In protecting personal information Avior is adhering to the stipulations as stated in  the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Please find below useful links ragarding the protection of your personal data

Website National Privacy Comission

The Data Privacy Act (RA10173)

Know your rights under the DPA

Things you need to know about STCW circulars, required sea service, clarification on licensure examinations for officers, required Certificate of Proficiency (COP) and clarification on the Management Level Course (MLC)

 

What is an STCW Circular?

• The STCW Circular is issued by MARINA by virtue of Republic Act No. 10635 and its current Implementing Rules and Regulations, which covers matters relating to ensure complete, effective and timely compliance with STCW requirements (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -01)

 

 

 

ON THE TRB and DAILY JOURNAL

 

What is a Daily Journal?

• Daily Journal is a documentation of activities undertaken during a BRIDGE or ENGINE ROOM watchkeeping duty. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

What is the legal basis of Daily Journal?

• Under the STCW Regulations II/1 and III/1 2.3 (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

Who are required to submit a Daily Journal?

• Candidates for conferment of BS-MT and BS-MarE  are mandatorily required to submit their Daily Journal. It is also a mandatory requirement for both STRUCTURED and UNSTRUCTURED program sea service. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

Who is responsible for the full and effective compliance of Daily Journal?

• The Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) are the ones responsible for the full and effective compliance of Daily Journal. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

How many days of watchkeeping duties is required?

• At least 180 days of watchkeeping duties or equivalent to six (6) months.
• The required number of days is not necessarily in consecutive order. Accumulated days are acceptable.
• A day of watchkeeping duty is equivalent to at maximum four (4) hours of duty. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

Is there a prescribed format?

• Yes, a sample format is annexed as 1 & 2 to STCW Circular No. 2014-02 & STCW Circular No.2016-01.
• Any notebook/logbook of an A5-size or larger, entries should be handwritten in English language.
• Paginated (page number) from 1 to 180 or more
• Each page is allotted for a day’s duty
• *Note: See Rule V of STCW Circular No. 2014-02 for SPECIFIC PROCEDURES (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

Is the Daily Journal a separate document from the Training Record Book?

• As per STCW Circular No. 2014-02, it is a separate document to be presented by the applicant. Until revoked or superseded, the separation of Daily Journal and the TRB shall continue to be implemented and enforced. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

What are the acceptable watchkeeping duties?

• For purposes of licensure exams, the Administration requires BRIDGE watchkeeping and ENGINE ROOM watchkeeping as the only acceptable watchkeeping duties. (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

Can I journal watchkeeping duties when the ship is at port or at bay?

• NO for bridge watckeeping
• YES for engine watchkeeping.
• *Note: The Daily Journal shall be mandatory by 01 January 2016 per STCW Advisory No. 2014-08 (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -02, STCW Circular No. 2016-01)

 

 

 

ON THE SEA SERVICE

 

What are ships to be boarded to qualify as valid sea service?

• For purposes of licensure, certification and revalidation, only commercial seagoing ships (e.g. MV/MT) will qualify for a sea service. Fishing vessels, war ships, patrol boats are not acceptable.

 

Is there a prescribed format for Sea Service?

• MARINA has no prescribed format for sea service. A company issued certificate is acceptable, indicating the date of embarkation and disembarkation, as reflected in the seafarer’s seaman’s book.
• MARINA will likewise require a photocopy of seaman’s book’s pages with entries.
• If necessary, MARINA may require additional documents to substantiate the Certificate issued by the company, such as but not limited to crew list and/or vessel profile

 

How many months do I need to present as valid sea service?

For purposes of REVALIDATION of Certificate of Proficiency or Certificate of Competency, the sea service requirement is at least 12 months within the last 5 years OR 3 months in the last 6 months immediately upon revalidating.

• For purposes of LICENSURE EXAMS (under MARINA):
  • 36 months as RATING for Operational Level (OIC) exams
  • 12 months as OIC for Chief Mate / Second Engineer
  • 36 months as OIC for Master / Chief Engineer
• For purposes of UPGRADING to MASTER/CHIEF ENGINEER without undergoing theoretical exams and practical assessment:
  • 24 months as CM/2E

 

For purposes of REVALIDATION, what other functions performed by the seafarer can be considered as equivalent to approved sea going service?

• Seafarers performing functions considered to be equivalent to approved sea going service are required to provide documentary evidence of service. A one (1) year service ASHORE in maritime industry is equated into six (6) months of sea going service.  The following functions are considered to be equivalent to seagoing service:

 

1. Service in the Administration, specific to STCW-related tasks;
2. Service as active Naval or Coast Guard Officer in the Philippines, under the Guidance in Section B-IX of the STCW Code;
3. Actual days of service as an Accredited Instructor, Supervisor or Assessor of Competence in an Approved Training Program (ATP) in an MTI;
4. Actual days of service as an Accredited Instructor, Member of the Faculty, Supervisor, Dean, Shipboard Training Officer or Assessor of Competence for an Approved Education and Training Program (AETP) in an MHEI;
5. Actual period of sea service as Sea or Harbor Pilot;
6. Service as onboard instructor or assessor of competence;
7. Other such functions which required by regulation, an equivalent level of certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency, to perform while service on land.

 

 

 

ON LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS

 

What do I need to know about licensure exams?

• A candidate may choose how many competencies he/she will take in one sitting.
• See list of competencies annexed to the following:
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 08  (OIC – NW)
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 09 (OIC-EW)
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 10 (Chief Mate)
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 11 (Second Engineer)
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 12 (Master)
  • STCW Circular No. 2014 – 13 (Chief Engineer)
• You need two years to complete / pass all the competencies. Failure to complete within the two-year period means that those competencies that received a “passed” mark beyond 2 years shall expire, and shall be re-examined accordingly.
• The cost of exams is the same for the first sitting and the subsequent resit/s.
• Take note of 3-1, 3-2 and 3-3 Rules:

 

3-1 Rule	Failure in three or more competencies in one sitting shall not be allowed to apply for re-sit within a     one month period(for Management Level)
3-2 Rule	Failure in three or more competencies in one sitting shall not be allowed to apply for re-sit within a     one month period (for Operational level)
3-3 Rule	A candidate who fails in a particular competence for 3 times shall not be allowed to apply for   re-sit in such a competence, until upon showing proof of: approved seagoing service for a period of not less than 3 months, with a certification from the ship’s master that the candidate has undergone on board experience relating to that particular competence; OR successful completion of an approved training or refresher program relating to that particular competence.

 

 

Does MARINA accredit review centers?

• MARINA does not accredit review centers or any institution to conduct review or tutorial.

 

Will MARINA produce a reviewer?

• No, but MARINA will publish questions at the beginning of each year.
• Only 20% of the question bank are subject to review by the boards.

 

Is there an expiry of training on ARPA and ECDIS?

• There is NO EXPIRATION DATE on ARPA and ECDIS.

 

I took training on ARPA and ECDIS in college and these are reflected in my Transcript of Records (TOR). Will MARINA recognize these trainings?

• Yes, MARINA will recognize training on ARPA and ECDIS.

 

 

ON CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY (COP)

 

What are the required trainings for the issuance of Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for NEW SEAFARERS in accordance with the 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention?

• Please see the list as Annex A of STCW Circular No. 2014-06, copy or which may be accessed / downloaded through this link: Click Here

 

What are the required trainings for the issuance of Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for EXISTING SEAFARERS in accordance with the 2010 Manila amendments to the STCW Convention?

• Please see the list as Annex B of STCW Circular No. 2014-06, copy or which may be accessed / downloaded through this link: Click Here

 

What are the COPs which do not expire?

1. Medical First Aid (MeFA) Regulation VI/4-1
2. Medical Care (MeCa) Regulation VI/4-2
3. Ship Security Officer (SSO) Regulation VI/5
4. Seafarers with Designated Security Duties (SDSD) and Ship Security Awareness (SSA) Regulation VI/6
5. Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch Regulation II/4
6. Ratings Forming Part of a Watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine – room Regulation III/4
7. Able Seafarer Deck Regulation II/5
8. Able Seafarer Engine Regulation III/5
9. FOR SUPPORT LEVEL: Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (STCW 2010) (BTOCTCO). Regulation V/1-1-1
10. FOR SUPPORT LEVEL: Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (STCW 2010) (BTLGTCO) Regulation V/1-2-1
11. Electro Technical Rating (ETR) Regulation III/7
12. Crowd Management Regulation V/2-4

The Certificate of Completion issued by the training center will meet the requirements of the specific regulation, hence COP is NOT REQUIRED for the following training:

1. Safety training for personnel providing direct service to passenger spaces Regulation V/2-5
2. Crisis Management and Human Behavior Regulation V/2-6
3. Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety and Hull Integrity Regulation V/2-7 (Reference: STCW Circular No. 2014 -06)

 

 

 

ON MANAGEMENT LEVEL COURSE (MLC)

 

How do I know what kind of MLC should I take?

• If you are an officer at management level certified under the 1995 amendments, with a sea service of at least 12 months in the past five (5) years OR three (3) months in the last six (6) months, you only need to undergo the MLC Upadating Course
• If you are an officer at operational level (OIC) and you wish to undergo assessment leading towards Management level, then you need to undergo the full course. (Reference: MARINA Circular No. 2014-01)

A brief explanation of The STCW 2010 Manila Ammendments.

(For the Complete STCW guide for Seafarers (ITF)  Click Here)
(For the ISF brochure on the STCW-2010 Manila ammendments Click Here)

 

The entire STCW convention and code was significantly amended in 1995 and again in 2010 which is also referred to as "The 2010 Manila Amendments". While STCW convention was created to standardize the Maritime Profession internationally, these new amendments were necessary to keep training standards in line with new technological and operational requirements that require new shipboard competencies. The Manila Amendments came into effect as of 1 January 2012 with transition period until 1 Jan 2017 where by that time all seafarers must have been trained and certified in accordance with the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. 

 

Amongst the amendments adopted, there are a number of important changes to each chapter of the Convention and Code, including:

> Improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certificates of competency and strengthen the evaluation process (monitoring of Parties' compliance with the Convention);

> Revised requirements on hours of work and rest and new requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, as well as updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers;

> New grades of certification requirements for able seafarers deck and engine;

>New requirements relating to training in modern technology such as electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS);

> New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork;

> New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers;

> Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers;

> New requirements for security training, as well as provisions to ensure that seafarers are properly trained to cope if their ship comes under attack by pirates;

> Additional medical standards

> New updated training and refresher requirements.

> Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web-based learning;

> New training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters; and

> New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic Positioning Systems.

 

How do those changes affect you?

In addition to the newly introduced proficiency requirements for seafarers, this also mean that all trainings and competences under the 1995 STCW convention and code which were updated in the 2010 Manila Amendments will now then be required to be refreshed and updated to make it in line with the new STCW as amended.

As part of the improved measures to prevent fraudulent practices associated with certification of seafarers, the STCW Convention set the standard for certification and documentary evidence requirement which authorize the holder (seafarers) in certain functions onboard ships. Certification issued for the capacity as Masters and Officers, including certification for GOC for GMDSS are referred to as “Certificate of Competency” (COC). This certification then need to be “Endorsed” (Endorsement Certificate (EC)) by an administration (i.e. Philippines, Liberia, Dutch) to attest recognition of the certificate issued by another country which is a Party and compliant to STCW and authorize the holder (seafarer) to serve onboard their ships in that capacity. Except for the certification for Masters and officers to serve on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers where certification may be CE, COC or COP; such other functions on board ships required for a seafarer these certifications are referred to as “Certificate of Proficiency” (COP). These functions may be required for revalidation every five years.

 

To simplify the presentation of the list of certificates or documentary evidence required under STCW Convention, refer to below table which also makes references to the relevant regulations and the requirements for endorsement, registration and revalidation as described in Table B-I/2 of the STCW Code.

 

Regulations	Type of certificate and brief description	Endorsement attesting recognition of a certificate1	Registration required2	Revalidation of certificate­­­3
II/1, II/2, II/3, III/1, III/2, III/3, III/6, IV/2, VII/2	Certificate of Competency – For masters, officers and GMDSS radio operators	YES	YES	YES
II/4, III/4, VII/2	Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings duly certified to be a part of a navigational or engine-room watch	NO	YES	NO
II/5, III/5, III/7, VII/2	Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings duly certified as able seafarer deck, able seafarer engine or electro-technical rating	NO	YES	NO
V/1-1, V/1-2	Certificate of Proficiency or endorsement to a Certificate of Competency – For masters and officers on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers	YES	YES	YES
V/1-1, V/1-2	Certificate of Proficiency – For ratings on oil, chemical or liquefied gas tankers	NO	YES	NO
V/2	Documentary evidence – Training for masters, officers, ratings and other personnel serving on passenger ships	NO	NO	NO4
VI/1	Certificate of Proficiency5 – Basic training	NO	YES	YES6
VI/2	Certificate of Proficiency5 – Survival craft, rescue boats and fast rescue boats	NO	YES	YES6
VI/3	Certificate of Proficiency5 – Advanced fire fighting	NO	YES	YES6
VI/4	Certificate of Proficiency5 – Medical first aid and medical care	NO	YES	NO
VI/5	Certificate of Proficiency – Ship security officer	NO	YES	NO
VI/6	Certificate of Proficiency7 – Security awareness training or security training for seafarers with designated security duties	NO	YES	NO

 

1Endorsement attesting recognition of a certificate means endorsement in accordance with regulation I/2, par. 7.

2Registration required means as part of register or registers in accordance with regulation I/2, paragraph 14.

3Revalidation of a certificate means establishing continued professional competence in accordance with regulation I/11 or maintaining the required standards of competence in accordance with sections A-VI/1 to A-VI/3, as applicable.

4 As required by regulation V/2, paragraph 3, seafarers who have completed training in “crowd management”, “crisis management and human behavior” or “passenger safety, cargo safety and hull integrity” shall at intervals of not exceeding five years undertake appropriate refresher training or to provide evidence of having achieved the required standards of competence within the previous five years.

5 The certificates of competency issued in accordance with regulation II/1, II/2, II/3, III/1, III/2, III/3, III/6 and VII/2 include the proficiency requirements in “basic training”, “survival craft and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats”, “advanced fire fighting”, and “medical first aid”; therefore, holders of mentioned certificates of competency are not required to carry Certificates of Proficiency in respect of those competences of chapter VI.

6 In accordance with sections A-VI/2, A-VI/2 and A-VI/3, seafarers shall provide evidence of having maintained the required standards of competence every five years.

7 Where security awareness training or training in designated security duties is not included in the qualification for the certificate to be issued.

MLC-2006 CONVENTION

(Full text version MLC-2006 can be downloaded from LINKS & DOWNLOADS)

 

The Maritime Labour Convention of 2006 (MLC, 2006) which is also referred to as the Seafarer’s Bill of rights and came into force per Aug 20, 2013. It consolidated numerous ILO conventions, concerning workforce for the martime industry, into one comprehensive Convention. This become the fourth pillar of the international maritime regulatory regime alongside SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW conveitions.

 

The contents of the MLC, 2006 Convention:

 

TITLE-1 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEAFARERS TO WORK ON A SHIP
To ensure that
1.1 no under-age persons work on a ship
1.2 all Seafarers are medically fit to perform their duties at sea
1.3 Seafarers are trained or qualified to carry out their duties on board ship
1.4 Seafarers have access to an efficient and well-regulated seafarer recruitment and placement system

TITLE-2 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
To ensure that Seafarers:
2.1 have a fair employment agreement
2.2 are paid for their services
2.3 have regulated hours of work and rest
2.4 have adequate leave
2.5 are able to return home
2.6 are compensated when a ship is lost or has foundered
2.7 work on board ships with sufficient personnel for the safe, efficient and secure operation of the ship
2.8 Career and skills development and employment opportunities are promoted

TITLE-3 ACCOMMODATION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, FOOD AND CATERING
To ensure that Seafarers have,
3.1 decent accommodation and recreational facilities on board
3.2 access to good quality food/drinking water provided under regulated hygienic conditions

TITLE-4 HEALTH PROTECTION, MEDICAL CARE, WELFARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY PROTECTIONTo ensure that Seafarers,
4.1 health is protected and ensure their prompt access to medical care on board ship and ashore
4.2 are protected from the financial consequences of sickness, injury or death during employment
4.3 work environment on board promotes occupational safety and health
4.4 have access to shore based facilities and services to secure their health and well being
4.5 are provided with access to social security protection

TITLE-5 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
5.1 Flag State Responsibilities incl 5.1.5 on board complaint procedure.
5.2 Port State responsibilities incl 5.2.2 on shore Seafarer complaint-handling procedures
5.3 Labour supplying responsibilities

5.1.5 SEAFARER’S COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 

Among which are some significant provisions of the MLC, 2006 briefly explained  below:

SEAFARER'S RIGHTS
Some of the rights or protections that are defined in the Convention are.
>Collection of “Placement fees” from Seafarer illegal (this was already illegal in the Philippines)
>Other costs involved in placement to be published. (all other costs are published on notice board and you will receive overview prior signing)
>Seafarer to be informed about rights, duties, conditions and policies prior signing contract. (Your fleetmanager or crewing assistant will explain and you will be given time to read and ask questions before signing the contract)
>Privacy of  Seafarer personal details. (All Avior staff sign a confidentiality clause in which they undertake not to release any of your personal data to 3rd parties. Your personal file is locked away when not in use)
>Formal Grievance Procedure established for Seafarer in case of unresolved complaints on board.(If you have a genuine complaint this should first be raised with your superior or head of department onboard. If after this grievances remain unresolved there is a standard grievance procedure available on board to raise this).

 

MLC-2006 MASTER’S ROLE

>Master or person authorized by him shall maintain and sign records of seafarers ‘daily hours of work/rest’. Each Seafarer shall endorse his personal copy.
>Master’s obligation to carry out on board inspections to ensure accommodation areas and recreational facilities are safe and in hygienic condition.
>Conduct/oversee regular inspections of galley, storerooms, provisions and equipment for handling  and preparation of food.
>Results of inspections to be recorded and kept for inspection
>Should be familiar with the requirements and responsibilities under MLC-2006

 

How will Seafarer’s complaints be handled?
>Via mandatory on board complaint procedure, the Seafarer will be able to lodge a complaint about alleged breached of MLC-2006 requirements (incl Seafarer’s rights)
>The convention emphasize that complaints, in the first instance should be resolved at the lowest level possible, Seafarers have the right ot complain directly to the Master and if necessary to appropriate external authorities identified by the flag state.
>The intention is to find a mechanism to resolve differences on board without involving external parties and cause unnecessary delays and unrest.

GOC FOR GMDSS

Assessment, revalidation, and issuance of GMDSS radio operator’s certification under STCW Convention remains with National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) until assumed by the STCW Administration of MARINA. For guidelines in the examination, payment, issuance and renewal of GOC visit Click Here

MARINA

has started its online application system for doucmentation and processing of seafarers documentation and concerns. Application-appointment may only be done online. For online application and further information Click Here

CHIEF COOK AND CATERING SERVICES

Chief cook training and qualification is not part of STCW. But recognizing that they are important and key personnel on board ship, Regulation 3.2 of the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC, 2006) outlined the requirements for seafarer’s food and catering, more particularly so the specific training and qualification of ship’s cook. Among other requirements under laws and regulation of the ratifying country, the convention further specified inclusion of important proficiencies for chief cooks that covers practical cookery, food and personal hygiene, food storage, stock control, and environmental protection and catering health and safety. To comply with MLC, 2006, DOLE issued mandatory training for the catering staff . For details Click Here

For implementing guidelines for training of catering department by TESDA, Click Here
For a checklist of requirements prescribed by TESDA for issuance of COC for Catering Services, Click Here

SCHOLARSHIP TRAINING

OWWA sponsors Seafarers and their family for any training depending on the length of service as OFW. This is under the OWWA Seafarer's Upgrading Program (SUP), for more information visit Click Here

APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT

Philippine passport is filed at the Department of Foreign Affairs main office at Roxas Boulevard corner Libertad, Pasay City or at any of its Regional Consular Offices. Application may only be done online. For online application and further information Click Here

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS)

Every seafarer must have a Social Security System (SSS) ID as required by the Philippine Government. Membership of Seafarers is under Employed Overseas Contract Worker. You can register online to monitor and update yourself with your contribution to SSS by signing up as member. You may be required to have an email address and provide any RECEIPT NO. found on the RS5 Receipt Form of SSS paid at least 6 months prior to the current date or any 13-digit SS Employer ID (last Manning Agency) where you worked for at least six month. For more details Click Here

PHILIPPINE HEALTH INSURANCE CORPORATION (PHILHEALTH)

Every seafarer must have a PhilHealth ID. OFW’s have special arrangement as Self-Employed but Sea Based OFWs (Seafarers) membership belongs to Employed. For more information Click Here

NBI CLEARANCE

The NBI clearance is one of the requirements to file for a Visa. Apply at the NBI Clearance Center (Carriedo Plaza, Carriedo cor Estero Cegado Sts. Sta. Cruz, Manila) or at any NBI satellite offices, NBI Regional / District Offices and NBI Kiosk nationwide. Good news! You can now apply NBI clearance online! To learn more how to apply, Click Here then to apply Click Here

MARRIAGE AND BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Birth Certificates are requested from The Office of the Civil Registrar General of the National Statistics Office. You may apply personally or for your convenience, the agency is accepting online applications. Payments are made via credit card or through BDO or Union banks. For more details Click Here