Whereas, the Philippines, in its Report to the IMO Secretary-General in accordance with Regulation l/7, states that the Philippines at the time of submission is not opting to apply the provisions of Chapter VII. Thus, no provisions were submitted on the relevant education and training for alternative certification, the certification requirements for seafarers and the principles governing the issue of alternative certificates;

Whereas, Chapter VII of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, provides that Parties may elect to issue or authorize the issuance of certificates other than those mentioned in Chapters II and III of the Convention;

Whereas, Parties in electing to issue a Certificate under Chapter VII of the aforementioned Convention shall abide with the provisions of sub-paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of paragraph 1 of Regulation VII/1 and to communicate the information to the International Maritime Organization in accordance with Article IV and Regulation l/7.

NOW, THEREFORE, in view of the foregoing premises, resolve that:

1. The Philippines, is reconsidering its earlier position regarding the implementation of Chapter VII on the Alternative Certification, and shall now adopt and apply the provisions of Chapter VII as part of national compliance to the STCW Convention, as amended.
   
   
2. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall prescribe the approved education and training for the alternative certification in accordance with the provisions of the relevant section of the STCW Code.
   
   
3. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) shall prescribe the examination requirements for the issuance of certificates under Chapter VII of the STCW Convention.

Adopted: 20 July  2006

Approved:

(SGD.) ROMEO C. LAGMAN Undersecretary, Department of Labor and Employment Presiding Chair, Maritime Training Council
(SGD.) LEONOR T. ROSERO Chairperson, Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)	(SGD.) VICENTE D. SUAZO, JR. Administrator, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
(SGD.) VICENTE F. ALDANESE, JR.   Private Sector Representative	(SGD.) GREGORIO S. OCA Private Sector Representative Associated Marine Officers and Seamen ™s Union of the Philippines   (AMOSUP)
Attested to:
(SGD.) RAMON T. TIONLOC, JR. Acting Executive Director Maritime Training Council (MTC)