Republic of the Philippines fe
House of Representatives

Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 4592

Introduced by Representative Khymer Adan T. Olaso

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to allow seafarers, manning agencies or shipping
companies to renew or revalidate online the certificates of competency and
proficiency of seafarers on board a vessel, amending for the purpose Republic
Act (RA) No. 10635, entitled “An Act Establishing the Maritime Industry
Authority (MARINA) as the Single Maritime Administration Responsible for the
Implementation and Enforcement of the 1978 International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as
amended, and International Agreements or Covenants Related Thereto.”

One of the policies under RA 10635 provides that: “The State recognizes
the vital contribution of the seafarers to the national economy. Toward this end,
the State shall establish systems and mechanisms for the promotion and
protection of the well-being of the seafarers to ensure their professionalism and
competitiveness, both in local and international trade, consistent with existing

local labor laws and applicable international laws.”

Certificates of competency and proficiency entitle seafarers to perform
their maritime functions and serve as proof of their qualifications and
compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The issuance and revalidation of
these documents are regulated by MARINA through various memorandum
circulars and administrative issuances.


Under Section 4(c) of RA 10635, the powers and functions of different
regulatory agencies relative to the issuance, validation, verification, correction,
revocation or cancellation of certificates of competency, endorsement,
proficiency and documentary evidence required of all seafarers and all such
other matters pertaining to the implementation of the STCW Convention were
assumed by MARINA. Pursuant to this section, MARINA issued memorandum
circulars that allow crewing agencies or shipping companies to file for the
processing of the revalidation of certificates of competency and proficiency of
their seafarers who are serving on board a vessel with extended contracts.
However, these memorandum circulars are not permanent in nature and may, at
any time, be cancelled or revoked.

With the advent of more advanced technological infrastructure, it is
likewise high time to allow the seafarers, manning agencies, and shipping
companies to renew or revalidate certificates of competency and proficiency
online.

The passage of this proposed bill will ensure that Filipino seafarers will
always have a way to conveniently establish their qualifications and
competencies while on board a vessel, allowing them to continue their seagoing
functions without the burden of unwarranted administrative restrictions.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly
sought,

oS

'YMER ADAN T. OLASO
presentative
1¥ District, Zamboanga City


ay aunauwne

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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 4592 _

Introduced by Representative Khymer Adan T. Olaso

AN ACT

ALLOWING THE SEAFARERS, MANNING AGENCIES OR
SHIPPING COMPANIES TO RENEW OR REVALIDATE ONLINE
THE CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AND PROFICIENCY OF
SEAFARERS ON BOARD A VESSEL, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10635, ENTITLED “AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA)
AS THE SINGLE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION RESPONSIBLE FOR
THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE 1978
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING,
CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, AS
AMENDED, AND INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS OR COVENANTS
RELATED THERETO”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 4 of Republic Act 10635 is amended to read as
follows:
“SEC. 4. Powers and Functions of the MARINA. — In
addition to the mandate of the MARINA under Presidential Decree
No. 474, as amended, and in order to carry out the provisions of
this Act, the MARINA shall exercise the following powers and

functions:


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“(a) xxx

“(b) xxx

“Sox

“(D) ALLOW SEAFARERS, MANNING AGENCIES

OR SHIPPING COMPANIES TO PROCESS THE

RENEWAL OR REVALIDATION OF THE CERTIFICATES

OF COMPETENCY OR PROFICIENCY OF SEAFARERS

WHO ARE SERVING ON BOARD A VESSEL AND WHOSE

CONTRACTS ARE EXTENDED, THROUGH THE USE OF

THE LATEST ONLINE APPLICATIONS OR

MECHANISMS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND

COMMUNICATIONS.”

SEC. 2. All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby amended,
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,