Definitions
- Merchant Marine Vessel: commercial ships engaged in maritime commerce, training vessels, or similar non-combatant naval vessels.
- Marine Officer: includes both Deck Officers and Engine Officers.
- Deck Officers: licensed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mates, including Patrons for different waters.
- Engine Officers: licensed 1st to 4th Marine Engineers and Motor Engineers.
- Examiner: member of the respective Boards of Examiners for Deck or Engine Officers.
Creation and Composition of Boards
- Two Boards established: Board of Examiners for Deck Officers and for Engine Officers.
- Each Board composed of three members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.
- Members must meet specific professional qualifications and not have interests in maritime training schools.
Duties of the Boards
- Conduct character and habit inquiries for licensing applicants.
- Require and evaluate physical fitness certification.
- Prepare and administer professional examinations.
- Execute administrative investigations and enforce ethical standards.
Qualifications and Terms for Board Members
- Deck Officers: at least 15 years as Marine Officer, 5 years as ship Master, endorsed by marine professional group.
- Engine Officers: similar requirement with experience as Chief Engineer.
- Serve 3-year terms, compensated per candidate examined, license issued, and meetings attended.
Examination Procedures
- Two exams yearly: Manila in January; Cebu or Iloilo alternately in July.
- Possible location changes with approval.
- Passing grade: general weighted average of 75%, no score below 60%.
- Re-examination required if failed.
Registration and Licensing
- Successful examinees register and pay fee.
- Licenses denied to persons convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude, immorality, dishonor, or unsound mind.
- Application and licensing fees specified for different officer categories.
License Classifications
- Deck Officers: Unlimited, Limited (foreign and coastwise), Restricted (major and bay/lake/river/harbor).
- Engine Officers: Unlimited and Limited (motor) licenses.
Admission Requirements for Examination
- Must be male, Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old.
- Must be mentally sound, physically fit with normal color vision, and of good moral character.
Requirements for Deck Officers
- Graduated progression from Third Mate to Master Mariner with specified sea service durations and vessel tonnage requirements.
- Provisions for limited licenses based on service on coastwise or foreign trade vessels.
- Patrons must meet age, education, and service conditions depending on class (Major, Minor, Bay/Lake/River/Harbor).
Requirements for Engine Officers
- Progression from Fourth Engineer to Chief Marine Engineer with prescribed service and education.
- Special requirements for Motor Engineers.
- Certificates of service authenticated by vessel's Chief Engineer and Master plus shipowner.
Administrative Investigations and Discipline
- Boards tasked to maintain professional and ethical standards.
- Can conduct administrative proceedings for violations.
- Promulgation of rules of conduct and Code of Ethics.
Grounds for Disciplinary Proceedings
- Conviction involving moral turpitude, immoral or dishonorable conduct, insanity.
- Fraud in obtaining certificate or license.
- Gross negligence, incompetence, addiction affecting competency.
- False advertising and ethical violations per Code of Ethics.
Rights of Respondents in Disciplinary Proceedings
- Right to counsel.
- Right to a speedy and public hearing.
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses.
Appeal and Reinstatement
- Decisions by the Board final after 30 days unless appealed to the President.
- Reinstatement possible after 5 years if good conduct.
Transitional Provisions and Limitations
- Existing licenses retain conditions until upgraded.
- Students already enrolled in curricula can qualify under old standards.
- After 5 years, stricter requirements for Fourth Engineers are enforced.
- Prior motor engineer licenses must be registered and renewed as marine engineers.
- Bay/river/lake/harbor engineer licenses must register and renew as motor engineers.
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All inconsistent laws and regulations are repealed or modified.
- The Decree takes effect immediately upon promulgation.