MARINA Circular 2009-10, item IV.8, provides that retraining shall be required of a seafarer who is a holder of Basic Safety Training Certificate (BSTC) who has not served on board for at least a year within five (5) years from the date of issuance of said certificate or date of last disembarkation. However, those with sea service of less than a year but whose BSTC will expire in less than twelve (12) months shall not be required re-training provided that the seafarer shall submit a duly approved POEA contract that will cover the number of months to complete the required twelve (12) months prior to expiration of the certificate.

Applicants who are unable to submit the required POEA-approved contract shall be required to submit an oath of undertaking to immediately submit the same to the MARINA. Failure to do so will constitute a violation under MARINA Circular 2009-10, item X.2.2, which provides that a seafarer shall be liable for misrepresentation or submission of any false statement, fraudulent or tampered certificates or documents.

For guidance and compliance.

Adopted: 17 Aug. 2009

(SGD.) MARIA ELENA H. BAUTISTA
Administrator