MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Recognizing the role of MTIs and ACs as indispensable partners in implementing training and assessment requirements as mandated under the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued Advisory No. 2021-01, which lifts the moratorium or the temporary prohibition on the acceptance of applications for the approval of Maritime Training Courses and Assessment Centers.

The lifting is in accordance with the Presidential Decree 474, Republic Act. No. 10635 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, as well as the study conducted by the Agency.

The issued Advisory No. 2021-01 expressly repeals STCW Advisory No. 2017-16, entitled “Moratorium on the Approval of Maritime Training Courses” and thus, lifting the moratorium on the accreditation of maritime training courses. Existing and newly formed Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) that intend to offer programs or courses shall be required to comply with the requirements prescribed in Annex B of the aforementioned Advisory.

Aside from MTIs, MARINA, through the said Advisory, also lifts the moratorium on the accreditation of assessment centers (ACs). In effect, the aforementioned Advisory expressly repeals STCW Advisory No. 2018-02, entitled, “Standards for Mandatory Training Courses Under the STCW Convention, 1978, as Amended.” Hence. existing and newly formed ACs that intend to offer assessment of competency shall be required to comply with the requirements prescribed in Annex B of the aforementioned Advisory.

In addition, MTIs and ACS that intend to offer programs or courses and assessment of competency shall likewise comply with the existing MARINA circulars, policies, rules and regulations in the accreditation of Maritime Training Programs or Courses, and Assessment of Competency.

MARINA reminds the concerned MTIs and ACs that submission of fraudulent or fake documents or usage of cloned, imitation, or pirated equipment and simulators shall be ground for disapproval of the application for accreditation.

Submissions must be done electronically through cloud or Google Drive, or by sending it to [email protected]. Inquiries and other concerns may also be addressed through the same email.

Lastly, MARINA assures the public that it continuously commits to produce globally competitive seafarers by maintaining the quality of maritime education and training in the country despite the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

For further information, MARINA Advisory No. 2021-01 may be viewed here.