Definitions and Scope
- Defines key terms including Commission (PRC), Board (Board of Marine Deck Officers), and the practice of the merchant marine profession.
- Covers merchant marine vessels strictly engaged in commerce and training.
- Defines different officer ranks from Master to Third Mate, and distinguishes management and operational levels.
- Clarifies types of certificates, endorsement, and other official documents.
Official Seal
- Describes the circular seal featuring anchors, ropes, Philippine flag, lighthouse, and symbolic colors representing the Board’s authority, unity, and profession.
Composition and Meetings of the Board
- Composed of a Chairman and four members appointed by the President from recommended nominees.
- Acts as a collegial body; decisions require quorum (3 members) and majority vote.
- Meetings held regularly twice a month, special meetings called when necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Board
- Chairman manages assignments, investigations, visitorial powers, and acts as the official spokesperson.
- Promulgation of decisions requires en banc meetings and Commission approval for effectiveness.
- Enforcement coordinated with Commission and law enforcement agencies.
- Interpretation on provisions and rules vested in the Board.
Application and Examination
- Applicants must file computerized application with required documents.
- Foreign graduates require endorsement from the Commission on Higher Education.
- Written and practical/oral exams aligned with the STCW Code standards.
- Licensure exams held at least four times yearly in Manila and other locations.
- Examination programs published 20 days before exams; full computerization implemented.
Qualification for Examination
- Filipino citizens at least 20 years old, with NBI clearance and medical fitness.
- Completion of approved education, training, and seagoing service per STCW requirements.
Licensure Examination Requirements
- Specifies requirements for various ranks including Master Mariner, Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Officers in Charge of Navigational Watch, and Masters on vessels under 500 GT.
- Includes education, seagoing service, and radio duties requirements per Radio Regulations.
Scope and Passing Grades for the Examination
- Covers Navigation, Maritime Laws, Collision Regulations, Ship Knowledge, Safety, Emergency Procedures.
- Passing grade: weighted general average of 70% overall with no subject below 60%.
- Practical/oral exams weighted 30% upon implementation.
Removal and Re-Examinations
- Removal exams available for subjects scored below 60% if general average is at least 70%.
- An applicant failing three times must wait one year before retaking exam.
Registration and Certification
- Successful examinees take oath, pay fees, and are registered in the Roll of Marine Deck Officers.
- Issuance of Certificate of Registration, Certificate of Competency, and Endorsement Certificate with specific validity and language provisions.
- Permanent registration number assigned.
- Maintenance of certificate registers and verification for authenticity.
Revalidation of Certificates
- Certificates must be revalidated every five years; includes medical fitness and continued professional competence.
- Refresher training required to upgrade 1978 STCW certificates to 1995 standard.
- New certificates issued upon revalidation.
Recognition of Foreign Certificates
- Foreign certificates meeting STCW standards may be endorsed for service on Philippine-registered ships.
- Verification measures and agreements to ensure compliance with training and certification standards.
- Record keeping of foreign officers issued endorsement certificates.
Administrative Proceedings and Disciplinary Actions
- Investigation and penalties for incompetency, fraud, negligence, violations of rules, ethical codes, or STCW provisions.
- Includes grounds such as fraudulent certification acquisition and illegal practices.
Quality Standards and Integration
- Board to establish quality standards subject to external audit.
- Integration of marine deck officers into one national accredited association.
- Code of Ethics prescribed by the integrated association adopted by the Board.
Transitory and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Continuing application of previous licensing provisions until January 31, 2002.
- Reports on school performance in examinations and recommendations for monitoring or phase-out.
- Application of PRC general rules to marine deck officers.
- Separability clause ensuring validity of remainder if any part declared invalid.
Repealing and Effectivity
- Repeals previous Board Resolution No. 1, series of 1999.
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in newspaper or Official Gazette.