1.         Purpose. This Memorandum Circular shall provide guidelines and instruction in the uniform assessment of competence of seafarers and the issuance of training certificates in accordance with the above-cited specific provisions of Resolution No. 03, s. 1998.

2.         Definition of Terms

2.1       Convention - refers to the 1978 STCW Convention as amended;

2.2       STCW - means the Seafarers ™ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code as adopted by the 1995 Conference Resolution 2, as it may be amended;

2.3       Standard of Competence - the level of proficiency to be achieved for the proper performance of functions on board ship in accordance with the internationally agreed criteria as set forth in the STCW Code and incorporating prescribed standards or levels of knowledge, understanding and demonstrated skills;

2.4       Competence Table - refers to the tables in the STCW Code that sets out the standard of competence and identify the individual element of competence, associated knowledge, understanding and proficiency required, the methods and criteria to be used in evaluating competence;

2.5       Evaluation Criteria - the entries appearing in column 4 of the œspecification of Minimum Standard of Competence  tables in Part A of the STCW Code which provide the means for an assessor to determine whether or not a candidate can perform the related tasks, duties and responsibilities;

2.6       Methods of demonstrating competence - the entries appearing in column 3 of the œSpecification of Minimum Standard of Competence  tables which specifies the methods to be used in assessing competence;

2.7       Knowledge, understanding & proficiency - the entries appearing in column 2 of the competency table which are required to be achieved for a candidate to be able to carry out the required tasks, duties and responsibilities of the job;

2.8       Resolution No. 03, s. 1998 - refers to MTC Resolution on the œRevised Standards and Procedures in the Accreditation and Monitoring of Course Programmes  conducted by the Maritime Training Centers;

2.9       Annex 1 - refers to Annex 1 of the MTC Resolution No. 03, s. 1998 which specifies the standard of training and assessment;

2.10    Annex 2 - refers to Annex 2 of the MTC Resolution No. 03, s. 1998 which prescribes the qualification requirements for instructors, assessors and supervisors.

3.         General Provisions

3.1       All assessors in training centers conducting assessment of knowledge, understanding and competence of seafarers as required in Resolution No. 03, s. 1998 shall meet the requirements prescribed in Annex 2 therein;

3.2       Training centers may designate class instructors to act as assessors provided that the following requirements are complied with:

3.2.1 The class instructor shall meet the qualification requirement for assessors;

3.2.2 Such arrangements shall be documented in the quality manual and appropriate methods and procedures are provided to ensure that an instructor can perform his duties as assessor.

3.2.3 The instructor/assessor shall not assess the trainees in his class.

3.3       No seafarer enrolled in a particular class shall be issued a training certificate unless he has been properly assessed and found having met the standard of competence specified in Annex 1 of Resolution No. 03, s. 1998;

3.4       Training certificates shall bear the signature of the authorized official of the Training Center and the designated assessor who conducted the assessment and attested by the Maritime Training Council Secretariat.

4.         Qualifications and Responsibilities of Assessors. All assessors in training centers shall:

4.1       be fully knowledgeable of the standards of competence specified in the competence table of the STCW Code for which he is the designated assessor ; (e.g. an assessor in fire prevention and fire fighting must be able to apply in practical terms the specification of minimum standard of competence in Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code;

4.2       be fully knowledgeable of the general and specific learning objectives of courses which do not have the appropriate competency tables in the STCW Code, and to use such objectives as the criteria in evaluating the ability of the seafarer to perform the specified task with due regard to safety;

4.3       be fully aware that his or her action to certify that a seafarer has achieved the required level of competence in a particular task, function and responsibility has a far reaching effect in the integrity of the documents issued under the convention.

5.         Guidelines in Assessment

5.1       The knowledge, understanding and proficiency of each candidate shall be assessed against those specified in the competence table or the objectives of the course program;

5.2       Candidates shall only be issued a passing mark if they have clearly demonstrated the abilities, skills and competence required;

5.3       The assessment of competence shall consist of the written test involving knowledge and understanding and practical demonstration of skill or proficiency. A careful choice should be made in the type or method of the examination available. Strict attention shall be paid to the security of the test which will not be compromised in any way;

5.4       Written examination shall be conducted after completion of each course topic or at the end of the course program. The practical demonstration of skill or proficiency shall make use of equipment or facilities required for the course;

5.5       The assessment covered by specific competence tables in the STCW Code, shall be strictly conducted in accordance with specification therein;

5.6       All assessment conducted shall be documented in accordance with the attached Record of Assessment which will be accomplished by the designated assessor.

6.         Issuance of Training Certificates

6.1       Training certificates shall only be issued to those who have achieved the prescribed knowledge, understanding and competence as specified in ANNEX 1 of Resolution No. 03, s. 1998;

6.2       The training certificate shall be accomplished using herein attached prescribed form;

6.3       Subject to the guidelines to be further issued by the Maritime Training Council Secretariat, training certificates issued by training centers with accreditation/authority under Resolution No. 03, s. 1998 before the effectivity of this Memorandum Circular shall be replaced by the new form, provided that assessment has been conducted accordingly. Replacement of certificates shall be properly documented and reported to the Secretariat within five (5) working days from the date of replacement.

6.4       Training certificates shall bear the signature of the authorized official of the Training Center and the designated assessor who conducted the assessment and attested by the Maritime Training Council Secretariat

7.         Other Requirements. Training centers shall :

7.1       submit the list of its designated assessor per course and to notify the MTC Secretariat immediately of any changes thereof;

7.2       communicate problems encountered in the implementation of this Memorandum Circular to the MTC Secretariat for appropriate action;

7.3       submit a report on seafarers assessed and issued the corresponding training certificates in accordance with MC No. 7, s. 1999.

7.4       ensure that existing procedures of the training centers with regards to assessment of seafarers are adjusted to conform to this Memorandum Circular and should be reflected in its Quality Manual.

7.5       require all the designated assessor to attend to an orientation on the assessment of procedures and the implementation of the Record of Assessment before actual assessment is done.

8.         Effectivity. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 05 April 2000

(SGD.) LORNA O. FAJARDO
Executive Director