Regulation I/10 on Recognition and Endorsement of Certificates
- Permits recognition of certificates issued by other Parties through endorsement.
- Recognition contingent upon thorough confirmation that standards of competence, issuance, endorsement, and record-keeping comply fully.
- Recognition may be withdrawn if compliance is not maintained.
Bilateral Agreements and Role of EMSA
- The Philippines maintains bilateral agreements on certificate recognition with at least 12 EU Member States.
- Oversight, including assessment and inspection of institutions, delegated to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
- EMSA’s role includes evaluating quality standards, instructor qualifications, and training facilities.
EMSA’s Findings and Deficiencies in Philippine Maritime Schools
- EMSA identified various deficiencies during 2006 initial and 2010 follow-up inspections.
- Deficiencies related to quality standards, instructor qualifications, and status of facilities and equipment.
Non-Compliance of Philippine Maritime Institute (PMI)
- PMI Colleges Manila and Quezon City campuses failed to adequately address deficiencies noted by EMSA.
- Consequent risk of revocation of recognition of Philippine-issued certificates by EU Member States.
- Such withdrawal would negatively impact employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers internationally.
CHED’s Closure Order and Legal Proceedings
- CHED issued a closure order preventing PMI from offering B.S. Marine Transportation and B.S. Marine Engineering programs due to non-compliance with CHED minimum standards and STCW requirements.
- PMI sought a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the closure, which was denied by the Regional Trial Court due to lack of clear right and insufficient showing of irreparable damage outweighing harm to international reputation.
Maritime Training Council’s Support for CHED’s Closure Order
- The Maritime Training Council officially supports CHED’s decision.
- Emphasizes adherence to the Philippine Government’s commitment to the European Commission to prevent non-compliant maritime institutions from conducting education and training.
- Closure is deemed necessary until all identified deficiencies are corrected to maintain international certificate recognition.
Institutional Endorsements and Authority Representation
- The Resolution is endorsed by principal government bodies: Department of Labor and Employment; Office of the President; Department of Foreign Affairs; Professional Regulation Commission; Commission on Higher Education; Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; Philippine Coast Guard; Maritime Industry Authority.
- Signatories demonstrate multi-agency collaboration in addressing maritime educational standards and international compliance.
Legal and Policy Implications
- Reinforces the primacy of compliance with international maritime standards in domestic maritime education.
- Highlights consequences of non-compliance, including legal closure of programs and loss of international certificate recognition.
- Affirms judicial respect for regulatory and institutional decisions aimed at upholding international commitments and protecting national maritime workforce interests.