Certificate Types and Issuance Procedures
- Certificate of Endorsement is required for all deck, engine, and radio officers, subject to authentication, presentation of required documents, and fee payment.
- Specialized training is mandatory for duties related to cargo on oil, chemical, or liquefied gas tankers; corresponding certificates require endorsement.
- Rating's Certificate is issued only to seafarers part of navigational or engine watch with the following conditions:
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Passed medical exams, including eyesight and hearing, from MARINA-accredited facilities.
- Completed required sea service: six months for deck at 250 GRT or one year for engine at 750 KW.
- Completion of special training courses for navigational or engine watchkeeping.
- Submission of diploma or transcript for certain ratings.
- Certification of training in fire-fighting, first aid, survival techniques.
- Replacement of lost certificates requires immediate report, affidavit, and payment.
Continued Proficiency and Certificate Revalidation
- Certificates must be revalidated every five years to maintain sea-going service eligibility.
- Revalidation requires MARINA's satisfaction on:
- Medical fitness (including eyesight, hearing, and speech for radio officers).
- Professional competence demonstrated by:
- At least one year approved sea-going service in the last five years, or
- Equivalent functions relating to certificate rank, or
- Passing approved tests, completing approved courses, or recent supernumerary service.
- Training courses focus on updates to international regulations, safety, and marine environmental protection.
Application Process
- Seafarers may personally apply for endorsements or certification by submitting necessary documents.
- Shipping companies and manning agencies may apply on behalf of seafarers but must provide affidavit and guarantee document veracity if incomplete.
Fines and Penalties
- Submission of false statements or fraudulent documents leads to disqualification from practice, criminal prosecution, and administrative fines (P20,000).
- Shipping companies or manning agencies face escalating fines for infractions:
- First: P100,000
- Second: P200,000 and one-month license suspension
- Third: License cancellation and criminal prosecution for responsible officials
Fees and Effectivity
- Fee for issuance of endorsement certificate, including document authentication, is set at P200 per certificate.
- Memorandum Circular becomes effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a general newspaper.
- Strict compliance is mandated.