Scope and Coverage
- Applies to Instructors and Assessors of courses governed by specific Chapters of the STCW Convention:
- Chapters II and III: Education and training regulations.
- Chapter IV: GOC for GMDSS.
- Chapter V: Special training for personnel on certain ship types.
- Chapter VI: Emergency safety, security, medical care, and survival functions.
Key Definitions
- Instructor: Authorized personnel conducting training and instruction.
- Assessor: Authorized personnel assessing competence per STCW standards.
- Maritime Training Institution: Authorized centers offering STCW-compliant maritime courses.
- Certificate of Accreditation: MARINA-issued document authorizing Instructors/Assessors.
General Provisions on Accreditation
- Mandatory MARINA accreditation for instructors and assessors handling specified courses.
- New applicants undergo written and oral exams/interviews before accreditation.
- Accredited personnel must display their MARINA-issued ID during activities.
- Valid certificates and IDs are required to authorize training/assessment.
- Accredited Instructors and Assessors can work at any accredited institution without separate approvals.
- Existing accredited personnel must undergo revalidation to maintain accreditation.
- MARINA maintains examiner panels and publishes accredited personnel lists online.
Specific Procedures and Requirements
- Existing accredited personnel may apply through liaison officers for revalidation.
- New applicants must submit documentary evidence per qualification standards.
- Passing documentary evaluation is prerequisite to examinations/interviews.
- Accreditation and ID issuance within 15 days after successful exams/interviews.
- Failed applicants may reapply after three months.
- Accreditation restricted to those who pass revalidation (existing) or exams/interviews (new).
Documentary Requirements
- Existing Applicants: Application letter, prior MARINA/MTC approval, fee payment.
- New Applicants: Application letter, certified copies of qualification documents, fee payment.
Fees and Charges
- Application and Examination Fee: PHP 500.00.
- Accreditation and ID Fee: PHP 500.00 for Instructors or Assessors; PHP 1,000.00 if both.
- Replacement fee for lost/damaged documents: PHP 500.00.
- Surcharge for expired certificates: PHP 500.00.
Validity and Renewal
- Accreditation Certificate and ID valid for five (5) years.
- Renewal applications must be filed at least six months before expiry.
Penalties for Violations
- False statements or fraudulent documents:
- First offense: PHP 5,000.00 fine.
- Subsequent offenses: PHP 10,000.00 fine.
- Certificates/IDs may be suspended or revoked for gross violations.
Transitory Provisions
- Existing instructors/assessors approved before circular recognized until December 31, 2013.
- After that date, only MARINA-issued valid certificates and IDs authorize training and assessment.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent prior issuances are superseded, amended, or repealed by this circular.
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect 15 days post-publication in a newspaper of general circulation.