WHEREAS, the data for the years 1997 to 1999 show that the number of examinees for the Major Patron Licensure Examination were very minimal compared to the number of examinees in the other ranks of Marine Deck Officers which reaches by the thousands.

WHEREAS, to reduce the expenses incurred in administering the Major Patron licensure examination, and the work load of the Members of the Board of Marine Deck Officers (Board), it becomes necessary to pool the number of examinees by reducing the number of examinations from four (4) to two (2) times a year.

WHEREAS, the Board in Resolution No. 03, series of 1999, requested the Commission for the reasons aforestated therein, for the reduction of the number of licensure examinations for Major Patron from four (4) to two (2) times a year.

WHEREAS, the Commission in Resolution No. 608, series of 1999, granted the request and reduced the number of licensure examinations for Major Patron from four (4) to two (2) times a year starting in the year 1999 by amending PRC Resolution No. 592, series of 1998, (Schedule of Licensure Examinations for 1999) and canceling the licensure examination for Major Patron scheduled for April and October 1999.

WHEREAS, the number of applicants for the Major Patron licensure examination have already increased and there were already clamors to the Board and the Commission for the reinstatement of the Major Patron licensure examination in order that the license given to successful examinees shall be issued the corresponding STCW ™95 Endorsement Certificate.

WHEREAS, the concerns of the Board as stated in Resolution No. 03, series of 1999, can already be addressed by the walk-in licensure examination being implemented by the Commission.

WHEREAS, with the implementation of the 1978 STCW Convention, as amended, there is likewise a need to upgrade the qualification requirements of the applicants to the Major Patron licensure examination to make them more competitive in the international maritime community.

WHEREFORE, the Board RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to reinstate the Major Patron licensure examination through the walk-in licensure examination but without prejudice however, to a written licensure examination in the event of an extended licensure examination to be administered by the Board in a foreign country.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that the applicant to the Major Patron licensure examination must have at least completed four (4) full semesters in college or second year college and have five (5) years seagoing service.

This Resolution supersedes any previous issuance to the contrary and shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the UP Law Center and the Master and Mates Association of the Philippines for information and dissemination.

(SGD.) CAPT. JAIME C. AQUINO
  Vice-Chairman

ATTESTED BY:

(SGD.) ATTY. CARLOS G. ALMELOR
  Secretary, Professional Regulatory Boards

APPROVED:

(SGD.) NICOLAS P. LAPE A, JR.
  Chairman