Republic of the Philippines
Department of Transportation and Communications
MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY

MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2013-01
Series of 2012TO:

SUBJECT :ALL MARITIME TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, MARITIME INDUSTRYSTAKEHOLDERS AND OTHER ENTITIES CONCERNEDRULES ON THE INSPECTIONMARITIME TRAINING COURSESAND

ACCREDITATIONOF

Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 474, Executive Order No. 125/ 125-A, Executive
Order No. 75 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and the 1978
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping(STCW), as amended, the following rules shall be adopted:
I.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To prescribe policies, procedures and minimum requirements in the inspection
and accreditation of training courses offered by the maritime training institutions(MTIs);
2. To adopt the provisions of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, with regard
to training and assessment of seafarers;
3. To ensure the delivery of a quality maritime programs/ courses; and,4. To fully comply with the 1978 International Convention on STCW, as amended.

II. COVERAGE:
This Circular shall apply to the inspection and accreditation of training courses
offered by Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs), both government and private, as
required under the following Chapters of the STCW Convention:
a. Chapters II and III - Relevant regulations covering the approved education andtraining;
b. Chapter IV – GOC for GMDSS;
c. Chapter V – Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships;
andd. Chapter VI – Emergency occupational safety, security, medical care, and survival
functions.
III. DEFINITION OF TERMS:
For the purpose of this Circular, the following terms shall be defined as follows:
1. Administration or STCW Administration – shall refer to the Department ofTransportation and Communications (DOTC), through the Maritime Industry
Authority (MARINA), as the single government agency mandated to implement
and enforce the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended.
2. Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) – shall refer to the duly establishedinstitutions, public or private, duly authorized by the Administration to offer
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maritime training courses in accordance with the 1978 STCW Convention, as
amended and the applicable laws, rules and regulations.
3. Certificate of Course Accreditation – shall refer to the document issued by the
Administration to a maritime training institution that has complied with all therequirements for accreditation of a maritime training course.
4. Quality Standards System – shall refer to the documented policies,
procedures, controls and internal quality assurance system, relating but notlimited to training, assessment of competence and revalidation activities,
designed to ensure the achievement of defined objectives of the training coursein accordance with the requirements of the STCW Convention.
5. STCW Convention – shall refer to the International Convention on Standards ofTraining, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers of 1978 (1978 STCW
Convention), as amended and its associated Code.
6. Training Completion and Record of Assessment (TCROA) – shall refer to theprescribed document where the name of trainees who have completed thetraining course and the outcome of their assessment are recorded as certified by
the qualified assessor and training director of an accredited Maritime Training
Institutions.
7. Training Course – shall refer to the series of lessons composed of component
modules to teach an individual the skills, knowledge and proficiency to acquire
the required competences and be certified in accordance with the 1978 STCW
Convention, as amended.
IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS:
1. Only MTIs with accredited training course(s) specified in Item II of this Circularshall conduct training and assessment of seafarers.
2. Instructors, Assessors and Supervisors of MTIs shall meet the qualification
standards as required by MARINA. Said qualification standards shall be
distributed to all MTIs accordingly. Only instructors and assessors approved/
authorized by MARINA shall conduct training and assessment, respectively.
3. The Certificate of Course Accreditation granted by MARINA shall cover the
training and assessment systems of MTIs.
4. The written assessment shall be conducted in the training center, while thepractical assessment of competence for the issuance of the Certificate ofProficiency (COP) shall be conducted at the training site where the required
assessment equipment are located.
5. Assessors of the MTIs shall implement accordingly the required minimum
standard of competencies as specified in the STCW Code.
6. Certificates of Completion issued by the MTIs to trainees who completed thetraining course(s) shall be in accordance with the format as specified in Annex 1.
7. All training and assessment processes and procedures undertaken by the MTIs
should be in accordance with their Quality Standards System (QSS).
8. MTIs whose Certificate of Course Accreditation has expired and have not beenrenewed within the prescribed period shall desist from conducting training andassessment of seafarers/ trainees. Likewise, MTI whose Certificate of Course

Page 2 of 11Accreditation has been suspended shall desist from conducting training andassessment of seafarers/ trainees during the period of suspension.
9. Standard Processing Time (SPT) for the issuance of the Certificate of Course
Accreditation or Notice of Deficiency(ies) shall be five (5) working days after theinspection.
V.

ACCREDITATION OF MARITIME TRAINING COURSES:
A. Documentary Requirements
1. Pre-requisites for Accreditation - The MTIs shall file its application at the
MARINA for any course specified using the following forms available in the
STCW Office:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Form 1- Letter of Application under Oath
Form 2 - Self Assessment of Compliance to Course Program
Form 3 – Qualification of Instructors, Assessors and Training Director
Form 4 – Inventory of Training Equipment
Form 5 – Inventory of Teaching Aids/ References
Form 6 – Checklist for the Administrative Requirements such as:• SEC registration and Articles of Incorporation and By-laws forcompanies or DTI registration certificate for single proprietors (Fornew applicant only). The MARINA should be notified accordingly ifthere are any changes in the Registration Certificate• For existing companies/ single proprietors establishing for a branch, aBoard Resolution for SEC-registered institutions or an appropriate
document signed by the proprietor shall be required• Proof of building ownership or lease contract of not less than three (3)years• Safety Occupancy Certificates and updated Fire Safe Clearance• Affidavit of Undertaking for Group Insurance Scheme for all trainees• Location Plan of lecture and practical training site
• Center Floor Plan (office, classroom, practical training, library plus
facilities, etc)
• Accessibility to medical services• Employment Contract of Instructors, Assessors and Training Director
g. Form 9 – Training Completion and Records of Assessment (TCROA)
Report Form for the course being applied
2. The applicant MTI is also required to present to MARINA its Quality
Standards System (QSS) Manual and Assessment System Manual during
inspection.
3. Upon compliance with the pre-evaluation requirements, the MTI shall be
notified by the STCW Office on the date of inspection of facilities andvalidation of documents. In case of deficiencies, the MTI shall be notified
accordingly.
The MTI concerned must rectify any deficiency(ies) noted during theinspection and shall submit a compliance report on the rectifications madewithin thirty (30) days from receipt of the Notice of Deficiency(ies) to the
STCW Office. Such report shall be verified and validated through a reinspection. The failure of the MTI concerned to rectify any deficiency andto submit compliance report within the prescribed period shall be a basis
for the denial of the application for accreditation.
Should the applicant MTI be found deficient after the re-inspection, theapplication shall be denied.
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An application that has been denied may only be re-filed after six months
from the date of communication of such denial.

B. Schedule of Fees and Charges
1. The application for course accreditation shall be submitted and shall bereceived by the STCW Office only after payment of the required fees asfollows:
 Filing Fee-

P1,000.00 per course

 Inspection/ Re-inspection Fee• Within 10 km radius fromwork station• Beyond 10 km radius-

P1,000.00 per course
P1,000.00 + P50/ km in
Excess of 10 km radius

2. The MTI shall pay the required Accreditation Fee(s) based on the
Schedule of Fees as specified in Annex 2.
C. Issuance and Validity of the Certificate of Course Accreditation
Certificate of Course Accreditation valid for three (3) years shall be issued by
the MARINA STCW Office provided the following has been complied with by
the MTIs:
1. Inspected and complied with the standard requirements;
2. Paid the required Accreditation Fees; and3. The Quality Standard System is certified by an independent Certifying
Body.
D. Renewal of Certificate of Program Accreditation
1. Application for renewal of Certificate of Course Accreditation shall be filed
at least six (6) months before the expiration of the original certificate.
2. The Certificate of Course Accreditation may be renewed, provided thefollowing requirements have been complied:a. The MTIs maintain its compliance with prescribed standards;
b. All deficiencies found during the unannounced inspection or monitoring
have been corrected;
c. The QSS is maintained and the latest audit report is presented during
inspection to the MARINA STCW Office Inspection Team;d. The MTI has no pending case filed by MARINA or any entities
pertaining to the conduct of training and assessment of trainees/seafarers on a particular course; ande. Required fees have been paid.
E. Grounds for the Suspension/ Revocation/ Cancellation of a Certificate of
Course Accreditation
A Certificate of Course Accreditation may be suspended/ revoked/ cancelled,
after due process, due to any of the following reasons:Page 4 of 111. METI’s failure to maintain compliance with any of the training, course andadministrative requirements herein provided;
2. Failure to correct and implement appropriate corrective actions for any
non-conformity identified during monitoring audit by the STCW Office; or,
3. Any violation of the provisions of this Circular and other issuances of the
STCW Administration committed by the MTI concerned.
The procedure for the investigation of violation/s and the imposition of theappropriate penalty shall be subject to the rules and guidelines issued by the
Administration.
F. Responsibilities of MTIs with Approved/ Accredited Training Courses
Concerned MTIs shall:
1. Abide with all lawful instructions, orders or directives of the MARINA;
2. Ensure that only those Instructors and Assessors approved by MARINA
shall conduct training and assessment, respectively;
3. Conduct training
MARINA;and assessment only at the venue approved by the

4. Ensure that its implementation of training and assessment activities is inaccord with training rules and regulations formulated and enforced by the
MARINA STCW Office.
5. Allow entry of announced or unannounced inspection/ monitoring activities
by the inspectorate provided they show the proper written authority;
6. Inform the MARINA of any agreement entered into with any maritime
school or training vessel operator on the conduct of accredited training
courses and submit a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The
MOA should be consistent with the existing MARINA policies;
7. Ensure the safety and security of the trainees during the conduct oftraining programs;
8. Ensure that trainees are physically and medically fit prior to taking of
hazardous/strenuous training courses. (e.g. fire fighting, personal survival
courses and other shipboard training programs);
9.

Ensure that training in any course shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day.
In case of holidays, the MTIs can be allowed to extend two (2) hours;

10. Submit Incident/ Accident report involving any trainee during training dates
within three (3) working days;
11. Establish a small billboard or poster in a conspicuous place of the MTIs
indicating the Certificate(s) of Course Accreditation and the name of theauthorized Instructors and Assessors. In the classrooms, the MTIs shallalso post a Notice indicating that, “This classroom can only accommodatea maximum of 24 students at any given time. Violations may be reported
to MARINA.” together with the identity of the instructor handling aparticular class.
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12. Submit to the MARINA STCW Office the following reports:
a. Enrolment Report on or before the start of the training using theprescribed Form;b. TCROA Report, Course Completion Report and Copy of Certificatesissued within 3 days after the date of Assessment;c. Incident/ Accident Report involving any trainee/ seafarer, 3 days after
the occurrence;d. Findings of external auditors; ande. Attendance of briefing or orientation that the MARINA may conduct, if
necessary.
VI. INSPECTION OF MARITIME TRAINING COURSES:The MARINA Inspection Team shall be guided by the following requirements
covering the field inspection, the training system, the assessment system andthe certificated QSS of the MTIs.
1. Field inspection shall be conducted by a MARINA Inspection Teamauthorized under a Special Order to verify compliance with all the prerequisites and specific key areas and criteria. It shall involve inspection,
testing of equipment, interview of personnel and checking of necessary
documents. All deficiencies found by the team shall be recorded inaccordance with the procedures prescribed by MARINA.
2. Pre-qualified supervisors, instructors and assessors specified and listed underForm 3 must be present during actual inspection.
3. Responsible official/s of the MTI shall be present during the post inspection
meeting to formally acknowledge the findings of the inspection
VII. REQUIRED SYSTEMS FOR ACCREDITATION OF MARITIME TRAINING
COURSES:A. Training System
The following key areas and criteria/ requirements shall be complied with inconducting training. Policies, procedures and controls shall be established foreach area which shall be part of the Quality Standards System (QSS) of theMTI.
1. Implementation of the Approved Training Courses
All trainings shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the
STCW Convention, as amended. It is therefore essential that MTI musthave a copy of the STCW Convention as amended and the relevant IMO
model courses. The objectives of the course program as stated in the
IMO model course or STCW Office developed curriculum shall be strictly
followed. The knowledge, understanding and skills which are required in
the STCW Code shall be identified and incorporated into the course
framework of the relevant IMO Model Course.
For a program involving simulator-based training, the provision ofRegulation I/12 and Section A-I/12 must be fully considered, particularly
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the requirement on training procedures and the qualifications of instructors
and assessors.
2. Qualification of Training Supervisors, Instructors and Assessors
All training supervisors, instructors and assessors who are responsible in
the implementation of the particular course program shall be qualified inaccordance with the requirements prescribed in Annex 1. MTIs must haveprograms to continuously update the competence and qualifications ofthese supervisors, instructors and assessors. Every training center shallbe required to have at least one (1) Training Supervisor, one (1) Assessor
and one (1) Instructor for each training courses.
However, training
centers should take note that an instructor cannot conduct theassessment of his own class for purposes of certification.
3. Delivery of Instructions
Instructors shall follow the prescribed course timetable, detailed teachingsyllabus and lesson plan/ instructor’s guide for each particular program,and take into account the Instructor’s Manual and the Guidance in the
Implementation of IMO Model courses, as appropriate.
4. Entry Standards
The entry standards as prescribed in the training courses shall be met by
the intended trainees.
5. Course Intake Limitations
Trainees shall not exceed 24 per class but not more than 6 in each groupduring practical training.
6. Classrooms
Classrooms shall be at least 42 sq. m., preferably 6 m. by 7 m. andequipped with necessary and required facilities.
7. Training Equipment
The training equipment listed in the approved checklists shall be available
and in working condition. Equipment other than those specified may beallowed provided they will serve the purpose in achieving the training
objective.
8. Textbooks and Teaching Aids
The required textbooks and teaching aid prescribed in the training courses
shall be available; the teaching aid shall include the necessarycompetency tables or syllabi in the STCW Code. Substitution of textbooks
may be allowed provided they serve the same purpose. Original copies oftextbooks should be made available during inspection.
B. Assessment System
1. The MTI is required to have an Assessment Manual using the following
key elements as guide:
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a. Scope and Coverage - definitions of the following:• Assessee• Assessor• Passing Candidate• Failure Candidate• Training Certificates• Retraining of Candidates• Candidates with Incomplete Requirementsb. Assessment Instrument – policy and procedures on the delivery of thefollowing:• Written Test
• Practical Test
• Type of Written Test (Multiple choice, essay, etc.)• Course Intake Limitation during Practical Test
• Conduct of Assessment• Validation of the Assessment Instrument including updating ofquestionnairesc. Staff Development - policy and procedures in the hiring, recruitment,
designation and training of Assessors.
d. Facilities and Equipment - policy and procedures in the use andmaintenance of facilities and equipment required for assessment.
e. Training Completion and Records of Assessment Reports (TCROA) policy and procedures in accomplishing, approving, certifying andsubmitting of TCROA which shall include personnel and otheradministrative arrangement.
f. Payment of Fees - policy and procedures for the payment of fees oftrainees.
g. Monitoring and Evaluation – policy and procedures to be observed
when undergoing verification and evaluation by the MARINA
Assessors.
h. Audit Reports - policy and procedures regarding audit reports.
2. All assessors of MTIs conducting assessment of knowledge,
understanding and competence of trainees/ seafarers required under thisCircular shall meet the requirements prescribed in Annex 1.
3. MTIs may designate class instructor to act as assessor provided that thefollowing requirements are complied with:a. The class instructor shall meet the qualification requirement forassessor;b. Such arrangement shall be documented in the quality manual andappropriate methods and procedures are provided to ensure that an
instructor can perform his duties as assessor; andc. The instructor/ assessor shall not assess the trainees in his class.

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4. Trainees who have completed a training program and have passed therequired minimum standards of competencies as specified in the STCW
Code shall be issued a Certificate of Completion.
5. The MTIs shall ensure that all trainees enrolled in a particular training
program, both who passed and failed in the training course, shall be
included in the TCROA report. Likewise, those trainees who passed theassessment shall have paid the required certification fee; otherwise, said
TCROA shall not be accepted by the MARINA STCW Office. Proof of
payment shall be attached to the TCROA.
6. Accredited MTIs shall also be allowed to accept trainees for assessment
whose training was conducted by other accredited MTIs provided that thetraining has been completed within the period of five (5) years.
7. Qualifications of Assessors - all assessors of MTIs should have thefollowing qualification requirements:
a. He/ She should be fully knowledgeable on the standards ofcompetence specified in the competence table of the STCW Code forwhich they are designated assessor/s (e.g. an assessor in fire
prevention and fire fighting must be able to apply in practical terms the
specification of minimum standard of competence in Table A-VI/1-2 ofthe STCW Code;b. He/ She should be fully knowledgeable on the general and specificlearning objectives of courses which do not have the appropriatecompetency tables in the STCW Code, and to use such objectives as
the criteria in evaluating the ability of the seafarer to perform thespecified task with due regard to safety; andc. He/ She should be fully aware that his or her action to certify that a
trainee has achieved the required level of competence in a particulartask, function, and responsibility has a far reaching effect in the
integrity of the documents issued under the Convention.
8. Guidelines in Assessing the Trainees/ Seafarers
a. The knowledge, understanding and proficiency of each trainee/
seafarer shall be assessed against those specified in the competencetable or the objectives of the training courses;
b. Trainees/ Seafarers shall only be issued a passing mark if they haveclearly demonstrated the abilities, skills, and competence required;c. The assessment of competence shall consist of the written andpractical test involving knowledge and understanding anddemonstration of skill or proficiency. A careful choice should be madein the type or method of the examination available. Strict attention shallbe paid to the security of the test which will not be compromised in anyway;
d. Written examination shall be conducted after completion of eachcourse topic or at the end of the training course. The practicaldemonstration of skill or proficiency shall make use of equipment or
facilities required for the course;
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e. The assessment covered by specific competence tables in the STCW
Code shall be strictly conducted in accordance with specifications
therein;f. All assessment conducted shall be documented in accordance with theattached Training Completion and Record of Assessment (TCROA)
which shall be accomplished by the designated assessor.
C. Quality Standards System (QSS)
1. The MTIs shall establish a quality system to ensure the achievement ofobjectives of the course programs, the acquisition of knowledge,
understanding and skills appropriate to the examination andassessment required under the Convention, including the qualificationof Instructors, Assessors and Supervisors.
2. The QSS shall contain elements regarding institutional policies,
management responsibilities, systems and procedures, control function,internal quality review and arrangement for external evaluation.
3. The QSS shall be evaluated at least once a year by a recognizedcertifying body which shall verify and/or certify that:a. The QSS addresses compliance of all the requirements of thespecific key area and criteria set out in the Training and Assessment
System of this Circular;b. All internal management control and monitoring measures andfollow-up actions comply with planned arrangements anddocumented procedures and are effective in ensuring achievementof the defined objectives;c. The result of each external evaluation are documented and brought
to the attention of the responsible officials of the MTI; andd. Timely action is taken to correct the deficiencies.
4. The verification or certification by the certifying body shall be acceptedby the MARINA STCW Office as one of the basis in issuing theCertificate of Accreditation.
5. All QSS should be documented in a Quality Manual as specified in
Section B-1/8, Paragraph 7 of the STCW Code, to wit:a. The mission statement of the institution;b. Details of academic and training strategies in use;c. An organization chart and information on the composition ofcommittees and advisory bodies;d. Staff and student information;e. A description of training facilities and equipment; andf. An outline of the policies and procedures, which shall be posted asmuch as practicable or made available to the trainees/students uponenrollment, on:• Student admission;• The development of new courses and review of existing courses;• The examination system, including appeals and resits;
Page 10 of 11•••

Staff recruitment, training, development, appraisal
promotion;
Feedback from students and from industry; andStaff involvement in research and development.

andVIII. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS:
1. Certificates of Program Accreditation issued by the then Maritime Training
Council (MTC) to MTIs conducting and offering maritime training courses
pursuant to Resolution No. 05, Series of 2010 shall remain valid until the dateof expiration.
2. Thereafter, the accreditation of all maritime training courses shall be inaccordance with the rules, policies and standards provided for under thisMARINA Circular.
IX.

REPEALING CLAUSE:
The Maritime Training Council (MTC) Resolution No. 5, Series of 2010, MTC
Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2011 and all other issuances that areinconsistent with the provisions of this MARINA Circular are hereby superseded,
repealed or amended accordingly.

X.

EFFECTIVITY:This MARINA Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication oncein a newspaper of general circulation.
Manila, Philippines, December 13, 2012.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD(Signed)ATTY. NICASIO A. CONTI
Officer-In-Charge

Secretary’s Certificate
This is to certify that MARINA Circular No. _____________ wasapproved by the MARINA Board of Directors during its Regular Meetingon _______________.

(SIGNED)ATTY. VIRGILIO B. CALAG
Acting Corporate Board Secretary

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