Coverage
- Applicable to all shipping companies operating Philippine-registered seagoing ships engaged in international trade.
Definition of Terms
- Administration: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
- Ship: Philippine-registered seagoing ships engaged in international trade.
- Convention: 1978 STCW Convention as amended.
- PMMRR: Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations, latest edition and amendments.
- Safe Manning: Minimum number of officers and ratings onboard to safely operate the ship as prescribed in PMMRR.
General Provisions
- Responsibility of shipping companies to deploy only competent, properly certificated seafarers.
- Ensure crew members contribute knowledgeably to the safe operation of the ship.
- Guarantee watchkeeping personnel maintain a safe watch at all times.
- Ships must be fully manned by Filipino seafarers unless foreign seafarers are approved by the Administration.
- Copies of national maritime regulations to be placed onboard.
Company Responsibilities
A. Crew Certification
- Seafarers must hold appropriate and valid certificates as required by the Convention and Administration.
B. Crew Familiarization
- Newly employed seafarers must have sufficient time to familiarize with shipboard equipment and procedures.
- Provide necessary information and manuals in a language understandable to the crew.
- Captain must ensure all crew understand their duties.
- Ensure effective coordination during emergencies and safety-related functions.
C. Safe Manning
- Ship's manning must comply with PMMRR minimum requirements.
- Any reduction requires Administration approval.
D. Watchkeeping
- Provide watchkeeping personnel at least 10 hours rest per 24-hour period, divided into no more than two periods (one at least 6 hours long).
- The 10-hour rest may be reduced to 6 hours under strict conditions (drill, emergency, overriding unforeseen conditions), limited to 2 days, with at least 70 hours rest in any 7-day period.
- Watch schedules must be posted conspicuously.
- Comply with STCW Code Chapter VIII provisions on watchkeeping at sea and port.
E. Documentation
- Maintain and keep accessible seafarers’ documentation on training, medical fitness, experience, and competency.
Penalty and Sanctions
- Administrative fines imposed after hearing:
- First violation: P 15,000
- Second violation: P 25,000
- Third and subsequent violations: P 50,000
- If other regulations impose higher fines for the same violation, higher fine applies.
Repealing Clause
- Any inconsistent MARINA rules or orders are hereby repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- Circular to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Effectivity begins 15 days after publication.