Requirements for Master on Ships <500 GT Certification

Applies to all candidates seeking certification as Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.

Master (MM): Person commanding the ship.
Chief Mate (CM): Officer next in rank to the Master.
Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OIC-NW): Deck officer controlling functions under Master or Chief Mate's direction.
Candidate: Seafarer seeking assessment to qualify as Master.
Approved Training Record Book: Management Level Deck Officer TRB approved by Administration.
Approved Education and Training Program: CHED-supervised BS Marine Transportation or Administration-approved program.
Re-sit: Retaking exams or assessments after failure.
Ancillary Proficiencies: Basic Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, Medical Care.
Category-A/B/C: Classification of candidates by training commencement and compliance with STCW amendments.
Management Level Course - Deck (MLCD) and Updating Trainings (MLCD-AUT, MLCD-BUT): Approved compliant training courses.
Continuing Professional Education for Master (CPE-MM): Education program for license renewal without revalidation of certificate.
Examination and Assessment Division (EAD): MARINA division conducting certification exams.
Seafarers Certification System (SCS): Database system organizing certificates and documentary evidence.
MARINA License: Issued professional seafarer ID card.
General Operator's Certificate (GOC): Issued by NTC for GMDSS Radio Operators.
Month: Defined as 30 days for computation purposes.

Candidates must pass theoretical exams, practical assessments, GOC exam, and ancillary proficiency assessments.
Exemptions apply for candidates who have passed Management Level Deck exams and assessments as Chief Mate within 5 years.
Candidates must submit proof of approved seagoing service and training completion.
Requirements may be fulfilled in any sequence but must be current at application.

Candidates must be at least 20 years old.
Must have specified seagoing service durations as OIC-NW or combined OIC-NW and CM on ships of 500 GT or more.
Submissions include birth certificate, training record books, medical certificates, training program completion proofs, and transcript of records if applicable.
Procedures include document submission, scheduling, examination conduct, and re-sit policies.
Successful passing requires passing all competencies within 2 years.
Failure rules include 3 failures in a competence requiring additional service or refresher training before re-sit.

Similar exemptions apply as in theoretical exams for Chief Mate passers.
Candidates submit proof of completion of specific training courses according to candidate category.
Assessment covers navigation management, cargo handling, ship operation, and care for persons on board.
Must pass all competencies within 2 years.
Similar re-sit and failure rules apply as in theoretical exams.

Includes Basic Training, Survival Craft proficiency, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Medical Care.
Certificates valid for 5 years and may be revalidated.

For full requirement completers: MARINA License, Certificate of Competency, Certificate of Endorsement.
For candidates without COC or with expired licenses, provisions allow issuance with appropriate conditions.

Typically renewed with COC revalidation.
License-only renewal requires approved continuing education, except under specified service conditions.

Required every 5 years through:
- Approved seagoing service (12 months in 5 years or 3 months in 6 months), or
- Equivalent shore-based service at a 2:1 day ratio in Administration, Naval/Coast Guard, or as an accredited instructor.
- Passing exams or completing approved training.
Services can be combined proportionately.

Special requirements for Masters on tankers and passenger ships governed separately.
MARINA will not accept partial or conditional exam results from other agencies.
Certificates validity to conform with STCW standards.

MARINA to issue Master certificates from effectivity date.
Temporary policy allowing conversion of certain licenses until December 29, 2016.

Supersedes all previous related issuances by MARINA or other Philippine agencies.