Law Summary
Mandatory Simulator Training as Prerequisite to Licensure
- The Board requires simulator-based training for marine technical and/or upgrading courses.
- Training must occur at the National Maritime Polytechnic in Tacloban, Leyte or any Maritime Training Council (MTC)-accredited institution equipped with simulators.
- This training is a prerequisite for taking the licensure examination for Marine Deck Officers.
Specific Simulator-Based Courses Required
- For the Operational Level (Third Mate and Second Mate):
- Third Mate courses: Electronic Navigation System, Radar Observation Course, Marine Meteorology.
- Second Mate courses: Radar Simulator Course, Practice of Navigation/Aids to Navigation.
- For the Managerial Level (Chief Mate and Master):
- Chief Mate courses: Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Trim and Stability.
- Master courses: Shiphandling and Maneuvering, Safe Cargo Handling & Storage.
Documentary Requirements for Examination Admission
- Candidates must present an authentic or authenticated certificate of completion or diploma for the mandatory simulator-based courses.
- This must be submitted to the Examination Division of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) prior to taking the exam.
- Applicable starting with the March 1997 Marine Deck Officers licensure examination.
Examination Question Bank Provisions
- The Board Member responsible for the relevant subjects must input at least 50 questions per course into the test bank for the March 1997 exams.
- After each examination, the test bank shall be replenished by double the number of questions used until it reaches 300 questions per course.
- Once the 300-question threshold is reached, replenishment equals the number used in the last exam.
Implementation and Effectivity
- The requirement applies prospectively starting March 1997 licensure exam.
- The Resolution takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, whichever is earlier.
Authority and Approval
- The Resolution was adopted by the PRC Board for Marine Deck Officers on September 30, 1996.
- Signed by Chairman Francis T. Santos and Board Member Eugenio J. Ynion.
- Attested by Secretary Carlos G. Almelor.
- Approved by Commissioner Hermogenes P. Pobre and Associate Commissioners Alfonso G. Abad and Rosalind D. Evangelista.