STCW a95 Cert Guidelines for Marine Deck Officers

Objective and policy framework

The circular ensures that merchant marine deck officers are qualified and competent to safely carry out tasks associated with their positions on board seagoing ships, prioritizing safety of life and property at sea and the protection of the marine environment.
Applicants must comply with qualification standards so the issuance and endorsement of STCW a95 Certificates aligns with the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.
Competence assessment must follow STCW competence principles and requirements, including assessor qualifications for competence assessment.
Certificates must be properly recorded in the Commission’s systems consistent with Regulation I/9 of the Revised STCW Convention.

Definitions, certificate framework, and validity

STCW a95 Certificates are issued to Marine Deck Officers after compliance with licensing and the qualification requirements in the circular.
Certificate of Registration/Certificate of Competency Endorsement Certificate and PRC ID are documentary requirements for issuance/endorsement processing.
A STCW a95 Certificate issued under these guidelines is valid until the date of expiry of the certificate or until sooner withdrawn, suspended or revoked.
A permanent unique registration/Certificate number is assigned to each Marine Deck Officer and appears in the Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Competency, and Endorsement Certificate.
Renumbered certificates retain the original date of registration in the officer’s current grade/rank in accordance with Board guidelines.

Scope: who is covered and excluded

These guidelines apply to Marine Deck Officers for the issuance and endorsement of STCW a95 Certificates.
The guidelines do not apply to Marine Deck Officers with seagoing service on board:
- warships, naval auxiliaries, or other ships owned or operated by a State and engaged only in governmental non-commercial service;
- fishing vessels;
- pleasure yachts not engaged in commercial trade; and
- wooden ships of primitive build.

Core qualification and competency requirements

Applicants must be medically fit, with particular emphasis on good eyesight and hearing.
A required Medical Certificate:
- must be issued by a DOH accredited medical clinic or hospital conducting physical and medical examinations for seafarers;
- must reflect use of the seafarers medical examination standards required under the STCW Code; and
- must have a Quality Standards System (QSS) in place consistent with Section A-I/8 and Section B-I/8 of the STCW Code.
The Medical Certificate required under these guidelines is valid for one (1) year from date of issuance, and if submitted during application, must be submitted not less than fifteen (15) days prior to expiry date.
Training course requirements must be taken from maritime training centers accredited by the Maritime Training Council (MTC), and only:
- MTC-accredited or
- training courses recognized by the Board of Marine Deck Officers
  are accepted.
The circular requires competence assessors to meet STCW assessor standards, requiring that the Board/Qualified Assessors:
- have an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of the competence to be assessed;
- are qualified in the task for which assessment is being made;
- have received appropriate guidance in assessment methods and practice; and
- have gained practical assessment experience, and where simulator assessment is used, must have practical experience with that simulator under supervision of, and to the satisfaction of, an experienced assessor.
Certificate competency may include limitations on type of ship, gross tonnage, trading area, and other limitations the Board/Qualified Assessor imposes after assessment.

Documentary requirements for issuance

Applicants must submit:
- Certificate of Registration (Board Certificate)/STCW Certificate of Competency Endorsement Certificate and Valid PRC ID Card.
Applicants must submit a Medical Certificate from a DOH accredited medical clinic/hospital with QSS in place, using the DOH approved seafarers pre-employment medical form, and it must be not more than one (1) year from date of issue.
Applicants must submit sea service evidence showing accumulated approved seagoing service in the preceding period:
- Twelve (12) months for operational level; and
- twenty four (24) months for management level,
- during the preceding five (5) years from the date of application.
Sea service certification must include:
- type of vessel,
- rank occupied,
- vessel’s gross tonnage,
- vessel’s trading area, and
- inclusive dates of sea service.
Applicants must submit the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) by submitting one photocopy each of pages one and two, and other pages reflecting sea service; if the SIRB is lost/damaged, the applicant must submit any acceptable substitute documentary proof of sea service and an affidavit of loss.
Applicants must submit National Assessment Center (NAC) Certificate for required training courses under Regulations V & VI and/or Certificates of Training for other courses as may be required.
For Operational Level Officers (CATEGORY A), applicants must submit the Original Transcript of Records.
For Master and Chief Mate (Management Level) categories A, B, and C, required certificates/proofs include:
- Certificate of Completion for Function 3 of the Management Level Course from an MTC-accredited training provider; and
- documentary proof for assessment in Functions 1 and 2 using the table of equivalency approved by the MTC for an Officer in Charge of a navigational Watch who PASSED the Chief Mate licensure examination; or
- Certificate of Completion for all three (3) Functions of the Management Level Course for an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch who FAILED TWICE or more in the Chief Mate licensure examination.
The Management Level Course (or any of its Functions) is taken only once by an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch.
Applicants must submit two (2) pieces passport size pictures in proper uniform and haircut.
Applicants applying for additional regulations must present proof they completed and were duly certificated in the approved training courses required under those additional regulations.

Qualification routes by category and management/operational level

Management Level (Master and Chief Mate)
- CATEGORY A applies to Marine Deck Officers who already hold STCW a95 Certificates at the operational level (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch), and requires completion of:
  1. Medical Care
  2. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (if the applicant will board a ship equipped with fast rescue boats)
  3. ECDIS (if the applicant will board a ship equipped with ECDIS)
  4. General Operator Certificate (GOC)
  5. Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (Management Level; except those who have taken and passed the practical examination) with Assessment
  6. Management Level Course
- CATEGORY B applies to Marine Deck Officers who have NOT been previously issued STCW a95 Certificates, requiring completion of:
  1. Advanced Firefighting
  2. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)
  3. Medical Emergency-First Aid
  4. Medical Care
  5. GOC
  6. RSC/ARPA or RNRPUA
  7. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat
  8. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (if applicable by ship equipment)
  9. ECDIS (if applicable)
  10. Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (Management Level)
  11. Management Level Course
- CATEGORY C applies to Marine Deck Officers boarding seagoing ships requiring special training under Regulations V/1, V/2 and V/3 of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, requiring completion based on ship type:
  - Tankers (Regulation V/1)
    - at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service appropriate to their duties on the type of tanker served, and
    - shore-based fire-fighting course for tankers in addition to training required by Regulation VI/I, plus:
      - specialized training in the type of tanker served: Oil Tanker, Chemical Tanker, Liquefied Gas Tanker, or Liquefied Natural Gas Tanker.
  - Ro-ro Passenger Ship (Regulation V/2) and Passenger Ship other than Ro-ro (Regulation V/3)
    - Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Safety Training for personnel providing direct services to passengers in passenger spaces (IMO Model Course 1.28),
    - Proficiency in Crisis Management and Human Behavior Training in passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity training (IMO Model Course 1.29).
Operational Level (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch)
- CATEGORY A applies to Marine Deck Officers who commenced approved education and training AFTER August 1, 1998 and to former radio officers who underwent the fast track B.S.M.T. education program approved by CHED, requiring completion of:
  1. Advanced Firefighting
  2. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat
  3. Medical Emergency-First Aid
  4. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (if applicable)
  5. ECDIS (if applicable)
  6. General Operatoras Course (GOC)
  7. MARPOL 73/78 Annexes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
  8. Maritime Law for Shipas Officers
  9. Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (Operational Level; except those who have taken and passed the practical examination) with Assessment
- CATEGORY B applies to Marine Deck Officers who commenced approved education and training PRIOR to August 1, 1998, requiring completion of:
  1. Basic Safety Training, consisting of:
    - Personal Survival Techniques
    - Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
    - Elementary First Aid
    - Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
  2. GOC
  3. RSC/ARPA or RNRPUA
  4. Advanced Firefighting
  5. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat
  6. Medical Emergency-First Aid
  7. Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (Operational Level; except those who have taken and passed the practical examination) with Assessment
  8. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boat (if applicable)
  9. ECDIS (if applicable)
  10. Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo (General Cargo/Bulk)
  11. MARPOL 73/78 Annexes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6
  12. Maritime Law for Shipas Officers
- CATEGORY C applies to Marine Deck Officers boarding seagoing ships requiring special training under Regulations V/1, V/2 and V/3 of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, requiring tanker and passenger ship special training as follows:
  - For Tankers (Regulation V/1)
    - approved shore-based fire-fighting course for tankers in addition to training required by Regulation VI/1, and
    - either:
      - at least three (3) months approved seagoing service on tankers to acquire adequate knowledge of safe operational practices; or
      - completion and certification in an approved General Tanker Familiarization Training course.
  - For Ro-ro Passenger Ship (Regulation V/2) and Passenger Ship other than Ro-ro (Regulation V/3)
    - IMO Model Course 1.28 and IMO Model Course 1.29 training.

Categories of STCW a95 certificates and service/age thresholds

STCW a95 Certificates are applied after passing Marine Deck Officers licensure examinations and complying with Part VI qualification requirements.
Regulation II/2, paragraph 1 (On ship of 3,000 GT or more)
- MASTER MARINER requires seagoing service on board ship of 3,000 GT or more as Chief Mate for at least twelve (12) months.
- CHIEF MATE requires seagoing service on board ship of 3,000 GT or more as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch/Third Mate/Second Mate for at least twenty four (24) months.
Regulation II/2, paragraph 3 (On ship of between 500 and 3,000 GT)
- MASTER MARINER requires seagoing service on board ship of between 500 and 3,000 GT as either:
  - CHIEF MATE for at least twelve (12) months on ships of more than 3,000 GT, or
  - CHIEF MATE for at least twenty four (24) months on ships of between 500 and 3,000 GT.
- CHIEF MATE requires seagoing service on board ship of between 500 and 3,000 GT as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch/Third Mate/Second Mate for at least twelve (12) months.
Regulation II/1 requires seagoing service for at least twelve (12) months on board ship of 500 GT or more.
Regulation II/3, paragraph 1 (On ship of less than 500 GT not engaged on near coastal voyages)
- the Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch applicant must hold an appropriate certificate for ships of 500 GT or more.
Regulation II/3, paragraph 2 (On ship of less than 500 GT not engaged on near coastal voyages)
- the Master applicant must hold an appropriate certificate for service as Master on ships of between 500 and 3,000 GT.
Regulation II/3, paragraph 3 (On ship of less than 500 GT engaged on near coastal voyages)
- the Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch applicant must:
  - be not less than 18 years of age;
  - have completed approved training courses in the operational level, including approved sea service in the deck department on board a ship of not less than 250 GT for at least thirty six (36) months;
  - be a GOC holder; and
  - have completed approved education and training and meet the competence standard in Section A-II/3 of the STCW Code.
Regulation II/3, paragraph 5 (On ship of less than 500 GT engaged on near coastal voyages)
- an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Mate applicant as Master must:
  - be not less than 20 years of age;
  - have approved seagoing service on board ship of 500 GT or more for at least twenty-four (24) months;
  - have completed approved education and training and meet the competence standard in Section A-II/3 of the STCW Code; and
  - provide evidence of knowledge and ability to carry out all duties of a MASTER.
- Major Patron and Minor Patron applicants with at least ONE (1) YEAR and TWO (2) YEARS seagoing service as Major Patron and Minor Patron, respectively, are issued an STCW a95 Endorsement Certificate as MASTER only, must meet the requirements for an officer in charge of a navigational watch under Section A-II/3 of the STCW Code, and must provide evidence of knowledge and ability to carry out all Master duties.
The circular requires that the assessment and certificate issuance align with category and limitations as determined during assessment.

Upgrading and management routes

A MASTER MARINER holding STCW a95 issued under Regulation II/2, paragraph 3 may be upgraded to Regulation II/2, paragraph 1 after completion of approved sea service on board seagoing ships of 3,000 GT or more as Chief Mate or supernumerary Master for at least three (3) months.
A CHIEF MATE holding STCW a95 issued under Regulation II/2, paragraph 3 may be upgraded to Regulation II/2, paragraph 1 after completion of approved sea service on board seagoing ships of 3,000 GT or more in the operational level, or as a supernumerary Chief Mate, for at least three (3) months.
A Chief Mate applying for issuance of STCW a95 Certificates under Category A or B at management level (Part VI) must present proof of completion and certification in the appropriate Management Level Course training course(s).
A holder of STCW a95 as Chief Mate applying for issuance as Master Mariner is no longer required to present proof of completing and being duly certificated in approved training courses for the same level of responsibility.

Issuance and endorsement signatures; certificates format

The Certificate of Competency bearing the registration/certificate number is signed by the Chairman of the Board; in the absence of the Chairman, signing follows this order: Vice-Chairman, then the senior member of the Board.
The Endorsement Certificate bearing the registration/certificate number indicating therein the date of issuance and date of expiration is signed by the Chairman of the Commission; in the absence of the Chairman, signing follows this order: senior member of the Commission, junior member of the Commission, and then the Assistant Commissioner responsible in the implementation of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.
The Endorsement Certificate is issued in a separate document using the form set forth in paragraph 2 of Section A-1/2 of the STCW Code; the Certificate of Competency uses the form set forth in paragraph 1 of Section A-I/2 of the STCW Code.
The Endorsement Certificate has the same category and any limitations, if any, indicated in the Certificate of Competency.
The Endorsement Certificate expires as soon as the Certificate endorsed expires or is withdrawn, suspended, or cancelled by the Board, and in no case is it issued for a duration of more than five years from date of issue.

Application, evaluation, assessment, and processing

Applicants who have not been previously issued STCW a95 Certificates must file their application personally at the STCW Division of the PRC Central Office.
Applicants who already have previously issued STCW a95 Certificates may file their application personally or, if on board, through their company’s duly authorized representative recognized by the Commission, at the PRC Central Office or any PRC regional offices.
Applicants with an old Certificate of Registration must apply with the Marine Deck Officers Division of the PRC Central Office or any PRC regional offices for issuance of a New Certificate/License Number.
At the STCW Division, applicants obtain the Application for the issuance of STCW a95 Certificates [ACE (Form No. 18)] from the Information Counter and must fill it up.
The applicant must submit the duly accomplished ACE and other documentary requirements to the application counter.
Applications and documents are evaluated and verified for completeness and authenticity, and for the status of the applicant’s certificate; if documents are not in order, the application is disapproved and the applicant is informed.
The evaluator verifies examination results from the MDOD through the PERRC.
Board/Qualified Assessors assess the applicant and documentary requirements for achieving the required standards of competence under Section A of the STCW Code.
Applicants’ oral assessment requirements depend on when licensure examinations were passed and whether practical assessment occurred:
- Applicants who passed marine deck officers licensure examinations prior to March 2001 for the management level (without practical assessment) and prior to July 2001 for the operational level (without practical assessment), and who have NOT been previously issued STCW a95 Certificates, must undergo oral assessment documented in a record of assessment.
- Applicants who have completed and were duly certificated in Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork (SSBT) training course do not undergo oral assessment.
- Applicants who passed marine deck officers licensure examinations after March 2001 for the management level (with practical assessment) and after July 2001 for the operational level (with practical assessment), and holders of STCW a95 Certificates, and applicants who have completed and were duly certificated in SSBT, must not undergo oral assessment.
The Board/Qualified Assessor approves the application if the applicant is found duly qualified and has met the competence standards to serve in the capacity specified in the application.
If the Board/Qualified Assessor disapproves the application, submitted documents are returned to the applicant and the applicant is informed of disapproval.
Qualified applicants are issued STCW a95 Certificates, and entries in the Certificate are entered into the Commission’s database and website.
Limitation/s, if any, are stated in the Certificate.
Only on-board marine deck officers may claim STCW a95 Certificates through a company’s duly authorized representative recognized by the Commission.

Repeal and effectivity

Memorandum Circular No. 02-12 is repealed.
All other issuances inconsistent with any provision of PRC Memorandum Circular No. 09-07 are repealed or modified accordingly.
The circular takes effect immediately.