Republic of the Philippines
Department of Transportation and Communications
MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY
STCW OFFICESTCW Circular No. 2015-08

TO:ALL SEAFARERS, MARITIME INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS, MARITIMEHIGHEREDUCATIONINSTITUTIONS,MARITIMETRAINING
INSTITUTIONS, PORT STATE CONTROL, AND OTHER ENTITIES AND
INDIVIDUALS CONCERNEDSUBJECT: MANDATORY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING,EXAMINATION, ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION OF RATINGSFORMING PART OF A WATCH IN A MANNED ENGINE-ROOM ORDESIGNATED TO PERFORM DUTIES IN A PERIODICALLY UNMANNEDENGINE-ROOM ON A SEAGOING SHIP POWERED BY MAINPROPULSION OF 750 kW PROPULSION POWER OR MORE

Pursuant to Republic Act 10635 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping(STCW), as amended, the following rules shall be adopted:

1.

OBJECTIVES

1.1

To prescribe standards and procedures in full compliance with the requirements ofSTCW Regulation II/4 for mandatory minimum requirements for education, training,
examination, assessment, and certification of a Rating forming part of a watch in amanned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmannedengine-room;

1.2

To streamline the requirements ensuring that all candidates for Rating forming partof a watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in aperiodically unmanned engine-room are adequately equipped and are in fullcompliance with the requirements of STCW, as amended.

2.

COVERAGE

This circular shall cover education, training, examination and assessment of candidates
for certification of Rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or designatedto perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room.

3.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of this Circular, in addition to the terms defined under STCW Circular No.
2014-01 and other relevant STCW circulars, the following terms shall be defined asfollows:.1“Ratings” means a member of the ship’s crew other than the master or anofficer;.2“Candidate” refers to any individual who intends to undergo assessment ofcompetence to qualify for certification as a rating forming part of a watch in amanned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodicallyunmanned engine-room;.3“Approved training record book” refers the training record book (TRB) for a
candidate for certification as ratings forming part of a watch in a mannedengine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmannedengine-room, approved by the Administration;.4“Approved education and training program” refers to the education andtraining program as approved by the Administration for the purpose ofqualifying Rating forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room ordesignated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room;.5“Continued professional competence” refers to the state of maintainingprofessional competence as established by any of the modes prescribed bySection A-1/11 of the STCW Code.

.6“Continuing Professional Education for RFPEW” (CPE-RFPEW) refers theapproved educational program for a candidate seeking renewal of MARINA
ID only, but with no intention of seeking revalidation of COC under theSTCW Convention;.7“Certificate of Proficiency” means a certificate, other than a certificate ofcompetency issued to a seafarer, stating that the relevant requirements oftraining, competencies or seagoing service in the Convention have beenmet; and.8“MARINA ID” refers the seafarer’s identity card issued by MARINA toseafarer.

4.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OFPROFICIENCY (C.O.P.) FOR RATINGS FORMING PART OF A WATCH IN A
MANNED ENGINE-ROOM OR DESIGNATED TO PERFORM DUTIES IN APERIODICALLY UNMANNED ENGINE-ROOM

4.1

Every candidate for assessment of competence as RFPEW shall meet the standardof competence by passing the Practical assessment (Annex IX);

4.2

The candidate for certification shall also submit proof of approved seagoing service
on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion
power or more, the latest of which is not beyond 5 years ago, for a period of notless than 2 months;

4.3

The approved seagoing service, training and experience shall be associated withengine-room watchkeeping functions and involve the performance of duties carriedout under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer officer or a qualified rating;
and

4.3

The candidate may complete the above requirements separately, independently,and in any order;

5.

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT.1

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION

Every candidate for practical assessment as ratings forming part of a watch in amanned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmannedengine-room shall submit:

.2

.1.1

Birth Certificate showing that that candidate is not less than 16 yearsof age;

.1.2

Certificate of Completion of Training from an accredited MTI, orTranscript of records with S.O. Number from an accredited MHEI, as
proof of successful completion of the approved education and training
program that meets the standard of competence specified in Section
A-III/4 of the STCW Code, or as otherwise approved by theAdministration.

PROCEDURES FOR PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT.2.1

Prior to taking the practical assessment:.2.1.1 submit all the Specific Requirements under Section 5.1 to:.2.1.1.1

STCW online system for uploading documents;
and.2.1.1.2
the Examination and Assessment Division (EAD)
of STCW Office of MARINA in Manila; or.2.1.1.3
EAD’s counterpart in any MARINA Regional
Office; or.2.1.1.4
Approved Assessment Center;.2.1.2 secure an online appointment number, date and time, thenproceed to EAD/ACs on the given schedule, with all the original
documents;.2.13 after verification of validity and authenticity of Specific
Requirements, complete the form “Application for PracticalAssessment” and indicate the particular competences that thecandidate intends to take assessment;.2.1.4 pay the corresponding examination fee, which shall be a fixedamount each time the candidate sits for the assessment,
whether taken in full, partially, or re-sit;.2.1.5 register in the Seafarers’ Certification System;.2.1.6 secure a schedule from the EAD/ACs; and.2.1.7 proceed to the examination at the scheduled venue and time;.2.2

During the examination:.2.2.1 report to the assessment venue at least 30 minutes prior toschedule;.2.2.2 follow the instructions of the authorized MARINA personnel oraccredited assessor;.2.2.3 take the assessment only for the competences indicated;.2.2.4 complete the examination in every competence indicated within
the time allowed; and.2.2.5 not leave the assessment premises until after taking theassessment, as scheduled;.2.3

After taking the assessment:.2.3.1 secure his ratings in the various competences;.2.3.2 note the competences with a failing mark, if any; and.2.3.3 schedule for re-sit, if necessary; or.2.3.4 schedule other competences not yet taken, if necessary;.2.3.5 secure “certificate as ratings under training” after successfulpassing.

.3

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING OF THE PRACTICALASSESSMENT
For successfully passing and completing the practical assessment, thefollowing shall be complied with:
.3.1
.3.2

.3.3
.3.4

.3.5

The candidate shall pass all the competences within a period notexceeding 2 years (24 months) (see Annex IX);
If the candidate fails to complete all the competences within the 2year period, those that received a “PASSED” mark beyond 2 years
shall expire, and shall be re-examined accordingly;
The candidate may choose as many competences as he intends totake in one sitting;
However, a candidate who fails in 3 or more competences in one
sitting shall not be allowed to apply for re-sit within a 1-month period(“The 3-1 Rule”); andA candidate who fails in a particular competence for 3 times, shall not
be allowed to apply for re-sit in such competence, until upon showing
proof of:.3.5.1 approved seagoing service for a period of not less than 1month, with a certification from the ship’s master that thecandidate has undergone on board experience relating to thatparticular competence (“The 3-1 Rule”); or.3.5.2 successful completion of an approved training or refresher
program relating to that particular competence, taken after thethird failure;

6.

APPROVED EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM.1

APPROVED TRAINING PROGRAM.1.1

The approved training programs contained under Annex I provide theminimum training requirements and the general framework whichshall serve as guide for MTIs in designing their own training program,consisting of a course framework, outline and timetable, mapping andcourse assessment and other training materials needed to facilitate
learning.

.1.2

Pursuant to regulation I/6 and Section A-I/6 of STCW ’78, as
amended, MTIs shall ensure that trainings are designed andstructured in accordance with written programs, methods and media
of delivery, procedures and course materials as are necessary toachieve the prescribed standards of competence under the said
convention. They shall also ensure that Instructors and Assessors
who are responsible for the training and assessment of competenceof participant candidates in these training programs, respectively,including those responsible for our supervision thereof, areappropriately qualified in accordance with the existing qualification
standards prescribed by MARINA and the MTI’s own quality policies
and procedures.
.1.3

.2

MTIs shall offer and conduct such training programs only after thenecessary approval has been granted by MARINA.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.2.1

MTIs shall come up with its own design and structure of training
program as contained under the annexes of this circular.

.2.2

The said training program shall consist of the following minimum
components:.2,2.1 Course Framework;.2.2.2 Course Outline and Time table;.2.2.3 Course Syllabus;.2.2.4 Instructor’s Guide; and.2.2.5 Course Assessment.

.2.3

The ATP shall have a minimum number of hours as provided underAnnex III – Part B Course outline and Time table, excluding the timeneeded for assessment of competence of trainees thereof.

.2.4

The number of training hours are the minimum and maybe increased
as necessary to cover topics(s) relevant to achieve the prescribedstandards of competence appropriate to corresponding regulations
under the STCW ’78 Convention.

.2.5

The MTI shall determine and set the number of hours needed for
lecture and for practical training/exercises for the approved training
program it intends to offer, based on the specific standards ofCompetence, Knowledge, Understanding and Proficiency (KUP), andthe Criteria for Evaluating Competence under corresponding tables ofSTCW Code.

.2.6

The MTI/MHEIs shall ensure that the candidate shall, upon enrolment,
provide a Valid Medical Certificate, which shall not be more than 2years from the date of issuance, from DOH-accredited medical
clinic/hospital with QSS in place, in accordance with Regulation I/9 ofthe STCW Convention.

.3Instructor, Assessor and Supervisor.3.1

MTI’s offering the ATP provided under herein shall have thefollowing for each training program:.3.1.1 Training Supervisor;.3.1.2 minimum of two (2) Instructors; and.3.1.3 minimum of one (1) Assessor.

.4

.5

.3.2

The Supervisor shall meet the qualifications standards as provided
under MARINA STCW Circular No. 2014-04.

.3.3

A list of Instructors, Assessors and Supervisor shall be provided assubmitted in support of the MTI’s application for approval of theATP intended to be offered using the Accreditation Form No. 3,provided as Annex IV.

Facilities and Equipment –.4.1

The MTI shall provide at least one (1) theoretical classroom for each
ATP it intends to offer. The classroom shall be equipped withmultimedia overhead projector, a computer set, white board andnecessary paraphernalia, as well as other facilities and fixturesneeded. This does not however prevent MTIs from utilizing additionalteaching facilities.

.4.2

MTIs shall provide its own training equipment, as provided underAnnex II Part A - Course Framework of Annexes of this Circular.
The training equipment prescribed under the said Annexes are theminimum and does not restrain them to use additional equipmentthat can help achieve the prescribed standards of competence under
the STCW ’78 Convention, as amended. They shall ensure that thetraining equipment and simulators in laboratories and simulator
rooms, respectively, is set-up in such a way that each trainee shallhave sufficient exposure to use them during training andassessments.

.4.3

A list of Training Facilities and Equipment to be used shall beprovided and submitted in support of the MTI’s application forapproval of the Updating Training it intends to offer using theAccreditation Form No. 4, provided as Annex V.

Textbooks and Other References, Videos and Other Teaching Aids –.5.1

It shall be the responsibility of the MTIs to determine and select thetextbooks and other references, videos and teaching aids that will
be used in designing, structuring and effective delivery of the ATPthey intend to offer..5.2

.6

The list of textbooks and other references, videos and teachingaids to be used shall be provided and submitted in support of theMTI’s application for approval of the ATP it intends to offer using
the Accreditation Form No. 5 as provided under MARINA CircularNo. 2013 – 01, provided as Annex VI.

Administrative Requirements
The MTI shall comply with all the Administrative Requirements asprovided under MARINA Circular No. 2013 – 01, as amended, including
those listed in Accreditation Form No. 6, provided as Annex VII.

.7

Quality Standards System (QSS)
The MTI shall have a documented Quality Standards System (QSS) asrequired under Regulation I/8 – Quality Standards of the STCW ’78Convention, amended. The QSS shall cover all relevant systems, processes
and procedures and shall be duly certified by an independent Certifying
Body, to ensure the achievement of defined objectives, standards ofcompetence, and knowledge, understanding and proficiency prescribedunder the STCW ’78 Convention, as amended.

.8Assessment System
The MTI must have a documented system for assessment following therules under Item VII. B of MARINA Circular No. 2013-01, as amended, inrelation to Section A-I/6 of the STCW Code.

.9

Approval of the Training Program
The approval and implementation of above-mentioned Training Programs
shall follow the rules as provided under MARINA Circular No. 2013-01, asamended.

.10

Completion of the Training Program.10.1 Trainees, who have successfully completed the approved training
programs mentioned above and passed the examination andassessment thereof, shall be issued a Certificate of Completion for
the ATP duly completed.
.10.2 The format of such certificate shall be in accordance with Annex VIII,as provided under this Circular.

.11

Candidates who have undergone the Enhanced Support Level Program
Candidates who have undergone an approved Enhanced Support Level
Program may have met the provisions of Section 5.1.2, as approved by theadministration, and shall comply with other requirements prior to certification.

7.

DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE ADMINISTRATION
For a candidate who has completed all the requirements under specific sections ofthis circular:

8.

9.

.1

Certificate of ratings under training;.2

MARINA ID for RFPNW on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more,
upon issuance of Certificate of Proficiency for ratings; and.2

Certificate of Proficiency for RFPEW on a seagoing ship powered by main
propulsion of 500 gross tonnage or more (under STCW).

VALIDITY OF ID AND CERTIFICATES.1

MARINA ID shall be valid for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance.

.2

COP for RFPNW shall have no expiration.

RENEWAL OF MARINA ID.1

The MARINA ID shall be renewed;.2

The Candidate seeking renewal of MARINA ID shall undergo the approved
CPE-RFPNW, except if the candidate:.2.1

approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to thecertificate held, for a period of at least:.2.1.1 twelve months in total during the preceeding five years; or.2.1.2 three months in total during the preceeding six months
immediately prior to revalidating; or.2.2

has approved service in the STCW Administration for a period of notless than not less than 6 months in the last 5 years; or.2.3

has experience as accredited instructor, supervisor or assessor in an
approved training program in a MTI or MHEI for a period of not lessthan 6 months in the last 5 years.

10.

SCHEDULE OF FEES, PENALTIES AND FINES

The schedule of fees, penalties and fines shall be provided in a separate circular.

11.

12.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.1

The mandatory minimum requirements on tankers and passenger ships
under Chapter V of the STCW Code (Special Training Requirements) shallbe provided in a separate circular;.2

The Administration shall not accept applications with pending, conditional orpartial “PASSED” results of examination or assessment. In such cases, thetotality of the examination and assessment of competence, shall beconducted under the system of MARINA;.3

The period of validity of any Certificate issued by the Administration shall bein conformance with the standards and guidance set out under the STCW,
as amended.

PENALTY CLAUSE

Any violation of the provisions of this Circular and other related MARINA issuances
shall be governed and sanctioned by the provisions of the IRR for RA 10635 andMARINA Circular No. 2013 – 05 including any amendment or addendum thereof, as
may be promulgated by the Administration.

13.

REPEALING CLAUSE

Any provision of existing MARINA and STCW circulars, rules and regulations, or of
any other Philippine government agency related to education, training, examination,assessment, licensing and certification of rating forming part of a navigational watch
on a seagoing ship of 500 gross tonnage or more, which are contrary or
inconsistent with this circular are hereby superseded, repealed or amended
accordingly.