Duterte strengthens MARINA to comply with int’l convention

The MARINA and CHED shall also evaluate and inspect all maritime higher education institutions in the country. (File Photo: ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has issued an executive order (EO) further strengthening the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ensure the country’s strict and full compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Signed by Duterte on Sept. 21, EO 63 provides that the MARINA should establish systems and mechanisms “for the promotion and protection of the well-being of the seafarers thereby ensuring their professionalism and competiveness, both in local and international trade.

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Under EO 63, the MARINA, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), shall take the lead in the evaluation and approval of maritime education programs, which would require compliance with the STCW Convention.

The MARINA and CHED shall also evaluate and inspect all maritime higher education institutions in the country.

The MARINA, in consultation with the Department of Health, shall establish the standards for medical fitness and the procedures for the issuance of medical certificates to Filipino seafarers.

The EO also tasks the MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure that even seafarers on board ships in Philippines ports “are certificated in accordance with STCW Convention.

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The Philippines, one of the world’s top sources of seafarers, is party to the STCW Convention, which provides the internationally agreed and accepted standards governing seafarers.