Legal basis, international framework, and purpose
- The Circular is issued pursuant to Republic Act 10635 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
- The Circular adopts standards and procedures in full compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), as amended.
- The Circular expressly targets compliance with STCW Chapter II/3 for mandatory minimum requirements for examination, assessment and certification of Master (MM).
- The Circular provides standards and procedures to streamline the processing of candidates for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.
- The Circular requires that candidates be adequately equipped and in full compliance with STCW, as amended.
Coverage and defining terms
- The Circular applies to all candidates for certification as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.
- “Master (MM)” means the person having command of a ship.
- “Chief Mate (CM)” means the officer next in rank to the master and upon whom the command of the ship will fail in the event of the incapacity of the master.
- “Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OIC-NW)” means a deck officer in the operational level who has direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of the master or chief mate.
- “Candidate” means any seafarer who intends to undergo assessment of competence to qualify for certification as Master.
- “Approved training record book (TRB)” means the training record book of Management Level - Deck Officer for a Master candidate, approved by the Administration.
- “Approved education and training program” means the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation Program under supervision of CHED, or a training program approved by the Administration for STCW qualification and certification.
- “Re-sit” means taking the theoretical examination or practical assessment for the same competence, due to previous failure.
- “Ancillary Proficiencies for Master” means: Basic Training; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Advanced Fire Fighting; Medical First Aid; and Medical Care.
- “Category-A” means a candidate with approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer that commenced on 01 April 2014 onwards under MARINA MC 2014-01, in compliance with STCW 2010 Amendments, but requiring updating training.
- “Category-B” means a candidate with approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer that commenced prior to 01 April 2014 onwards in compliance with STCW 1995 Amendments.
- “Category-C” means a candidate without the approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer.
- “Management Level Course for a Deck (MLCD)” means the approved training program designed to be compliant with the required education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer under STCW, as amended.
- “MLCD Category-A Updating Training (MLCD-AUT)” and “MLCD Category-B Updating Training (MLCD-BUT)” are approved training programs to make Category-A or Category-B candidates fully compliant with the required education and training under STCW 2010 Amendments.
- “Continuing Professional Education for Master (CPE-MM)” means the approved educational program for a candidate seeking renewal of MARINA License only, with no intention of seeking revalidation of COC under the STCW Convention.
- “Examination and Assessment Division (EAD)” means the Division under the STCW Office of MARINA tasked to implement examination and assessment standards and procedures for seafarer qualifications for certification by the Administration.
- “Seafarers Certification System (SOS)” refers to the MARINA seafarers certification system where relevant data and documentary evidence for issuance of STCW certificates (COC, COP, COE) are systematically organized, and approved providers of data and documentary evidence shall be enrolled for MARINA to validate authenticity.
- “MARINA License” means the professional seafarers identity card issued by MARINA to Filipino professional mariners.
- “General Operator’s Certificate (GOC)” refers to documentary evidence issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to a successful candidate of GMDSS Radio Operator examination.
- “Month” means a period of 30 days; thus 12 months is 360 days.
Minimum requirements for Master certification
- A candidate for assessment of competence as Master (MM) must meet the standard of competence by passing:
- A theoretical examination (Annex 1);
- A practical assessment (Annex 2);
- A GOC examination under NTC, or an existing valid COC as GMDSS Radio Operator (Regulation IV/2 of the STCW Convention); and
- Assessment of competence in Ancillary Proficiencies by completing: Basic Training; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Advanced Fire Fighting; Medical First Aid; and Medical Care.
- A candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck theoretical examination under MARINA as Chief Mate is exempt from the theoretical examination requirement if the standards for the same class were passed within the last 5 years.
- A candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate is exempt from the practical assessment requirement if the standards for the same class were passed within the last 5 years.
- A Master candidate must satisfy the requirements for certification under STCW Regulation II/3.
- Every candidate for certification must submit:
- Proof of successful completion of the approved ECDIS simulator training (or its approved alternative);
- Proof of successful completion of the approved MLCD (Category-C), or its approved alternatives for Category-A and Category-B;
- Proof of approved seagoing service, with the latest disembarkation not beyond 5 years ago, for:
- Not less than 36 months as OIC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; or
- Not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months of such has been served as CM on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
- Each element, including the Medical Certificate, must be valid at the time of application for the COC as Master, although the requirements may be completed separately, independently, and in any order.
- A candidate for theoretical examination on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages must follow the STCW certification requirements tied to STCW Regulation II/3, while satisfying the Circular’s specific process requirements.
Theoretical examination rules and process
- A candidate already exempted from the theoretical examination is exempt if the Management Level - Deck theoretical examination as Chief Mate was passed within the last 5 years.
- Every candidate must submit these specific requirements for application:
- A Birth Certificate showing the candidate is not less than 20 years of age;
- Approved seagoing service for the required period as OIC-NW:
- Not less than 36 months as OIC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; or
- Not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months served as CM on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; and
- Additional documentation under specific circumstances:
- If the approved seagoing service is beyond 5 years ago, proof of passing the theoretical examination for OIC-NW 500GT and above compliant with the STCW 2010 Amendments under STCW Circular 2014-08, Annex 1.
- Approved seagoing service may not be substituted with other types of approved service, with equivalency allowed only for revalidation of certificate of competency under Section 12.
- A candidate must submit an Approved Training Record Book (TRB) as proof of in-service experience meeting required Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) for specific competences under Section A-II/A of the STCW Code, usable as an alternative to specific modules in the MLCD, while holding the COC for OIC-NW 500GT and above.
- A candidate must submit a Valid Medical Certificate not more than 2 years from the date of issuance, from a DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital with QSS in place, in accordance with Regulation I/9 of the STCW Convention.
- A candidate must submit proof of successful completion of the approved MLCD (or its approved alternatives).
- For candidates claiming partial completion under the BSMT alternative, the candidate must submit a Transcript of Records (TOR) with an S.O. Number from an accredited MHEI, clearly showing proof of partial completion meeting the standard of competence specified in Section A-II/2 of the STCW Code, or as otherwise approved by the Administration.
- Before taking the theoretical examination, the candidate must submit the Specific Requirements under Section 5.1 to:
- the STCW online system for uploading documents (except the TRB) once MARINA enables it; or
- the Examination and Assessment Division (EAD) of the STCW Office of MARINA in Manila; or
- an EAD counterpart in any MARINA Regional Office that conducts the theoretical examination.
- The candidate must secure an online appointment number, date and time, proceed to EAD on the appointment schedule with all original documents including the TRB, and complete an “Application for Theoretical Examination as Master” after verification of validity and authenticity.
- The candidate must indicate the particular competences to be examined on, pay the corresponding examination fee (a fixed amount each time the candidate sits for the examination, whether taken in full, partially, or re-sit), register in the Seafarers Certification System, secure a schedule from EAD, and proceed to the examination at the scheduled venue and time.
- During the examination, the candidate must report at least 30 minutes prior to schedule, follow authorized MARINA personnel instructions, take the examination only for indicated competences, complete all indicated competences within the time allowed, and not leave the premises until after taking the examination as scheduled.
- After the examination, the candidate must secure ratings in the various competences, note any competence with a failing mark, and schedule re-sit or other competences as necessary.
- To successfully pass the theoretical examination:
- The candidate must pass all competences within a period not exceeding 2 years (24 months);
- Passed marks beyond 2 years expire if the full set is not completed within the 2-year period and the candidate must be re-examined accordingly;
- The candidate may choose as many competences as intended in one sitting;
- If the candidate fails in 3 or more competences in one sitting, the candidate is not allowed to apply for re-sit within a 1-month period (“3-1 Rule”);
- If the candidate fails in a particular competence 3 times, the candidate is not allowed to apply for re-sit until showing proof of:
- approved seagoing service of not less than 3 months with a certification from the ship’s master that the candidate underwent onboard experience related to that competence (“3-3 Rule”); or
- successful completion of an approved training or refresher program relating to that competence.
Practical assessment rules and process
- A candidate already exempted from practical assessment is exempt if the Management Level - Deck practical assessment as Chief Mate was passed within the last 5 years.
- Every candidate must submit to the approved assessment institution the following, depending on category:
- If Category-A: proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-AUT;
- If Category-B: proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-BUT;
- If Category-C: the MLCD fully-compliant version to STCW 2010 Amendments.
- The different functions in the education and training may be taken in different MTIs.
- Every candidate must be pre-registered in the SCS for the practical assessment to be valid.
- The candidate demonstrates competence by presenting required assessments (Annex 2) under the following functions and competence areas:
- Under Function 1 (Navigation at the management level), the candidate must demonstrate assessment areas after successful MLCD Function 1 training, including: voyage planning and navigation; determining position and resultant fix accuracy; coordinating search and rescue operations; maintaining safe navigation using navigation equipment and systems; responding to navigational emergencies; and maneuvering/handling a ship in all conditions with detailed competency areas involving pilotage maneuvers, rivers/estuaries/restricted waters, constant rate of turn, shallow water with squat/rolling/pitching effects, interactions with other ships and banks, berthing/unberthing with/without tugs under varying conditions, ship-tug interaction, propulsion and maneuvering systems, anchoring/limited anchorage and anchor cable factors, dragging anchor and clearing fouled anchors, drydocking, heavy weather management and distress assistance, towing operations and drift reduction, precautions for launching rescue boats/survival craft in bad weather, methods of taking survivors onboard, maneuvering and propulsion characteristics and stopping distances/turning circles at various draughts and speeds, reduced speed navigation to avoid bow/stern waves damage, maneuvers in/near ice and ice accumulation conditions, and operation/maneuvering in/near traffic separation schemes and VTS areas.
- Under Function 1, the candidate also must operate remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems and services.
- Under Function 2 (Cargo handling and stowage at the management level), the candidate must demonstrate passing assessment of areas including planning and ensuring safe loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage, and unloading of cargoes.
- Under Function 3 (Controlling the Operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level), the candidate must demonstrate assessment areas including controlling trim, stability and stress; and using leadership and managerial skill.
- To successfully pass the practical assessment of competence:
- The candidate must pass all required competences within 2 years (24 months);
- If the candidate fails to complete all competences within the 2-year period, those with a “PASSED” mark beyond 2 years expire and the candidate must be re-assessed accordingly;
- The candidate may be assessed immediately following completion of the required approved education and training program;
- The candidate may re-sit for assessment immediately if necessary; and
- If the candidate fails in the same competence 3 times, the candidate is barred from re-sitting for that competence until proof of:
- approved seagoing service of not less than 3 months with a certification from the ship’s master that the candidate underwent onboard experience relating to that competence (“3-3 Rule”), or
- approved training or refresher program relating to that competence.
GOC submission and ancillary proficiencies
- A candidate must comply with the NTC requirements for the GOC examination.
- After obtaining the GOC, the candidate must submit the GOC to the EAD of the STCW Office of MARINA in Manila or its regional counterpart (as allowed) for proper assessment and for issuance of the corresponding COC as GMDSS Radio Operator under STCW Regulation IV/2.
- The issuance date and expiration of the COC as GMDSS Radio Operator must be synchronized with the issuance date and expiration of the COC as OIC-NW.
- A candidate may complete the GOC requirements even prior to completion of the theoretical examination, practical assessment, or ancillary proficiencies.
- The assessment of ancillary proficiencies covers Basic Training; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats; Advanced Fire Fighting; Medical First Aid; and Medical Care.
- Proof of successful ancillary proficiencies assessment must be provided to the Administration for proper recording.
- Certificates of Proficiency may be revalidated to conform to the 5-year validity of the Master COC being applied for; otherwise, the COC is valid only up to the period of validity of any COP that expires first.
Issuance, validity, renewal, and revalidation
- When a candidate completes all requirements under Section 4, MARINA issues:
- MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID);
- Certificate of Competency for Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages; and
- Certificate of Endorsement (COE) relating to issuance of the COC (under STCW).
- When a candidate has a valid PRC license but lacks a COC, MARINA issues the MARINA License for Master (MM) (Professional ID).
- When a candidate has a valid PRC license and COC, MARINA issues the MARINA License for Master (MM) (Professional ID), the Certificate of Competency for Master, and the Certificate of Endorsement relating to issuance of the COC (under STCW).
- When a candidate has an expired PRC license but lacks a COC, MARINA issues the MARINA License for Master (MM) (Professional ID) subject to applicable penalties.
- When a candidate has an expired COC, MARINA issues the Certificate of Competency for Master and the Certificate of Endorsement relating to issuance of the COC (under STCW).
- MARINA License validity is 5 years from the date of issuance.
- COC validity depends on compliance:
- For COCs fully compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments, validity is 5 years from date of issuance or until the validity of the COP with the shortest period of validity, but not later than the validity of the MARINA License.
- For COCs fully compliant with STCW 1995 Amendments (including partially compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments), validity continues until 31 December 2016.
- COE validity has the same period of validity as the COC.
- MARINA License renewal:
- The MARINA License is renewed at the same time as revalidation of the COC.
- A candidate seeking renewal of MARINA License only (without intention to revalidate the COC) must undergo CPE-MM, except if the candidate meets any of the following seagoing/administration/instructor activity thresholds:
- Approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months; or
- Approved service in the STCW Administration for not less than 6 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 5 months; or
- Experience as accredited Instructor, Supervisor or Assessor for an aggregate period of not less than 6 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months in an approved training program in an MTI or approved education and training program in an MHEI.
- Revalidation of Master COC:
- A holder of a valid Master COC revalidates at intervals not exceeding 5 years by proving continued professional competence through any of the listed competence proofs, including approved seagoing service, equivalent functions using recognized equivalency ratios (2 to 1 ratio for ashore vs seagoing), approved theoretical/practical reassessment, approved training programs allowed by the Administration, or approved seagoing service in a supernumerary capacity for not less than 3 months.
- Approved seagoing service for revalidation must total:
- 12 months during the preceding 5 years, or
- 3 months during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating.
- For equivalent functions established by the 2 to 1 ratio, the recognized equivalent functions include service in the STCW-related Administration, active Naval or Coast Guard Officer in the Philippines, accredited instructor/supervisor/assessor service in MTIs, roles in AETPs in MHEIs, sea or harbor pilot service, onboard instructor or assessor service, and other functions required by regulation to perform on land with an equivalent level of certificate or certificate of proficiency.
- A corresponding Certificate of Endorsement (COE) attesting issuance of the COC and related certificates is issued upon full compliance with all requirements of the STCW Convention.
Fees, related matters, and compliance controls
- The schedule of fees, penalties and fines is established through a separate circular.
- The mandatory minimum requirements for Master on tankers and passenger ships under Chapter V of the STCW Code (Special Training Requirements) are provided in a separate circular.
- MARINA does not accept applications with pending, conditional or partial “PASSED” results of examination or assessment conducted by any other government agency.
- In cases covered by the no-acceptance rule, the totality of the theoretical examination or practical assessment must be conducted under the MARINA system.
Transitory policy, repealing clause
- Upon effectivity of the Circular, MARINA issues Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages and corresponding COCs.
- From January 1, 2015 to December 29, 2016 only, MARINA continues converting PRC-issued Major Patron License and COC to Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages for candidates with a period of approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages:
- 12 months in total during the preceding 5 years, or
- 3 months in total during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating.
- From December 30, 2016 onwards, the conversion procedure is no longer allowed.
- All previous MARINA or other Philippine government agency issuances related to training and certification of Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages are superseded, repealed, or amended accordingly.