Scope and Coverage of Registration
- Applies to all Master Mariners, Chief Mates, Second Mates, Third Mates, and Chief Engineer Officers down to Fourth Engineer Officers.
- Covers the classification of merchant marine officers under applicable regulations.
- Ensures a systematic and secure registration of all marine deck and engineer officers.
Registration Process and Numbering System
- Registration is conducted on a "first come, first served" basis.
- Exception: Chairman and Board Members under R.A. 8544 receive the first five registration numbers.
- No registration deadline for officers previously registered under P.D. No. 97.
- Deck and Engineer Officers receive separate numbering series starting from number 6 for regular registrants.
- Identification by code and rank prefixing registration numbers:
- Deck Officers: D1 (Master Mariner), D2 (Chief Mate), D3 (Second Mate), D4 (Third Mate).
- Engineer Officers: E1 (Chief Engineer Officer), E2 (Second Engineer Officer), E3 (Third Engineer Officer), E4 (Fourth Engineer Officer).
- Registration number format example: D1-0000001, E1-0000001 (letter denotes type, digit denotes rank).
Certificate Issuance and Numbering
- Certificates of Competency display the marine officer's registration number.
- Certificates of Registration and Competency bear a control number at the upper right corner.
- Control numbers are pre-printed and issued in separate series per rank, starting at 1.
- The registration number remains constant across ranks; only the rank code digit changes with advancement.
- Registration number appears on the certificate of competency's upper left-hand corner.
Handling Ranks and Certification
- An officer qualifying for a higher rank retains the original registration number.
- Upon registration for a new rank, a certificate of competency is issued bearing the existing registration number.
- This prevents duplication and fraud by consolidating officer identity across ranks.
Fees and Charges
- No registration fee for officers already registered under P.D. No. 97.
- Replacement fee of PHP 200.00 for material and printing costs applies.
- Initial registration fee of PHP 400.00 charged to those passing licensure exams under R.A. No. 8544 since October 1998.
- Professional license fee of PHP 500.00 for a five-year Certificate of Competency validity.
Implementation and Effectivity
- Resolution effective fifteen days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, whichever is earlier.
- Adopted by the Boards of Marine Deck and Marine Engineer Officers with approval from the Professional Regulation Commission.
- Part of the implementing rules and regulations governing marine deck and engineer officers.
Key Legal Provisions and Concepts
- Consolidation of registration numbers to enhance security and prevent document fraud.
- Distinction between Deck and Engineer Officer ranks with coded prefixes.
- Control numbers on certificates as means of validation.
- Priority registration for appointed Board members.
- Absence of registration deadlines promotes inclusivity for previously registered officers.
- Structured fee system supporting registration and certification processes.