The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through its Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office, held an oathtaking ceremony for Marine Deck and Engine Officers yesterday, 28 July 2022, at the AMOSUP Convention Hall in Intramuros, Manila.

A total of 46 marine deck and engine officers were sworn into their official duties. For the Deck Department, there were 26 oathtakers comprising six (6) Master Mariners, two (2) Chief Mates, and eighteen Officers-In-Charge of a Navigational Watch (OIC-NW). As for the Engine Department, 20 maritime engineer officers comprising seven (7) Chief Engineer Officers, one (1) Second Engineer Officer, and twelve Officers-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch (OIC-EW) also took their oath.

As announced last month and with the easing of COVID19 restrictions, the MARINA will be conducting this oathtaking ceremony monthly. This is MARINA’s gesture in recognizing and signifying the official start of a maritime official’s commitment to his/her duties, responsibilities and obligations as a seafarer officer in charge of the safety of life at sea and the marine environment.

MARINA Administrator Atty. Hernani N. Fabia expressed his congratulations and reminded the merchant marine officers of their sworn duties to protect life at sea and the marine environment.

“You are not only representing yourselves but you are also representing the Philippines and the Filipino seafarers. Your actions, regardless how small you think it is, will have an impact on the image of the Filipino seafarer. So act with justice, give everyone his/her due, and observe good faith in all your endeavors,” Atty. Fabia said.

He ended his message with a note of appreciation to the STCW Office Executive Director, the BOE and the Examination and Assessment Division, for the hardwork and dedication to serve the seafarers.

The Administrator assures all the Filipino seafarers that MARINA will fulfill its duties and functions for the continued employability of competent Filipino seafarers around the world.

For more photos, click here.