1.         Background. MTC Resolution No. 09, s. 1999 was adopted to implement the requirements of Regulation VI/1 of the 1995 amendment to the STCW Convention and Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code on Basic Safety Training.

The above Resolution aims to achieve full and complete compliance to the requirements on Basic Safety Training before 1 February 2002 and ensure continuous employment of the Filipino Seafarers.

In adopting the above Resolution, the Council took into account the clarifications made by the IMO in Annex 1 of STCW 7/Cir. 1 dated 24 September 1996. Paragraph 2.2 of Annex 1 of the said IMO circular concerning the implementation of Regulations VI/11 states that:

œTaking account of the large number of seafarers involved, particularly with regard to those who commenced sea service before 1 February 1997, Administrations are recommended to treat each case on its merits and should, in doing so, take full account of the standards of competence in Section A-VI/1-2. 

In this connection, to facilitate the prompt, efficient and smooth transition in the issuance of the necessary documentary evidence in compliance to Regulation VI/1 of the STCW Convention, as amended, the herein guidelines are issued to govern the issuance of training certificates by the National Assessment Center in accordance with the subject Resolution.

2.         Issuance of Certificates in accordance with MTC Resolution No. 09, s. 1999 . Certificates shall be issued by the National Assessment Center to those who have achieved the prescribed knowledge, understanding and competence under Section A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code.

3.         Procedures to be followed when issuing a certificate pursuant to Resolution No. 09, s. 1999

3.1       For seafarers who have undergone training in Basic Safety Course before 1 February 1997 and have served on board ship not less than 500GRT/750 KW for at least 12 months within the last 5 years;

Documentary Requirements - the seafarers must present the following documents:

3.1.1 Accomplished application form;

3.1.2 Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB);

3.1.3 Training certificates issued by a training center before 1 February 1997 on Basic Fire Fighting, Personal Survival and First Aid at sea duly authenticated for service on board seagoing ship;

3.1.4 Certificate of Completion of a training course in Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities conducted by a training center duly accredited by the MTC;

3.1.5 Proof of sea service showing that the seafarer has served on board a seagoing vessel of 500GRT/750 KW or more for at least 12 months within the last 5 years from the date of application;

3.2       Assessment of competence

3.2.1 The assessor shall examine and assess the documents presented showing attendance to a training course in Basic Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities which were taken from an authorized training institution. The documents shall be accepted if they satisfy the following criteria:

a.         No alterations / no erasures

b.         Endorsed or authenticated either by Philippine Coast Guard or MARINA previously.

3.2.2 The proof of sea service shall be verified by means of any two of the following:

a.         Certificate of Sea Service issued by Manning Agencies/Local Shipping Companies. A certification that the ship, which the seafarer has is covered by an ISM Management Certificate or a certification that the seafarer while on board regularly undergoes safety drill and training.

b.         Certificate of Sea Service issued by Master for Officers as provided under R.A. 8544

c.         Certificate issued by the POEA attesting to seafarers employment overseas.

d.         Embarkation/Disembarkation certificates issued by flag state authority.

Compliance with the above requirement shall be considered as evidence of required competence for the issuance of the 1995 certificate in Basic Safety.

3.3       Seafarers who have undergone training in the four (4) Basic Safety Courses after February 1, 1997 but before the full implementation of MTC Resolution No. 3, Series of 1998 shall be qualified for the 1995 certificate provided they comply with the following documentary requirements:

3.3.1 Accomplished application form;

3.3.2 Seafarers ™ Identification and Record Book (SIRB);

3.3.3 Certificate of completion of the four (4) Basic Safety Courses, provided that training was conducted by an accredited training center;

3.3.4 Proof of sea service showing that the seafarer has served on board ships of 500 GRT/750 KW or more for at least 12 months within the last 5 years from the date of application for the use of a 1995 STCW training certificate.

3.4       Criteria for assessing competence of Seafarers falling under 3.3:

3.4.1 Seafarers with at least 12 months of sea service. The assessor shall examine and assess the documents presented showing attendance to a training course in Basic Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Emergency First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities which were taken from an authorized training institution. The documents shall be accepted if they satisfy the following criteria:

a.         No alterations / no erasures;

b.         Endorsed or authenticated either by Philippine Coast Guard or MARINA previously.

3.4.2 The proof of sea service shall be verified by means of any two of the following:

a.         Certificate of Sea Service issued by Manning Agencies/Local Shipping Companies. A certification that the ship, which the seafarer has served, is covered by an ISM Safety Management Certificate or a certification that the seafarer while on board regularly undergoes safety drill and training;

b.         Certificate of Sea Service issued by the Master for Officers as provided under R.A. 8544;

c.         Certificate issued by the POEA attesting to seafarers employment overseas;

d.         Embarkation/disembarkation certificates issued by flag state authority.

Compliance with the above requirement shall be considered as evidence of required competence for the issuance of the 1995 certificate.

3.4.3 Seafarer without sea service but with valid training certificate

1)         The assessor shall examine and assess the documents presented showing attendance to a training course in Basic Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Emergency First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, which were taken from an authorized training institution. The documents presented shall be accepted unless there are strong indications that they are of questionable origin;

2)         The assessors shall apply the methods, procedures and criteria specified in columns 3 & 4 of the relevant tables in Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code;

3)         The assessor shall be guided by the applicable procedures laid down in Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2000.

4.         Seafarers who have completed training in centers accredited under Resolution 3, s. 1998 shall be assessed in accordance with the guidelines under Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2000 and issued the necessary certificate in the prescribed form.

5.         General Provisions

5.1       All certificates issued shall be in accordance with the format of the specimen certificates specified in Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2000.

5.2       Problems encountered in the implementation of this Memorandum Circular shall immediately be communicated to the MTC Secretariat for appropriate action;

5.3       All assessment activities are subject to monitoring and review by representatives from the MTC Secretariat;

5.4       The MTC Secretariat shall review an assessment under appeal whose decision shall be final.

5.5       All assessment forms shall be fully documented and submitted to the MTC Secretariat.

This Memorandum Circular takes effect immediately.

Adopted: 05 Apr. 2000

(SGD.) LORNA O. FAJARDO
Executive Director