandates compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), as amended, specifically STCW Chapter II/3 for the Master.
The circular applies the competency framework of STCW Regulation II/3 for certification requirements for Master on the covered ship category.
The Administration conducts certification requirements within the MARINA system to ensure STCW-aligned qualification.

Purpose and objectives

The circular prescribes standards and procedures for mandatory minimum requirements for examination, assessment, and certification of Master (MM) that comply with STCW Chapter II/3.
The circular streamlines the end-to-end process for candidates seeking certification as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages by ensuring candidates meet STCW requirements.

Coverage and core definitions

The circular applies to all candidates for certification as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.
“Master (MM)” means the person having command of a ship (Section 3.1).
“Chief Mate (CM)” means the officer next in rank to the master who assumes command upon the master’s incapacity (Section 3.2).
“Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OIC-NW)” means a deck officer in the operational level who has direct control over designated area responsibilities under the master or chief mate (Section 3.3).
“Candidate” means any seafarer intending to undergo assessment of competence to qualify for Master certification (Section 3.4).
The circular defines additional systems and training concepts, including:
- “Approved training record book” (TRB) approved by the Administration (Section 3.3—as renumbered in the circular).
- “Approved education and training program”: the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation under CHED, or a program approved by the Administration (Section 3.4).
- “Re-sit” as taking a theoretical examination or practical assessment for the same competence due to prior failure (Section 3.5).
- “Ancillary Proficiencies for Master”: Basic Training, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than Fast Rescue Boats), Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Medical Care (Section 3.6).
- Categories A, B, and C for competence pathway based on whether management-level deck officer training commenced before or on/after 01 April 2014, and whether approved education/training exists (Sections 3.7–3.9).
- MLCD and its updating variants MLCD-AUT and MLCD-BUT (Sections 3.10–3.12).
- CPE-MM for renewal of MARINA License only without COC revalidation (Section 3.13).
- Examination and Assessment Division (EAD) of the STCW Office of MARINA (Section 3.14).
- Seafarers Certification System (SOS) and the enrollment of approved providers for authentication (Section 3.15).
- MARINA License as the professional seafarer identity card issued by MARINA (Section 3.16).
- General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) as documentary evidence issued by NTC (Section 3.17).
- “Month” as 30 days, so 12 months is 360 days (Section 3.18).

Mandatory minimum competence standards

Every candidate for assessment as Master (MM) must meet STCW standards by passing:
- Theoretical examination (Annex 1) (Section 4.1.1).
- Practical assessment (Annex 2) (Section 4.1.2).
- GOC Examination under NTC, or an existing valid COC as GMDSS Radio Operator under STCW Regulation IV/2 (Section 4.1.3).
- Assessment of competence in Ancillary Proficiencies (Basic Training; Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Advanced Fire Fighting; Medical First Aid; Medical Care) per STCW Code provisions listed in Section 4.1.4 (Section 4.1.4.1–4.1.4.5).
A candidate is exempt from the theoretical examination if the candidate already passed the Management Level–Deck theoretical examination under MARINA as Chief Mate, provided the same-class standards were passed within the last 5 years (Section 4.1.1; reinforced in Section 5).
A candidate is exempt from the practical assessment if the candidate already passed the Management Level–Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate, provided the same-class standards were passed within the last 5 years (Section 4.1.2; reinforced in Section 6).
Candidates must satisfy the STCW certification requirement for Master under STCW Regulation II/3 (Section 4.2).
Candidates must also submit:
- Proof of successful completion of approved ECDIS simulator training (or approved alternative) (Section 4.3.1).
- Proof of successful completion of approved MLCD (Category-C), or approved alternatives for Category-A and Category-B (Section 4.3.2).
- Proof of approved seagoing service where the latest disembarkation is not beyond 5 years ago, for the following:
  - Not less than 36 months as OIC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; or
  - Not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months of such has been served as CM on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more (Section 4.3.3).
Candidates may complete the requirements separately, independently, and in any order, but each element—including the Medical Certificate—must be valid at the time of application for the Master COC (Section 4.4).

Theoretical examination application and rules

Candidates for theoretical examination as Master (MM) must submit:
- A Birth Certificate showing the candidate is not less than 20 years of age (Section 5.1.1).
- Approved seagoing service meeting the same minimums stated for Master assessment:
  - 36 months as OIC-NW on ships of 500 GT or more, or
  - 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months served as CM on ships of 500 GT or more (Section 5.1.2).
- If approved seagoing service is beyond 5 years ago, proof of passing the theoretical examination for OIC-NW 500GT and above compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments under Regulations II/2.2.1 (Section 5.1.3.1).
- Approved seagoing service may not be substituted with other types of approved service for the Master theoretical examination requirement; substitution applies only for revalidation of COC under Section 12 (Section 5.1.4 as to substitution rule).
- An Approved Training Record Book (TRB) proving in-service experience meeting specified KUP requirements under STCW Code Section A-II/A, as an alternative to specific modules in the MLCD while holding a COC for OIC-NW 500GT and above (Section 5.1.3 as to TRB KUP alternative).
- A Valid Medical Certificate issued by a DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital with QSS in place, valid not more than 2 years from the date of issuance, consistent with STCW Regulation I/9 (Section 5.1.4).
- Proof of successful completion of approved MLCD or its approved alternatives (Section 5.1.5).
- Where claiming partial completion of management-level education/training under the approved BSMT, a Transcript of Records (TOR) with S.O. Number from an accredited MHEI, showing partial completion that meets competence standards under STCW Code Section A-II/2, or as otherwise approved by the Administration (Section 5.1.6).
Before taking the theoretical examination, the candidate must:
- Upload required documents to STCW online system once MARINA has enabled it (except the TRB); otherwise submit to the EAD in Manila or EAD counterpart in a MARINA Regional Office conducting theoretical exams (Section 5.2.1.1–5.2.1.3).
- Obtain an online appointment number, date and time, then proceed to EAD with original documents including the TRB (Section 5.2.1.2).
- Complete the form Application for Theoretical Examination as Master after verification of validity and authenticity of specific requirements (Section 5.2.1.3).
- Indicate the competences intended to be examined (Section 5.2.1.4).
- Pay the corresponding examination fee as a fixed amount each time the candidate sits—whether taking in full, partially, or re-sit (Section 5.2.1.5).
- Register in the Seafarers Certification System (SOS) (Section 5.2.1.6).
- Secure the examination schedule from the EAD and proceed on the scheduled venue and time (Section 5.2.1.7–5.2.1.8).
During the examination, the candidate must:
- Report at least 30 minutes prior to schedule (Section 5.2.2.1).
- Follow authorized MARINA personnel instructions (Section 5.2.2.2).
- Take the exam only for indicated competences (Section 5.2.2.3).
- Complete each indicated competence within the allowed time (Section 5.2.2.4).
- Not leave the premises until after taking the examination, as scheduled (Section 5.2.2.5).
After taking the examination, the candidate must:
- Secure ratings in the competences (Section 5.2.3.1).
- Note any competence(s) with a failing mark (Section 5.2.3.2).
- Schedule re-sit if necessary, and/or schedule other competences not yet taken if necessary (Section 5.2.3.3–5.2.3.4).
To successfully pass theoretical examination:
- The candidate must pass all competences within a period not exceeding 2 years (24 months) (Section 5.3.1).
- If a candidate fails to complete all competences within the 2-year period, competences marked PASSED beyond 2 years expire and must be reexamined (Section 5.3.2).
- The candidate may choose as many competences as intended in one sitting (Section 5.3.3).
- Under the “3-1 Rule”, a candidate who fails in 3 or more competences in one sitting is not allowed to apply for re-sit within a 1-month period (Section 5.3.4).
- Under the “3-3 Rule”, a candidate who fails a particular competence 3 times cannot apply for re-sit in that competence until proof is shown of either:
  - Not less than 3 months approved seagoing service with certification by the ship’s master covering on-board experience for that competence; or
  - Successful completion of an approved training or refresher program for that competence taken after the third failure (Section 5.3.5.1–5.3.5.2).

Practical assessment procedures and failure limits

A candidate exempt from the practical assessment is recognized if the candidate already passed the Management Level–Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate and the same-class standards were passed within the last 5 years (Section 6).
For practical assessment application, each candidate must submit proof to the approved assessment institution:
- If Category-A: proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-AUT (Section 6.1.1).
- If Category-B: proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-BUT (Section 6.1.2).
- For other cases: a fully-compliant MLCD version with STCW 2010 Amendments (Section 6.1.3).
The functions of approved education and training may be taken in different MTIs (Section 6.1.2).
Every candidate must be pre-registered in the SCS for the practical assessment to be valid (Section 6.1.3).
Practical assessment competence demonstrations follow Annex 2 and include:
- Function 1 (Navigation at management level) after passing Function 1 training (or IMO Model Course 7.01 equivalent), covering: voyage planning and navigation; position and resultant fix accuracy; coordinating search and rescue; safe navigation using navigation equipment/system information for command decision-making; responding to navigational emergencies; and maneuvering/handling the ship in multiple conditions and scenarios listed under Section 6.2.1.6 (including pilot stations, restricted waters, constant rate of turn, shallow water squat effects, interaction with passing ships and nearby banks, berthing/unberthing with tugs and without, ship-tug interaction, propulsion/maneuvering systems, anchoring and anchoring in limited anchorages, dragging anchor/clearing fouled anchors, drydocking, heavy weather management including distress assistance, towing, keeping an unmanageable ship out of the trough of the sea, oil, launch precautions for survival craft/rescue boats, methods of taking on board survivors, maneuvering/propulsion characteristics including stopping distances and turning circles, reduced-speed navigation to avoid bow/stern wave damage, ice navigation/accumulation precautions, and use of traffic separation schemes/VTS areas) plus maneuvering-related competencies listed in Function 1 (Section 6.2.1).
- Remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems and services (Section 6.2.1.7).
- Function 2 (Cargo handling and stowage at management level) after passing Function 2 training (or IMO Model Course 7.01 equivalent), including safe loading, stowage, securing, care during voyage, and unloading of cargoes (Section 6.2.2).
- Function 3 (Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at management level) after passing Function 3 training (or IMO Model Course 7.01 equivalent), including controlling trim, stability and stress, and using leadership and managerial skill (Section 6.2.3).
To successfully pass practical assessment:
- The candidate must pass all required competences within not exceeding 2 years (24 months) (Section 6.3.1).
- If the candidate fails to complete all competences within the 2-year period, competences marked PASSED beyond 2 years expire and must be re-assessed (Section 6.3.2).
- The candidate may be assessed immediately after completing required approved education/training programs (Section 6.3.3).
- A candidate who fails may re-sit for assessment in any competence immediately if necessary (Section 6.3.4).
- Under the “3-3 Rule”, a candidate who fails in the same competence 3 times cannot re-sit for such competence until proof of either:
  - Not less than 3 months approved seagoing service with certification by the ship’s master that the candidate underwent on-board experience relating to that competence; or
  - Approved training or refresher program relating to that particular competence (Section 6.3.5).

GMDSS GOC requirements and synchronization

A candidate must comply with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) requirements to obtain the General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) (Section 7.1).
The candidate must submit the GOC to the EAD in Manila (or regional counterpart where allowed) for assessment of evidence of competence and issuance of the corresponding COC as GMDSS Radio Operator under STCW Regulation IV/2 (Section 7.2).
The issuance date and expiration of the GMDSS Radio Operator COC must be synchronized with the issuance date and expiration of the OIC-NW COC (Section 7.2).
A candidate may complete the requirements under this section even prior to completion of theoretical examination, practical assessment, or ancillary proficiencies assessment (Section 7.3).

Ancillary proficiencies assessment and validity

Ancillary proficiencies assessment covers Basic Training, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Medical Care (Section 8.1).
Proof of successful assessment of competence must be provided to the Administration for proper recording (Section 8.2).
Certificates of Proficiency (COP) on these ancillary proficiencies may be revalidated to conform to the 5-year validity period of the Master COC; otherwise, the Master COC is valid only up to the period of validity of the COP that expires first (Section 8.3).

Administration-issued documents

Upon completion of all requirements under Section 4, the Administration issues:
- MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 GT not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID),
- Certificate of Competency for Master on the covered ships, and
- Certificate of Endorsement (COE) relating to STCW issuance (Section 9.1).
If the candidate has a valid PRC license but no COC, the Administration issues MARINA License for Master (MM) (Section 9.2).
If the candidate has a valid PRC license and COC, the Administration issues MARINA License, Certificate of Competency for Master, and Certificate of Endorsement (Section 9.3).
If the candidate has an expired PRC license but without COC, the Administration issues the MARINA License for Master (MM) subject to applicable penalties (Section 9.4).
If the candidate has an expired COC, the Administration issues the Certificate of Competency for Master and Certificate of Endorsement (Section 9.5).

Validity, renewal, and revalidation rules

The MARINA License has a validity of 5 years from the date of issuance (Section 10.1).
The COC for fully compliant training under STCW 2010 Amendments has validity of 5 years from the date of issuance or until the validity of the COP with the shortest period of validity, but not later than the validity of the MARINA License (Section 10.2.1).
For COC fully compliant with STCW 1995 Amendments (including partially compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments), validity extends until 31 December 2016 (Section 10.2.2).
The COE has the same validity period as the COC (Section 10.3).
Renewal of MARINA License:
- The MARINA License is renewed at the same time as revalidation of the COC (Section 11.1).
- A candidate seeking renewal only of MARINA License without COC revalidation must undergo approved CPE-MM, except if the candidate meets any listed seagoing/service/instructor conditions (Section 11.2.1–11.2.3).
Revalidation of COC as Master:
- Holders must revalidate at intervals not exceeding 5 years by proving continued professional competence through any of the listed qualification methods (Section 12.1).
- For approved seagoing service, the requirement is:
  - 12 months total during the preceding 5 years, or
  - 3 months total during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating (Section 12.1.1.1).
- Approved equivalence for land-based functions is governed by the rule that 2 days ashore equals 1 day of seagoing service (the 2 to 1 ratio) (Section 12.1.1.2).
- Equivalency categories include Administration service for STCW-related tasks; active Naval or Coast Guard officer service in the Philippines per Section B-IX of the STCW Code; instructor/supervisor/assessor service in an approved training program (MTI); faculty/supervisor/dean/assessor service in approved education/training program (MHEI); service as Sea or Harbor Pilot; onboard instructor or assessor of competence; other functions requiring equivalent certificate levels for land service; and equivalent functions under the circular’s list (Section 12.1.1.2.1–12.1.1.2.7).
- Competence may also be established through passing the approved theoretical exam and practical assessment (Section 12.1.3), successfully completing an approved training program allowed by the Administration (Section 12.1.4), or completing approved seagoing service in a supernumerary capacity for not less than 3 months (Section 12.1.5).
- Revalidation requires compliance with additional requirements under Sections 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 (Section 12.1.6).
- Service periods may be combined proportionately to meet the requirement (example given) (Section 12.2).
- The Administration issues a Certificate of Endorsement attesting to the issuance of the COC and related certificates upon full compliance with STCW Convention requirements (Section 12.3).

Additional implementation limits and exclusions

The Administration does not accept applications with pending, conditional, or partial PASSED results of examination or assessment conducted by any other government agency; in such cases, theoretical and/or practical competence assessments must be conducted under MARINA’s system (Section 14.2).
Certificates issued by the Administration follow STCW validity standards and guidance (Section 14.3).

Fees schedule, other special rules, and transitory steps

A separate circular provides the schedule of fees, penalties, and fines (Section 13).
A separate circular provides mandatory minimum requirements for Master on tankers and passenger ships under Chapter V of the STCW Code (Special Training Requirements) (Section 14.1).
MARINA issues covered Master certificates and COCs upon the circular’s effectivity (Section 15.3).
A temporary conversion policy applies from January 1, 2015 to December 29, 2016:
- MARINA continues converting PRC-issued Major Patron License and COC to Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages for candidates with approved seagoing service performing functions appropriate to Master with either:
  - 12 months total during the preceding 5 years, or
  - 3 months total during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating (Section 15.4).
Beginning December 30, 2016 onwards, the conversion procedure is no longer allowed (Section 15.5).

Repeal and supersession; separability

All previous MARINA or other Philippine government agency issuances related to training and certification of Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages are superseded, repealed, or amended accordingly (Section 16).