Noy signs law creating single maritime administration

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has signed Republic Act No. 10635 creating a single maritime administration to oversee the training and certification of Filipino seamen.

The law, which the President signed on March 13, institutionalizes the gains of Executive Order No. 75 signed by Aquino on April 30, 2012 designating the Department of Transportation and Communications, through the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), as the single administration in the Philippines responsible for oversight in the implementation of the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended.

Marina supported the measure, saying the Philippines needed to align its implementation of the 1978 STCW Convention as amended with global practice, being a signatory to the convention.

The single maritime administration will be responsible for the education, training and certification of seafarers and ensuring their competency.

It will fortify and strengthen the Philippines’ position as the premier provider of competent and certificated seafarers in the international seafaring trade, accounting for more than 25 percent of the total crew requirements on board international merchant marine vessels, Marina said.

The seafarers industry is estimated to contribute about $5 billion yearly to the country’s economy.

Marina will assume all the powers and functions of the Professional Regulation Commission, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, National Telecommunications Commission and Department of Health in the issuance, validation, verification, correction, revocation or cancellation of certificates of competency, proficiency, endorsement and other documentary evidence required of seafarers.