Adopted: 13 February 2015
Date Filed: 04 May 2015
Pursuant to Republic Act 10635 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), as amended, the following rules shall be adopted:

1. OBJECTIVES

1.1	To prescribe standards and procedures in full compliance with the requirements of STCW Chapter II/3 for mandatory minimum requirements for examination, assessment and certification of Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages; and
1.2	To streamline the examination, assessment, licensing and certification processes by ensuring that all candidates for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages are adequately equipped and are in full compliance with the requirements of STCW, as amended

2. COVERAGE

This Circular shall apply to all candidates for certification as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages.

3. DEFINITION OF TERMS

For the purpose of this Circular, in addition to the terms defined under STCW Circular No. 2014-01, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

3.1	œMaster  (MM) means the person having command of a ship;
3.2	œChief Mate  (CM) means the officer next in rank to the master and upon whom the command of the ship will fail in the event of the incapacity of the master;
3.3	œOfficer in Charge of Navigational Watch  (OIC-NW) means a deck officer in the operational level who has direct control over the performance of all functions within the designated area of responsibility in accordance with proper procedures and under the direction of the master or chief mate for that responsibility;
3.4	œCandidate  means any seafarer who intends to undergo assessment of competence to qualify for certification as Master;
3.3	œApproved training record book  means the training record book (TRB) of Management Level - Deck Officer, for a candidate for certification as Master, approved by the Administration;
3.4	œApproved education and training program  means the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation Program under supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), or a training program approved by the Administration for the purpose of qualification and certification under STCW;
3.5	œRe-sit  means taking the theoretical examination or practical assessment for the same competence, due to previous failure;
3.6	œAncillary Proficiencies  for Master, means:
	.1	Basic Training;
	.2	Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
	.3	Advanced Fire Fighting;
	.4	Medical First Aid; and
	.5	Medical Care.
3.7	œCategory-A  means a candidate with approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer that commenced on 01 April 2014 onwards (under MARINA MC 2014-01), in compliance with the STCW 2010 Amendments, but requires updating training;
3.8	œCategory-B  means a candidate with approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer that commenced prior to 01 April 2014 onwards, in compliance with the STCW 1995 Amendments.
3.9	œCategory-C  means a candidate without the approved education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer.
3.10	œManagement Level Course - Deck  (MLCD) means the approved training program designed to be compliant with the required education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer under the STCW, as amended;
3.11	œMLCD Category-A Updating Training  (MLCD-AUT) means the approved training program for a Categorv-A candidate in order to be fully compliant with the required education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer under the STCW 2010 Amendments;
3.12	œMLCD Category-B Updating Training  (MLCD-BUT) means the approved training program for a Category-B candidate, in order to be fully compliant with the required education and training for Management Level - Deck Officer under the STCW 2010 Amendments;
3.13	œContinuing Professional Education for Master  (CPE-MM) means the approved educational program for a candidate seeking renewal of MARINA License only, but with no intention of seeking revalidation of COC under the STCW Convention;
3.14	œExamination and Assessment Division  (EAD) means the Division under the STCW Office of MARINA, tasked to properly and efficiently implement examination and assessment standards and procedures in full compliance with the STCW, as amended, to ensure the qualifications of seafarers for the purpose of certification by the Administration;
3.15	œSeafarers ™ Certification System  (SOS) refers to the MARINA Seafarer ™s Certification System, where all the relevant data and documentary evidence relating to the issuance of the seafarer ™s STCW Certificates (COC, COP, COE) are systematically organized, and where all approved providers of such data and documentary evidence shall be enrolled in order for the Administration to validate the authenticity of such;
3.16	œMARINA License  means the professional seafarer ™s identity card issued by MARINA to Filipino professional mariners;
3.17	œGeneral Operator ™s Certificate  (GOC) refers to the documentary evidence issued by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to a successful candidate of GMDSS Radio Operator examination.
3.18	œMonth  means a period of 30 days; hence a period of 12 months is 360 days.

4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (C.O.C.) FOR MASTER ON SHIPS OF LESS THAN 500 GROSS TONNAGE NOT ENGAGED ON NEAR-COASTAL VOYAGES

4.1	Every candidate for assessment of competence as Master shall meet the standard of competence by passing the following:
	.1	Theoretical examination (Annex 1[*] ) However, a candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck theoretical examination under MARlNA as Chief Mate shall be EXEMPTED from this requirement, if the standards for the same Class have been passed within the last 5 years);
	.2	Practical assessment (Annex 2[*] ), (However, a candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate shall be EXEMPTED from this requirement, if the standards for the same Class have been passed within the last 5 years);
	.3	GOC Examination (under NTC), or existing valid COC as GMDSS Radio Operator (Regulation IV/2 of the STCW Convention); and
	.4	Assessment of competence in Ancillary Proficiencies under Section A- VI/1.2 Section A-VI/2, Paragraphs 1 to 4, Section A-VI/3, Paragraphs 1 to 4 and Section A-VI/4, Paragraphs 1 to 6 of the STCW Code, by completing:
		.1	Basic Training;
		.2	Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
		.3	Advanced Fire Fighting;
		.4	Medical First Aid; and
		.5	Medical Care.
4.2	The candidate for theoretical examination as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages shall satisfy the requirements for certification under STCW Regulation II/3 (see Annex 1).
4.3	The candidate for certification shall also submit:
	.1	Proof of successful completion of the approved ECDIS simulator training (or its approved alternative);
	.2	Proof of successful completion of the approved MLCD (Category-C), or its approved alternative(s) for Category-A and Category-B;
	.3	Proof of approved seagoing service, the latest of last disembarkation is not beyond 5 years ago, for a period of:
		.1	Not less than 36 months as OIC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, or
		.2	Not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months of such has been served as CM on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more;
4.4	The candidate may complete the above requirements separately, independently, and in any order, but each element, including the Medical Certificate, shall be valid at the time of application for COC as Master.

5. THEORETICAL EXAMINATION

A candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck theoretical examination under MARINA as Chief Mate shall be EXEMPTED from this requirement, if the standards for the same Class (see Annex I) have been passed within the last 5 years.

5.1	SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION
	Every candidate for examination as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages shall submit:
	.1	Birth Certificate showing that the candidate is not less than 20 years ofage;
	.2	Approved seagoing service, for a period of:
		.1	Not less than 36 months as OlC-NW (whether combined with CM or not) on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, or
		.2	Not less than 24 months as OIC-NW and CM combined, if not less than 12 months of such has been served as CM on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; and
		.3	In addition, the following requirements must be submitted under the following circumstances:
			.1	If the approved seagoing service is beyond 5 years ago, proof of passing the theoretical examination for OIC-NW 500GT and above (based on STCW Circular 2014-08, Annex 1), compliant with the STCW 2010 Amendments, under Regulations II/2.2.1.
		.4	The above approved seagoing service may not be substituted with other types of approved service, as those equivalents may be allowed only for Revalidation of Certificate of Competency, under Section 12 of this Circular.
	.3	Approved Training Record Book (TRB) as proof of in-service experience that meets the requirements of specific Knowledge. Understanding and Proficiency (KUP) under certain competences, under Section A-II/A of the STCW Code, while a holder of the COC for OIC-NW 500GT and above, as alternative to specific modules in the MLCD.
	.4	Valid Medical Certificate which shall not be more than 2 years from the date of issuance, from DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital with QSS in place, in accordance with Regulation I/9 of the STCW Convention;
	.5	Proof of successful completion of the approved MLCD, or its approved alternative(s); and
	.6	In relation to the alternative(s) under Paragraph 5.1.5 where the candidate claims partial completion of the management level education and training under the approved BSMT, Transcript of Records (TOR) with S.O. Number, from an accredited MHEl, clearly showing the proof of partial completion of the approved education and training program that meets the standard of competence specified in Section A-ll/2 of the STCW Code, or as otherwise approved by the Administration.
5.2	PROCEDURES FOR THEORETICAL EXAMINATION
	The candidate shall:
	5.2.1	Prior to taking the examination
		.1	submit all the Specific Requirements under Section 5.1 to:
			.1	STCW online system for uploading documents (except the TRB), as soon as MARINA has enabled the system; or if not yet enabled
			.2	the Examination and Assessment Division (EAD) of STCW Office of MARlNA in Manila, or
			.3	EAD ™s counterpart in any MARINA Regional Office that conducts theoretical examination;
		.2	secure an online appointment number, date and time, then proceed to EAD on the appointment schedule, with all the original documents; including the TRB;
		.3	after verification of validity and authenticity of Specific Requirements, complete the form œApplication for Theoretical Examination as Master .
		.4	indicate the particular competences that he intends to be examined on;
		.5	pay the corresponding examination fee, which shall be a fixed amount each time the candidate sits for the examination, whether taken in full, partially, or re-sit;
		.6	register in the Seafarers ™ Certification System;
		.7	secure a schedule from the EAD, and
		.8	proceed to the examination at the scheduled venue and time;
	5.2 2	During the examination:
		.1	report to the examination venue at least 30 minutes prior to schedule;
		.2	follow the instructions of the authorized MARlNA personnel;
		.3	take the examination only for the competences indicated;
		.4	complete the examination in every competence indicated within the time allowed;
		.5	not leave the examination premises until after taking the examination, as scheduled;
	5.2.3	After taking the examination;
		.1	secure his ratings in the various competences;
		.2	note the competence(s) with a failing mark, if any; and
		.3	schedule for re-sit, it necessary; or
		.4	schedule other competences not yet taken, if necessary;
5.3	REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING OF THE THEORETICAL EXAMINATION
	For successfully passing and completing the theoretical examination, the following shall be complied with:
	.1	The candidate shall pass all the competences within a period not exceeding 2 years (24 months) (see Annex 1);
	.2	If the candidate fails to complete all the competences within the 2-year period, those that received a œPASSED  mark beyond 2 years shall expire, and shall be reexamined accordingly;
	.3	The candidate may choose as many competences as he intends to take in one sitting;
	.4	However, a candidate who fails in 3 or more competences in one sitting shall not be allowed to apply for re-sit within a 1-month period ( œThe 3-1 Rule );
	.5	A candidate who fails in a particular competence for 3 times; shall not be allowed to apply for re-sit in such competence, until upon showing proof of:
		.1	approved seagoing service for a period of not less than 3 months with a certification from the ship ™s master that the candidate has undergone on board experience relating to that particular competence ( œThe 3-3 Rule ); or
		.2	successful completion of an approved training or refresher program relating to that particular competence, taken after the third failure.

6. PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE

A candidate who already passed the Management Level - Deck practical assessment under MARINA as Chief Mate shall be EXEMPTED from this requirement, if the standards for the same Class have been passed within the last 5 years.

6.1	SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FUR APPLICATION

	.1	Every candidate for practical assessment of competence as Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near- coastal voyages shall submit the following to the approved assessment institution, the following approved education and training:
		.1	If Category-A, proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-AUT; or
		.2	If Category-B, proof of successful completion of MLCD and MLCD-BUT; or
		.3	MLCD fully-compliant version to STCW 2010 Amendments;
	.2	The different Functions of the approved education and training referred to in Paragraph 6.1 above may be taken in different MTIs;
	.3	Every candidate shall be pre-registered in the SCS for the practical assessment to be valid.

6.2	PROCEDURES FOR PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE
	Every candidate for practical assessment of competence shall demonstrate competence by presenting the following (see Annex 2):

	.1	Under Function 1 (Navigation at the management level), proof of passing the assessment of competence on the following areas, after successful completion of approved training in Function 1 of MLCD (or equivalent of IMO Model Course 7.01):
		.1	Plan a voyage and conduct navigation;
		.2	Determine position and the accuracy of resultant fix by any means;
		.3	Coordinate search and rescue operations;
		.4	Maintain safe navigation through the use of information from navigation equipment and systems to assist command decision- making;
		.5	Respond to navigational emergencies;
		.6	Maneuver and handle a ship in all conditions, including:
			.1	Maneuvers when approaching pilot stations and when embarking or disembarking pilots, with due regard to weather, tide, headreach and stopping distances;
			.2	Handling a ship in rivers, estuaries and restricted water having regard to the effects of current, wind and restricted water on helm response;
			.3	Application of constant rate of turn techniques;
			.4	Maneuvering in shallow water, including the reduction in under-keel clearance caused by squat, rolling and pitching;
			.5	Interaction between passing ships; and between own ship and nearby banks (canal effect),
			.6	berthing and unberthing under various conditions of wind, tide and current with and without tugs;
			.7	ship and tug interaction;
			.8	use of propulsion and maneuvering systems;
			.9	choice of anchorage; anchoring with one or two anchors in limited anchorages and factors involved in determining the length of anchor cable to be used;
			.10	dragging anchor; clearing fouled anchors;
			.11	drydocking, both with and without damage;
			.12	management and handling of ships in heavy weather, including assisting a ship or aircraft in distress; towing operations; means of keeping an unmanageable ship out of trough of the sea, lessening drift and use of oil;
			.13	precautions in maneuvering to launch rescue boats or survival craft in bad weather;
			.14	methods of taking on board survivors from rescue boats and survival craft;
			.15	ability to determine the maneuvering and propulsion characteristics of common types of ships, with special reference to stopping distances and turning circles at various draughts and speeds.
			.16	importance of navigating at reduced speed to avoid damage caused by own ship ˜s bow wave and stern wave;
			.17	practical measures to be taken when navigating in or near ice or in conditions of ice accumulation on board;
			.18	use of, and maneuvering in and near, traffic separation schemes and in vessel traffic service (VTS) areas;
		.7	Operate remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems and services;
	.2	Under Function 2 (Cargo handling and stowage at the management level), proof of passing the assessment of competence on the following areas, after successful completion of approved training in Function 2 of MLCD (or equivalent of IMO Model Course 7.01):
		.1	Plan and ensure safe loading, stowage, securing, care during the voyage and the unloading of cargoes;
	.3	Under Function 3 (Controlling the Operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level), proof of passing the assessment of competence on the following areas, after successful completion of approved training in Function 3 of MLCD (or equivalent of lMO Model Course 7.01):
		.1	Control trim, stability and stress;
		.2	Use of leadership and managerial skill.

6.3	REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING OF THE PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE
	For successfully passing and completing the practical assessment of competence, the following shall be complied with (see Annex 2):

	.1	The candidate shall pass all the required competences within a period not exceeding 2 years (24 months);
	.2	If the candidate fails to complete all the competences within the 2-year period, those that have received a œPASSED  mark beyond 2 years shall expire, and shall be re-assessed accordingly;
	.3	The candidate may be assessed, immediately following completion of the required approved education and training program outlined above;
	.4	A candidate who fails may re-sit for the assessment of competence in any competence immediately, if necessary;
	.5	A candidate who fails in the same competence 3 times, shall not be allowed to re-sit for such competence, until upon showing proof of approved seagoing service for a period of not less than 3 months, with a certification from the ship ™s master that the candidate has undergone on board experience relating to that particular competence ( œThe 3-3 Rule œ), or approved training or refresher program relating to that particular competence;

7. GENERAL OPERATOR ™S CERTIFICATE (G.O.C.)

.1	The candidate shall comply with the requirements of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the examination to obtain the General Operator ™s Certificate (GOC);
.2	The candidate shall then submit his GOC to the Examination and Assessment Division of STCW Office of MARINA in Manila, or its regional counterpart, as may be allowed, for proper assessment of evidence of competence and the issuance of the corresponding Certificate of Competency (COC) as GMDSS Radio Operator, under STCW Regulation IV/2, whose date of issuance and expiration shall be synchronized with the issuance of the COC as OIC-NW;
.3	The candidate may complete the requirements under this Section, even prior to the completion of the theoretical examination, practical assessment or assessment of ancillary proficiencies.

8. ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE IN ANCILLARY PROFICIENCIES

8.1	The assessment of competence in Ancillary Proficiencies under Section A- VI/1.2, Section A-VI/2, Paragraphs 1 to 4, Section A-VI/3, Paragraphs 1 to 4 and Section A-VI/4, Paragraphs 1 to 6 of the STCW Code, covers the following:
	.1	Basic Training;
	.2	Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats;
	.3	Advanced Fire Fighting;
	.4	Medical First Aid; and
	.5	Medical Care.
8.2	The proof of successful assessment of competence shall be provided to the Administration for proper recording;
8.3	Certificates of Proficiency on the above Ancillary Proficiencies may be revalidated to conform to the 5-year period of validity of the COC for Master being applied for. Otherwise, the COC shall be valid only up to the period of validity of any of the COP ™s that shall be expiring first.

9. DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY THE ADMINISTRATION

9.1	For a candidate who has completed all the requirements under Section 4 of this Circular
	.1	MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID);
	.2	Certificate of Competency for Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages;
	.3	Certificate of Endorsement relating to the issuance of the COC (under STCW)
9.2	For a candidate with a valid PRC license, but without COC:
	.1	MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID);
9.3	For a candidate with a valid PRC license and COC;
	.1	MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID);
	.2	Certificate of Competency for Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages;
	.3	Certificate of Endorsement relating to the issuance of the COC (under STCW)
9.4	For a candidate with an expired PRC license, but without COC:
	.1	MARINA License for Master (MM) on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages (Professional ID), subject to applicable penalties;
9.5	For a candidate with an expired COC:
	.1	Certificate of Competency for Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages;
	.2	Certificate of Endorsement relating to the issuance of the COC (under STCW).

10. VALIDITY OF LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

10.1	MARINA License: 5 years from the date of issuance;
10.2	COC;
	.1	Fully compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments. 5 years from date of issuance, or until the validity of COP under Section 4.1.4 with shortest period of validity, but not later than the validity of MARINA License.
	.2	Fully compliant with STCW 1995 Amendments (including partially compliant with STCW 2010 Amendments), until 31 December 2016.
10.3	COE: same period of validity as the COC.

11. RENEWAL OF MARINA LICENSE

11.1	The MARINA License shall be renewed at the same time as the revalidation of the COC;
11.2	However, a candidate seeking renewal of MARlNA License only, without the intention of seeking revalidation of COC, shall undergo the approved CPE-MM, except if the candidate:
	.1	has approved seagoing service of not less than 12 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months, or
	.2	has approved service in the STCW Administration for a period of not less than not less than 6 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 5 months; or
	.3	has experience as accredited Instructor, Supervisor or Assessor for an aggregate period of not less than 6 months in the last 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months in an approved training program in an MTI or approved education and training program in an MHEI.

12. REVALIDATION OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY (COC) AS MASTER

12.1	At intervals not exceeding 5 years, a holder of a valid COC as Master shall revalidate it by proving continued professional competence which can be established by:
	.1	approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near- coastal voyages:
		.1	12 months in total during the preceding 5 years, or
		.2	3 months in total during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating: or
	.2	having performed functions considered to be equivalent to the seagoing service required in Paragraph 12.1.1.1, where 2 days of in- service experience ashore is equivalent to 1 day of seagoing service (2 to 1 ratio) by:
		.1	Service in the Administration, specific to STCW-related tasks;
		.2	Service as active Naval or Coast Guard Officer in the Philippines, under the Guidance in Section B-IX of the STCW Code;
		.3	Actual days of service an Accredited instructor, Supervisor or Assessor of Competence in an Approved Training Program (ATP) in an MTI;
		.4	Actual days of service as an Accredited Instructor, Member of the Faculty, Supervisor, Dean, Shipboard Training Officer or Assessor of Competence for an Approved Education and Training Program (AETP) in an MHEI;
		.5	Actual period of service as Sea or Harbor Pilot;
		.6	Service as onboard instructor or assessor of competence;
		.7	Other such functions which require, by regulation, an equivalent level of certificate of competency or certificate of proficiency, to perform while serving on land: or
	.3	passing the approved theoretical examination and practical assessment; or
	.4	successfully completing an approved training program that may be allowed by the Administration; or
	.5	having completed approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to the certificate held, for a period of not less than 3 months in a supernumerary capacity; and
	.6	all the requirements as per Sections 4.1.3 and 4.1.4.
12.2	The period of service in Paragraphs 12.1.1.1 and 12.1.2 above may be combined proportionately to meet the requirement for revalidation (Example: 6 months of approved seagoing service; plus 4 months of service in the STCW Administration (2 to 1); plus 8 months as an accredited Instructor (2 to 1); plus aggregate of 30 days as accredited Assessor (2 to 1) = 12.5 months total. Therefore, qualified for revalidation)
12.3	A corresponding Certificate of Endorsement (COE) attesting to the issuance of the COC and related Certificates shall be issued upon full compliance with all the requirements of the STCW Convention.

13. SCHEDULE OF FEES, PENALTIES AND FINES

The schedule of fees, penalties and fines shall be provided in a separate circular.

14. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

14.1	The mandatory minimum requirements for Master on tankers and passenger ships under Chapter V of the STCW Code (Special Training Requirements) shall be provided in a separate circular;
14.2	The Administration shall not accept applications with pending, conditional or partial œPASSED  results of examination or assessment conducted by any other government agency. In such cases, the totality of the theoretical examination or the practical assessment of competence, shall be conducted under the system of MARINA;
14.3	The period of validity of any Certificate issued by the Administration shall be in conformance with the standards and guidance set out under the STCW, as amended.

15. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS  circular;

15.3	MARINA shall issue Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages and COCs upon the effectivity of this circular;
15.4	From January 1, 2015 to December 29, 2016 only, MARINA shall continue the policy of converting PRC-issued Major Patron License and COC to Master on ships of less than 50o gross tonnage not engaged on near- coastal voyages for a candidate with a period of:
	.1	approved seagoing service, performing functions appropriate to Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near- coastal voyages:
		.1	12 months in total during the preceding 5 years; or
		.2	3 months in total during the preceding 6 months immediately prior to revalidating;
15.5	From December 30, 2016 onwards, this procedure shall no longer be allowed.

16. REPEALING CLAUSE

All previous issuances by MARINA or any other Philippine government agency related to training and certification of Master on ships of less than 500 gross tonnage not engaged on near-coastal voyages, are hereby superseded, repealed or amended accordingly.

17. EFFECTIVITY:

This STCW Circular shall take effect immediately on the day of its publication. Manila, Philippines. 13 February, 2015.

Submitted:

(SGD) CAPT. ALVIN œTOR  TORMON
Executive Director

Approved:

(SGD) DR. MAXIMO Q. MEJIA, JR.
Administrator

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^[*] Annexes Not Filed with ONAR.