Coverage
- Applies to all candidates for certification as Master on ships less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.
Definitions
- Master (MM): Person commanding the ship.
- Chief Mate (CM): Officer next in rank to Master who assumes command if Master is incapacitated.
- Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OIC-NW): Deck officer controlling watch functions under Master or CM direction.
- Candidate: Seafarer seeking Master certification.
- Approved Training Record Book (TRB): Document approved by Administration for Management Level Deck Officer candidates.
- Approved Education and Training Program: Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation or Administration-approved training.
- Re-sit: Retaking examination or assessment after failing.
- Ancillary Proficiencies: Includes Basic Training, Survival Craft proficiency, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Medical Care.
- Categories A, B, C: Classifications of candidates based on approved education and training timelines and compliance with STCW Amendments.
- Management Level Course Deck (MLCD): Approved program compliant with STCW Management Level standards.
- Continuing Professional Education for Master (CPE-MM): Educational program for MARINA License renewal without COC revalidation.
- Examination and Assessment Division (EAD): MARINA division implementing examination/assessment standards.
- Seafarers Certification System (SCS): MARINA system organizing seafarers' data and certifications.
- MARINA License: Professional identity card for Filipino seafarers.
- General Operator's Certificate (GOC): Issued by National Telecommunications Commission to radio operator examinees.
- Month: Defined as 30 days for purposes of the Circular.
General Requirements for License and Certificate of Competency (COC)
- Candidates must pass:
- Theoretical Examination (exempt if passed as Chief Mate within last 5 years).
- Practical Assessment (exempt if passed as Chief Mate within last 5 years).
- GOC Examination or possess valid GMDSS Radio Operator COC.
- Assessment of Ancillary Proficiencies.
- Submission of proof of ECDIS simulator training, approved MLCD or alternatives, and approved seagoing service.
- Candidates may complete requirements separately; all elements including Medical Certificate must be valid at application.
Theoretical Examination
- Exemption for those who passed as Chief Mate theoretical exam within 5 years.
- Application requires:
- Proof of age (minimum 20 years).
- Approved seagoing service (36 months as OIC-NW on 500 GT+ ships, or 24 months OIC-NW/CM combined).
- Valid medical certificate within 2 years.
- Approved Training Record Book and proof of approved education/training.
- Procedure includes online submission, document verification, scheduling, fee payment, and examination conduct.
- Passing rules:
- All competences passed within 24 months.
- ‘‘3-1 Rule’’ disallows re-sit within 1 month if failing 3+ competences at once.
- ‘‘3-3 Rule’’ requires additional service or training after failing same competence 3 times.
Practical Assessment of Competence
- Exemption for those who passed as Chief Mate practical assessment within 5 years.
- Requirements vary by candidate Category (A, B, C) with corresponding approved MLCD completion.
- Candidates must pre-register in the SCS.
- Assessment covers navigation, cargo handling, ship operation and care:
- Includes specific navigation maneuvers, emergency response, cargo stowage, ship stability, leadership, etc.
- Passing rules similar to theoretical exams, including 24-month validity and ‘‘3-3 Rule’’ for multiple failures.
General Operator's Certificate (GOC)
- Must comply with NTC requirements.
- Submit GOC to MARINA for assessment and synchronization with OIC-NW COC.
- May complete before finishing theoretical or practical assessments.
Assessment of Ancillary Proficiencies
- Includes Basic Training, Survival Craft proficiency, Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, and Medical Care.
- Proof of assessment required for recording.
- Certificates may be revalidated for 5-year COC validity compliance.
Documents Issued by Administration
- For candidates completing requirements: MARINA License, COC for Master, and Certificate of Endorsement.
- For candidates with valid PRC license without COC: MARINA License only.
- For candidates with expired licenses or certificates, issuance subject to penalties or renewal.
Validity of License and Certificates
- MARINA License valid for 5 years from issuance.
- COC validity aligned to STCW standards and ancillary certificates, generally valid for 5 years.
- Certificate of Endorsement valid as long as COC is valid.
Renewal of MARINA License
- Renewed concurrently with COC revalidation.
- License-only renewal requires participation in approved Continuing Professional Education (CPE-MM), unless candidate qualifies for exemption based on recent seagoing service or equivalent.
Revalidation of Certificate of Competency (COC)
- Required every 5 years.
- Proof of continued competence by:
- 12 months approved seagoing service in preceding 5 years, or 3 months in preceding 6 months.
- Equivalent shore-based service with 2:1 conversion ratio (e.g., STCW Administration work, military, instructor roles).
- Passing theoretical and practical exams.
- Completing approved training.
- 3 months approved supernumerary seagoing service.
- Combination of service types allowed to fulfill requirements.
- Certificate of Endorsement issued upon compliance.
Fees, Penalties, and Fines
- Detailed schedule provided in separate circular.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Special training for Masters on tankers and passenger ships to be issued separately.
- MARINA will not accept applications with incomplete or conditional results from other agencies; full examination required under MARINA system.
- Certificates validity to conform with STCW updated standards.
Transitory Provisions
- MARINA to issue Master licenses and COCs immediately after circular effectivity.
- Conversion of PRC Major Patron License and COC to Master on small ships allowed only until December 29, 2016.
- Conversion procedure discontinued from December 30, 2016.
Repealing Clause
- All prior related Filipino government issuances on training and certification for Masters on these ships repealed or amended.
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect immediately upon publication on February 13, 2015.