After a series of consultative meetings with member representatives of the Maritime/Training Council and private maritime sector regarding implementation of GMDSS, the following guidelines have been adopted in order to provide directions in the proper implementation of training programs for upgrading prospective ships radio operators in Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) in accordance with the provisions of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Radio Regulation and 1974 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention as amended in 1988 providing for Radio Services for GMDSS.

1
Objectives

The forthcoming imposition of Radio Services for the Global Maritime Distress Safety System which takes effect on 1 February 1992 necessitates the training and upgrading of prospective ships ™ radio operator in GMDSS. The training program will undertake the following in support of such:

1.1 To establish comprehensive training scheme for ship ™s radio operators specializing on GMDSS; sub-system and equipment;

1.2 To provide a ready pool of trained GMDSS Operators for overseas shipmanning industry; and

1.3 To prescribe a certification scheme for graduates of GMDSS Course.

2
Purpose

These guidelines prescribe the rules and procedures of accreditation, administration, and supervision of training centers; and the certification of their graduates.

3
Scope of Application

This applies to all maritime training centers offering or intending to offer the GMDSS training program and to students and graduates of the course.

4
Administrative Policies

In order to attain the objectives of GMDSS training program, the following shall be enforced:

4.1 Supervision and regulation of training centers offering the GMDSS training program shall be in accordance with the present existing practices of supervising training centers being done by member agencies of MTC in coordination with the National Telecommunication Commission.

4.2 Unless otherwise provided by law training requirements for GMDSS to prospective ship ™s radio operator shall be made voluntary and/or as required by the shipping or manning agencies concerned for purposes of creating a pool of trained GMDSS Operators for their crewing needs.

4.3 Only those who have satisfactorily completed the SRROC and INMARSAT Courses will be allowed to take the GMDSS Course.

4.4 Enrollment and Graduate report shall be rendered regularly to DECS, copy furnished MTC, NTC and MARINA.

5
Establishment of Training Centers

The Bureau of Higher Education of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall grant the permit or accreditation of training centers through the recommendation of the Maritime Training Council and DOTC through the National Telecommunication Commission subject to the following requirements:

5.1 Letter of intent or application addressed to Bureau of Higher Education copy furnished MTC with accomplished feasibility study;

5.2 Articles of Incorporation

5.3 Course Curriculum and syllabi

5.4 Schematic location of training site

5.5 Lay-out of training facilities

5.6 List of training equipment

5.7 List of administrative and training staff

5.8 Proposed tuition fees supported by at least 2 years financial projections.

For the purpose of maintaining continuity of instructions, prospective training centers applying to offer the General Operator Course shall also be required to offer SRROC and INMARSAT as one of the pre-requisites for approval of their permit.

Prospective applicants shall meet the minimum requirements prescribed in the standard accreditation instrument before training permit is issued.

6
Issuance of Training Certificates

6.1 Training certificates for GMDSS Course shall only be issued to candidates who have completed and passed both theoretical and practical requirements of the course.

6.2 SRROC and INMARSAT certificates shall be prerequisites for the issuance of training certificate.

6.3 Training certificate for GOC shall indicate particular provisions of STCW-78 Convention and related IMO Resolutions for Radio Services in GMDSS.

6.4 GOC certificate shall be issued only to candidates who have satisfactorily passed the NTC qualifying examination.

Adopted: 30 Sept. 1991

(Sgd.) CRESCENCIO M. SIDDAYAO
Executive Officer
Maritime Training Council