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Article II
COVERAGE

Section 2. This Circular shall cover seafarers applying for issuance and revalidation of
COP under Chapter V of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, for service on
Tanker Ships, Ships subject to the IGF Code, and Ships Operating in Polar Waters.

Seafarers of any nationality, who have completed the approved training course in the
Philippines may also apply for any certificate under this Circular.

Article III
DEFINITION OF TERMS

Section 3. For purposes of this Circular, the terms below shall be defined as follows:

a) Administration – means the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA);

b) Approved – means approved by the Administration;

c) MISMO System – means the MARINA Integrated Seafarers’ Management

Online (MISMO) System which is a digital platform used for all transactions of
seafarers and MARINA stakeholders relevant to the assessment of competence
and certification of seafarers. It aims to reduce processing time, streamline
processes and requirements, and eliminate corrupt practices;

d) Other Personnel – means any person serving on board Tanker Ships, Ships
subject to the IGF Code and Ships Operating in Polar Waters other than the Master,
Officers and Ratings;

e) Person with immediate responsibility – means a person being in a decision-

making capacity with respect to loading, discharging, care in transit, handling of
cargo, tank cleaning, or other cargo-related operations;

f) Polar Code – refers to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar
Waters, as defined in SOLAS regulation XIV/1.1;

g) Polar Waters – means Arctic waters and/or the Antarctic area, as defined in
SOLAS Regulations XIV/1.2 to XIV/1.4;

h) Record of Assessment (ROA) – refers to the document indicating the name of

the assessees who have demonstrated the relevant competence and where the
outcome of their assessment is recorded as certified by the qualified assessor
and training director of a Maritime Training Institution (MTI);

i) Revalidation – means establishing continued professional competence by a

seafarer in order to renew a certificate required to be revalidated at an interval
not exceeding five (5) years from the date of issuance thereof in accordance
with Regulation I/11 of the STCW Convention, 1978 as amended, and
maintaining the required standards of competence in accordance with Sections
A-V/1-1, A-V/1-2, A-V/3 and A-V/4 of the STCW Code;

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 j) Supernumerary Capacity – means capacity of a seafarer who is not part of
the ship’s safe manning complement, undertaking a training program with
emergency duties;

k) The IGF Code – refers to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using
Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels, as defined in SOLAS Regulation II-
1/2.29; and

l) Training Record Book – means a document developed and issued by the

Administration or approved in accordance with its existing rules and
requirements that is used to record the practical training and experience at sea
by a candidate while serving in a supernumerary capacity on board a tanker
ship. It contains detailed information about the progress of the tasks and duties
undertaken to provide an evidence that a structured program of onboard training
has been completed.

Article IV
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 4. The issuance of COPs to seafarers under this Circular shall be in

accordance with the following regulations under Chapter V of the STCW Convention,
1978, as amended, to wit:

a) Regulations V/1-1 and V/1-2 for Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate,
Second Engineer Officer, Officer-In-Charge of Navigational Watch, Officer-In-
Charge of an Engineering Watch and Ratings on Oil, Chemical and Liquefied
Gas Tankers;

b) Regulation V/3 for Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer,
Officer-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch, Ratings and other personnel serving
onboard ships subject to the IGF Code; and

c) Regulation V/4 for Master, Chief Mate and Officer-In-Charge of a Navigational

Watch serving onboard ships operating in Polar Waters.

Section 5. Revalidation at an interval not exceeding five (5) years from the date of
issuance of the certificates mentioned below shall be mandatory in accordance with the
requirements of STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, for:

a) Officers holding COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Cargo Operations
and Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations and Master,
Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, Second Engineer Officer, Officer in Charge
of a Navigational Watch, Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch, and Ratings
holding COP in Advanced Training for Oil, Chemical or Liquefied Gas Tanker
Cargo Operations under Regulation I/11, paragraph 3;

b) Master, Chief Mate and Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch holding COP
in Basic or Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters under
Regulation I/11, paragraph 4; and

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 c) Master, Engineer Officers, Ratings and other personnel holding COP in Basic or
Advanced Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code under
Regulation V/3, paragraph 12 in relation to Table B-I/2 of the STCW Code.

Section 6. In accordance with the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended, the following
COPs issued to Ratings are not subject to revalidation:
1. COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations; and

2. COP in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations.

Section 7. All applications for issuance and revalidation, including replacement of

COPs, shall be filed online by the seafarer through the MARINA Integrated Seafarers
Management Online (MISMO) system.

The MISMO online appointment system is free of charge. In order to access the
MISMO system, the seafarer shall first create or secure a MISMO account following the
steps in Section 23 hereof.

Seafarers applying for certification under this Circular are enjoined from securing online
appointment through fixers. Dealing with fixers is considered as an act of fraud and
misrepresentation and is penalized under Section 31 of this Circular and other relevant
laws.

Section 8. Manning/crewing agencies or shipping companies, through its authorized

MARINA-accredited Liaison Officer, may be allowed to file for the expedite processing
of application for issuance and revalidation of COP of their seafarers in cases of
exceptional and emergency situation only, such as or similar to the following:

1. Replacement/substitution of a crew member(s) due to injury, serious illness or

death;

2. Replacement/substitution of crew member as recommended by the ship

master due to incompetence, physical or mental condition, habitual drunkenness
or criminal conduct; or

3. For seafarers currently serving onboard with extended contract but whose
certificates will be expiring.

In order to avoid the expedite processing of documents, manning/crewing agencies or

shipping companies are encouraged to have a pool of seafarers with appropriate
certificates with at least 1 year validity period as part of good practice.

Section 9. All applications for revalidation must be filed three (3) months before the
date of expiration of the COP to be revalidated. An affidavit explaining the reason for
late filing shall be required for submission and shall be charged an additional fee of
P500.00. However, no additional fee shall be charged if the late filing was due to any
of the following reasons/circumstances:

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 1. Death of immediate family member;

2. Seafarers with Medical condition/illness; and

3. Force majeure.

Documentary evidence to prove any of the above circumstance shall be required for
submission along with the affidavit.
Application for revalidation of expired COP shall be treated as a new application for
issuance of COP and shall be required to comply with the applicable requirements in
Section 16 hereof.

Section 10. A holder of COP which is lost or damaged or with erroneous information
or entry shall apply for its replacement. A certificate will be issued upon compliance with
the requirements set forth in Section 19 of this Circular.

Section 11. As provided under Regulation I/14 of the STCW Convention, 1978, as
amended, it shall be the responsibility of the manning/crewing agencies or shipping
companies and their accredited Liaison Officers to ensure that each seafarer assigned
to any of its ships shall hold an appropriate certificate in accordance with the provisions
of the Convention and as established by the Administration.

Manning/Crewing agencies or shipping companies shall also ensure that the STCW
certificates are duly signed by the holders/seafarers and shall upload the duly signed
certificate into the MISMO account of the seafarer.

Non-compliance with this provision may result to the rejection of succeeding

applications under this Circular.

Section 12. The concerned manning/crewing agencies or shipping companies and their
accredited Liaison Officers shall ensure the authenticity and completeness of the
seafarer’s documents/records being encoded and/or uploaded into the MISMO system.

Section 13. As holders of information, it shall be the responsibility of the concerned

institutions/agencies to encode into the MISMO system, within the prescribed period,
the records and information regarding the training, medical fitness, and sea service
records of the seafarers, as shown in the table below:

Prescribed period to
Institution / Agency Information to be Encoded encode into MISMO
system
 Training Course
 Batch No.
 Location Within one (1) working day
MTI
after completion of the
 STCW Regulation training course
 Date the training started

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  Date of training
completion
 Class Link
 Record or evidence of
passing the Assessment
in an approved BTOCTCO
or BTLGTCO, as
appropriate (applicable for
applicants with approved
seagoing service on
tanker ships but without
approved training in
BTOCTCO or BTLGTCO)
 Name of Medical Facility
 Medical Practitioner Within two (2) working days
after completion of medical
DOH-Accredited  PRC License ID examination
Medical Facilities for
 Date of Medical Exam
Seafarer
 Expiration Date
 Findings

 Name of Vessel
 Type of Vessel
 Flag of Registry
 IMO No.
 GRT
Manning Agency /  kW Within three (3) working
Shipping Company days from disembarkation
 Ship’s Trade of the seafarer.
 Date and Place of
Embarkation
 Date and Place of
Disembarkation
 Position/Rank

Upon effectivity of this Circular, only information regarding training, medical fitness and
seagoing service encoded into the MISMO system by MTIs, DOH-accredited Medical
Facilities for Seafarers, and Manning/Crewing Agencies or Shipping Companies,
respectively, shall be accepted for issuance or revalidation of COP.
In order to access the MISMO system, the above-mentioned institutions shall first
create/secure a MISMO account following the steps in Section 24 hereof.

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The concerned institutions shall be held fully liable for the veracity of the information
encoded into the MISMO system.
Training that was taken or completed within two (2) years before the date of application
may still be accepted for issuance or revalidation of COP provided that the required
information relative thereto is encoded by the concerned training provider, and that the
five (5) year validity shall be reckoned from the completion date of the training or
refresher course.
The compliance of the above institutions with their reportorial responsibilities under this
Circular shall be verified/checked during the monitoring and surveillance activities of
MARINA.
Section 14. Every seafarer applying for issuance and revalidation of COP under the
relevant provisions of Chapter V of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended shall
comply with the following general requirements:

1. Proof of identity;
2. Must not be less than 18 years of age at the time of application; AND,
3. Meet the standards of Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code.
Section 15. The provisions of Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the “Data
Privacy Act of 2012”, providing for the protection of confidentiality, preservation of the
integrity, and promotion of the availability of data authorized use shall apply.

Article V
SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

Section 16. Every seafarer applying for issuance of COP under this Circular shall
comply with the specific requirements, as follows:

a) Regulation V/1-1, paragraph 2 – COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical
Tanker Cargo Operations

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training in accordance with the provisions of Section A-
VI/1 of the STCW Code; AND

iii) Has at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service on Oil or Chemical
Tankers and meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-1,
paragraph 1 of the STCW Code, OR has completed approved Basic Training for
Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (BTOCTCO) and meet the standard
of competence specified in Section A-V/1-1, paragraph 1 of the STCW Code.
To meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-1, paragraph 1
of the STCW Code, the applicant shall undertake the written examination and
practical assessment of an approved training in BTOCTCO offered by

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 authorized MTIs. The concerned MTI shall encode the result or record of
assessment into the MISMO system.

b) Regulation V/1-1, paragraph 4 – COP in Advanced Training for Oil Tanker

Cargo Operations

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations;

iii) While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker
Cargo Operations, has completed:

1) at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service on Oil Tankers, OR

2) at least one month of approved onboard training on Oil Tankers, in a

supernumerary capacity, which includes at least three (3) loading and three
(3) unloading operations and is documented in an approved training record
book taking into account guidance in Section B-V/1. If the three-loading and
three-unloading criteria cannot be achieved within the one-month onboard
training period, then the period of onboard training should be extended until
these criteria have been satisfactorily achieved; AND

iv) Has completed approved Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
and meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-1, paragraph
2 of the STCW Code.

c) Regulation V/1-1, paragraph 6 – COP in Advanced Training for Chemical

Tanker Cargo Operations

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations;

iii) While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker
Cargo Operations, has completed

1) at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service on chemical tankers,

OR

2) at least one month of approved onboard training on chemical tankers, in a

supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3 unloading
operations and is documented in an approved training record book taking into
account guidance in Section B-V/1. If the three-loading and three-unloading
criteria cannot be achieved within the one-month onboard training period,
then the period of onboard training should be extended until these criteria
have been satisfactorily achieved; AND

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 iv) Has completed approved Advance Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo
Operations and meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-1,
paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.

d) Regulation V/1-2, paragraph 2 – COP in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas

Tanker Cargo Operations

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training in accordance with provisions of Section A-VI/1
of the STCW Code; AND

iii) Has at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service on Liquefied Gas
Tankers and meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-2,
paragraph 1 of the STCW Code, OR have completed approved Basic Training
for Liquefied Tanker Cargo Operations (BTLGTCO) and meet the standard of
competence specified in Section A-V/1-2.

To meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/1-2, paragraph 1

of the STCW Code, the applicant shall undertake the written exam and practical
assessment of an approved training in BTLGTCO offered by authorized MTIs.
The concerned MTI shall encode the result or record of assessment into the
MISMO system.

e) Regulation V/1-2, paragraph 4 – COP in Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas

Tanker Cargo Operations

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations;

iii) While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo
Operations, has completed:

1) at least three (3) months of approved seagoing service on liquefied gas

tankers, OR

2) at least one (1) month of approved onboard training on liquefied gas tankers,
in a supernumerary capacity, which includes at least three (3) loading and
three (3) unloading operations and is documented in an approved training
record book taking into account guidance in Section B-V/1. If the three-
loading and three-unloading criteria cannot be achieved within the one-month
onboard training period, then the period of onboard training should be
extended until these criteria have been satisfactorily achieved; AND

iv) Has completed approved Advance Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo
Operations and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/1-2,
paragraph 2 of the STCW Code.
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f) Regulation V/3, paragraphs 5 and 6– COP in Basic Training for Service on
Ships Subject to the IGF Code

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code; AND

ii) Has completed the approved Basic Training for Service on Ships subject to the
IGF Code in accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities as set
out in Table A-V/3-1 and meet the standard of competence as specified in
Section A-V/3-1, paragraph 1.1.2 of the STCW Code. OR

iii) Seafarers who have been qualified and certified according to Regulation V/1-2,
paragraphs 2 and 5, or Regulation V/1-2, paragraphs 4 and 5 on Liquefied Gas
Tankers, are to be considered as having met the requirements specified in
section A-V/3, paragraph 1 for Basic Training for Service on Ships subject to the
IGF Code.

g) Regulation V/3, paragraphs 8 and 9 – COP in Advanced Training Service on

Ships Subject to the IGF Code

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP in Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code;

iii) While holding the COP in Basic Training for Ships Subject to the IGF Code, has
completed:

1) approved Advanced Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code in
accordance with their capacity, duties and responsibilities as set out in Table
A-V/3-2 and meet the standard of competence as specified in Section A-V/3,
paragraph 2 of the STCW Code; AND

2) at least one (1) month of approved seagoing service that includes a minimum
of three (3) bunkering operations onboard ships subject to the IGF Code. Two
(2) of the three (3) bunkering operations may be replaced by approved
simulator training on bunkering operations as part of the approved training in
Advanced Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code;

iv) Masters, Engineer Officers and any person with immediate responsibility for the
care and use of fuels on ships subject to the IGF Code who have been qualified
and certificated according to the standards of competence specified in Section
A-V/1-2, paragraph 2 for service on Liquefied Gas Tankers are to be considered
as having met the requirements specified in Section A-V/3, paragraph 2 for
Advanced Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code, provided they
have:

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 1) Met the requirements of Regulation V/3, paragraph 6;

2) Met the bunkering requirements of paragraph 8.2 of Regulation V/3 or have

participated in conducting three (3) cargo operations onboard the liquefied
gas tanker; AND

3) Completed sea going service of three (3) months in the previous five years
onboard:

(a) ships subject to the IGF Code; or

(b) tankers carrying as cargo, fuels covered by the IGF Code; or

(c) ships using gases or low flashpoint fuel as fuel.

h) Regulation V/4, paragraph 2 – COP in Basic Training for Ships Operating in

Polar Waters

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code; AND

ii) Completed an approved Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters and
meet the standard of competence specified in Section A-V/4, paragraph 1 of the
STCW Code.

i) Regulation V/4, paragraphs 3 and 4 – COP in Advanced Training for Ships

Operating in Polar Waters

i) Meet the standards of medical fitness specified in section A-I/9 of the STCW
Code;

ii) Has valid COP of Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters;

iii) Has at least two (2) months of approved seagoing service in the deck
department, at management level or while performing duties at the operational
level, within polar waters or other equivalent approved seagoing service in areas
with ice regimes, in different regions and during the winter seasons replicating
the conditions in the Arctic and the Antarctic regions; AND

iv) Has completed approved Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters
and meet the standard of competence specified in section A-V/4, paragraph 2 of
the STCW Code.

Section 17. Seafarers applying for revalidation of the following COPs under this
Circular shall comply with the specific requirements, as follows:

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 COP TO BE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
REVALIDATED FOR REVALIDATION
a) COP in Basic Training i. approved seagoing service for a period of
for Oil and Chemical at least three (3) months in total within five
Tanker Cargo (5) years prior to the date of revalidation
Operations of Master, onboard Oil or Chemical Tanker OR
Chief Engineer Officer, completed an approved Basic Training for
Chief Mate, Second Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo
Engineer Officer, Operations; AND
Officer in Charge of a
Navigational Watch ii. evidence of meeting the standards of
(OICNW) and Officer in Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9
Charge of an of the STCW Code
Engineering Watch
(OICEW)

b) COP in Advanced i. approved seagoing service for a period of at

Training for Oil Tanker least three (3) months in total within five (5)
Cargo Operations of years prior to revalidation in the capacity as
Master, Chief Engineer Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate,
Officer, Chief Mate, Second Engineer Officer, OIC-NW, OIC-EW
Second Engineer or Ratings, as appropriate, onboard Oil
Officer, OICNW, Tanker OR completed an approved
OICEW and Ratings Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo
Operations; AND

ii. evidence of meeting the standards of

Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9
of the STCW Code.
c) COP in Advanced i. approved seagoing service for a period of at
Training for Chemical least three (3) months in total within five (5)
Tanker Cargo years prior to revalidation in the capacity as
Operations of Master, Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate,
Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer, OIC-NW, OIC-EW
Chief Mate, Second or Ratings, as appropriate, onboard
Engineer Officer, Chemical Tanker OR completed an
OICNW, OICEW and approved Advanced Training for Chemical
Ratings Tanker Cargo Operations; AND

ii. evidence of meeting the standards of

Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9
of the STCW Code.

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d) COP in Basic Training i. approved seagoing service for a period of at
for Liquefied Gas least three (3) months in total within five (5)
Tanker Cargo years prior to the date of revalidation
Operations of Master, onboard Liquefied Gas Tanker OR
Chief Engineer Officer, completed an approved Basic Training for
Chief Mate, Second Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations;
Engineer Officer, AND
OICNW and OICEW
ii. evidence of meeting the standards of
Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
the STCW Code
e) COP in Advanced i. approved seagoing service for a period of at
Training for Liquefied least three (3) months in total within five (5)
Gas Tanker Cargo years prior to revalidation in the capacity as
Operations of Master, Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate,
Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer, OIC-NW, OIC-EW
Chief Mate, Second or Ratings, as appropriate, onboard
Engineer Officer, OIC- Liquefied Gas Tanker OR completed an
NW, OIC-EW and approved Advanced Training for Liquefied
Ratings Gas Tanker Cargo Operations; AND

ii. evidence of meeting the standards of

Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
the STCW Code.
f) COP in Basic Training i. approved seagoing service for a period of at
for Ships Operating in least two (2) months in total within five (5)
Polar Waters of years prior to revalidation in the capacity
Master, Chief Mate either as Master, Chief Mate or Officer in
and Officer in Charge Charge of a Navigational Watch, as
of a Navigational appropriate onboard Ships Operating in
Watch Polar Waters, OR

evidence of passing the assessment in an

approved Basic Training for Ships Operating
in Polar Waters, OR

completed an approved Basic Training for

Ships Operating in Polar Waters; AND

ii. evidence of meeting the standards of

Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
the STCW Code

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 g) COP in Advanced i. approved seagoing service for a period of at
Training for Ships least two (2) months in total within five (5)
Operating in Polar years prior to revalidation in the capacity
Waters of Master and either as a Master or Chief Mate, as
Chief Mate appropriate onboard Ships Operating in
Polar Waters, OR

evidence of passing the assessment in an

approved Advanced Training for Ships
Operating in Polar Waters, OR

completed an approved Advanced Training

for Ships Operating in Polar Waters; AND

ii. evidence of meeting the standards of

Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
the STCW Code
h) COP in Basic Training i. completed Refresher in Basic Training for
for Service on Ships Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code;
subject to the IGF AND
Code
ii. evidence of meeting the standards of
Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
the STCW Code
i) COP in Advanced i. completed Refresher in Advanced Training
Training for Service on for Service on Ships subject to the IGF
Ships subject to the Code, AND
IGF Code of Master,
Chief Engineer Officer, ii. evidence of meeting the standards of
Second Engineer Medical Fitness specified in Section A-I/9 of
Officer, Officer in the STCW Code
Charge of an
Engineering Watch,
and all personnel with
immediate
responsibility for the
care and use of fuels
and fuel systems on
ships subject to the
IGF Code

Article VI
OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Section 18. Subject to Section 8 hereof, applications for expedite processing shall
comply with the following requirements in addition to the documentary requirements
enumerated in Annex-A of this Circular, as applicable:

1. For expedite application, the following additional documents shall be submitted and
uploaded into the MISMO account of the seafarer:
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 a) Letter request from the shipping company/manning agency duly signed by its
authorized official/s, and must bear the official logo of the company stating therein
the reason or circumstance;

b) Documentary evidence of the reason or circumstance stated in the letter request

for expedite processing;

c) Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas

Employment Administration (POEA); and

d) Contract of Employment duly approved by the POEA.

2. For applications filed on behalf of the seafarer who is currently serving on board ship,
the following documents shall be submitted and uploaded in the MISMO system:

a) Letter request from the shipping company/manning agency duly signed by its
authorized official/s, and must bear the official logo of the company stating the
reason or circumstance thereof;

b) Documentary evidence of the reason or circumstance stated in the letter request

for expedite processing;

c) Duly notarized Affidavit of Undertaking or Certification from the shipping

company/manning agency;

d) Ship’s crew list;

e) New Contract of Employment approved by the POEA, in case of promotion; or

f) Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or with erroneous

information therein. The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or
damage or the erroneous details of information and give a description of the
certificate.

Liaison Officers shall bring the original copy of the above documents and present to the
designated Document Evaluator, for verification and validation.

Section 19. Seafarers applying personally for replacement of COP that was lost or
damaged or with erroneous information shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Duly notarized Affidavit stating the circumstances of the loss or damage or the
erroneous information in the COP and give a description of the certificate; and

2. Provide any government-issued identification document.

In case the seafarer is onboard the ship, the duly designated liaison officer shall upload
the following documents into the MISMO system and bring the original copy of the same
for presentation to the designated Document Evaluator, for verification and validation:
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1. Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency / shipping company
requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by authorized official;

2. Affidavit of Loss or Damage;

3. Employment contract approved by the POEA;

4. Oath of undertaking; and,

5. Ship’s crew list.

Section 20. STCW mandatory training courses required for the issuance or
revalidation of COP under this Circular shall be taken ONLY from Maritime Training
Institutions (MTIs) offering MARINA-approved courses.

Section 21. COP for Basic Training on Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
and COP for Basic Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations issued to
Ratings, may be accepted for issuance of COP for Advanced Training on Oil and
Chemical Tanker Cargo Operation and COP for Advanced Training on Liquefied Gas
Tanker Cargo Operations provided that it was issued or used onboard takers within the
last five (5) years prior to application.

Article VII
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

Section 22. Seafarers applying for issuance or revalidation of COP shall comply with
the documentary requirements corresponding to the COP being applied for provided in
Annex A.

A seafarer may be required to present additional supporting documents during the

evaluation of his/her application for certification under this Circular.

Article VIII
STEPS FOR CREATION OF MISMO ACCOUNT

Section 23. For MISMO account of Seafarers:

Step 1. Go to MARINA Online Appointment System website by clicking this link

https://online-appointment.marina.gov.ph.

Step 2. Click “Sign-up”.

Step 3. Click “Register New Account”.

Step 4. Fill-in all required information on the template shown on the screen.
Make sure to enter your working address.

Step 5. Click the “I accept the term and conditions”.

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 Step 6. Click the “Register” button. This message will appear on your screen
“You have successfully registered in our system. Please check your
email to activate your account”.

Step 7. Check your registered email address and open the link sent by the
Administration to verify and activate the MISMO account.

Step 8. Upon signing-in to your MISMO Account, fill-up your “Personal

Information”, and then click “Save Changes”.

Section 24. For creation of their MISMO accounts, MTIs, Manning/Crewing Agencies,
Shipping companies, and DOH-accredited Medical Facilities for Seafarers, shall apply
through a letter of intent with the Information, Technology and Communication
Management Division (ITCMD) of the MARINA at email address:
stcw_ictmd@marina.gov.ph to secure their MISMO account.

Article IX
PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE AND REVALIDATION OF COP UNDER
CHAPTER V OF THE STCW CONVENTION, 1978, AS AMENDED

Section 25. In general, the application for issuance, revalidation and replacement of
COP goes through the following processes:

1. Initial online evaluation

2. Final evaluation

3. Printing of COP

4. Validation of printed COP

5. Releasing of COP

Candidates applying for issuance, revalidation and replacement of COP under this
Circular shall follow the procedures/steps shown in the process flow diagram in Annex
B.

Article X
VALIDITY OF COP

Section 26. The COP under this Circular shall have the following validity:

Validity period
Type of Certificate For Masters and
For Ratings
Officers
1. COP in BTOCTO Five (5) years from
Unlimited
2. COP in BTLGTCO date of issuance /
3. COP in ATOTCO Five (5) years from date revalidation if
of issuance / application is filed

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 4. COP in ATCTCO revalidation if within 6 months upon
application is filed completion of the
5. COP in ATLGTCO within 6 months upon training. Otherwise,
completion of the the 5 years validity
training. Otherwise, the shall reckon from the
6. COP in BTSSIC 5 years validity shall date of completion of
reckon from the date of the training.
7. COP in ATSSIC completion of the
training.
8. COP in BTSOPW
9. COP in ATSOPW Not applicable

Article XI
FORMAT OF COP

Section 27. The COP shall contain the information provided under Section B-I/2
paragraph 5 of the STCW Code and shall be in a format shown in the Annex C.

COPs issued prior to the effectivity of this Circular shall remain valid until their expiration
date.

Article XII
VERIFICATION OF COP

Section 28. COPs issued under this Circular can be verified through the verification
portal available at https://online-appointment.marina.gov.ph/verify-id-certificate.

Article XIII
GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION/REVOCATION OF COP

Section 29. The COP may be suspended or revoked by the Administration, after due
process, for any of the following grounds:
1. Declaration by a competent medical practitioner of permanent disability to be
engaged onboard and receipt of payment for such disability; Provided, that,
if the certificate of the concerned seafarer is still valid, the same shall be
deemed revoked;
2. Falsification of seafarer’s certificates;
3. Final conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; and
4. Any act of misrepresentation for the purpose of securing COP such as giving
false testimonies or falsified documents.
The holder of a COP that is suspended or revoked shall promptly surrender it as directed
by the Administration. Suspended or revoked COP will not be re-instated. The seafarer
may apply for new COP when he/she has been issued legal clearance by the
Administration.

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 Article XIV
FEES AND OTHER CHARGES

Section 30. Applicants for COPs as herein provided shall pay the corresponding fees
and other charges, through the MARINA authorized payment center, as follows:

Expedite / Onboard
Type of Application Regular processing fee
processing fee
Issuance of COP P230.00 P630.00
Revalidation of COP (inclusive of documentary (inclusive of documentary
Replacement of COP stamp tax) stamp tax)

An additional fee of P500.00 shall be imposed for late filing of application for revalidation
subject to exemptions under Section 9 hereof.

The seafarer applicant may opt to personally claim the COP upon its release or
authorize the MARINA to have it delivered through an authorized courier service
provider upon payment of an additional courier service fee.

Article XV
PENALTY CLAUSE

Section 31. Engaging in any act/s of misrepresentation for purpose of securing

certificate of proficiency such as giving of false testimonies or falsified documents,
engaging in any acts of misrepresentation or use, submission or presentation of fake,
fraudulent or tampered documents shall be meted with the following fines and penalties:
1. Ratings (Support Level)
First Violation - P50,000.00 and disqualification to Apply for Certificate
of Proficiency (COP) for three (3) months from the receipt of the
decision/order or resolution.
Second Violation – P100,000.00 and disqualification to Apply for
Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for six (6) months from the receipt of the
decision/order or resolution.
Third Violation - Perpetual disqualification to apply for Certificate of
Proficiency (COP).
2. Officers
First Violation – P100,000.00 and disqualification to Apply for Certificate
of Proficiency (COP) for three (3) months from the receipt of the
decision/order or resolution.
Second Violation - 200,000.00 and disqualification to Apply for
Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for six months (6) from the receipt of the
decision/order or resolution.

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 Third Violation - Perpetual disqualification to apply for Certificate of
Proficiency (COP).
3. Liaison Officers (LOs)

LOs shall be penalized with the following for submission of

spurious/tampered and/or unauthorized document:

First violation – P50,000 and suspension for six (6) months of Certificate
of Accreditation from the receipt of the decision/order or resolution.

Second violation – P100,000 and revocation of and perpetual

disqualification to apply for Certificate of Accreditation from the receipt of
the decision/order or resolution.

4. Manning Agencies

Manning agencies shall be penalized with the following for submission of

false statement or misrepresentation, fraudulent or spurious or tampered
licenses, documents, and/or certificates where they or any of their
accredited LOs have consented or participated in the
tampering/misrepresentation or in securing the questioned licenses,
documents, and/or certificates from any source:

First violation – P500,000 and suspension of the Certificate of

Accreditation for one (1) year from the receipt of the decision/order or
resolution.

Second violation – P1,000,000 and revocation of and perpetual

disqualification to apply for the Certificate of Accreditation from the receipt
of the decision/order or resolution.

5. MTIs and ACs

MTIs and ACs shall be penalized with the following for encoding false
information into the MISMO System required in the processing of
Certificate of Proficiency and/or Certificate of Competency:

First Violation – P500,000.00 fine and suspension of Certificate of

Accreditation involving the training course/assessment applied for the
COP for one (1) year from the receipt of the decision/order or resolution.

Second Violation – P1,000,000.00 fine and revocation of and perpetual

disqualification to apply for Accreditation involving the training
course/assessment applied for COP from the receipt of the decision/order
or resolution.

The commission of the above violation is without prejudice to any civil and/or criminal
liability that may be imposed under applicable laws.

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Page 21 of 28
 ANNEX - A

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE ISSUANCE, REVALIDATION AND REPLACEMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF
PROFICIENCY (COP) FOR SEAFARERS SERVING ON TANKER SHIPS, SHIPS
SUBJECT TO THE IGF CODE AND SHIPS OPERATING IN POLAR WATERS UNDER
CHAPTER V OF THE STCW CONVENTION, 1978, AS AMENDED
CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTS
I. FOR ISSUANCE OF COP
1. COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (BTOCTCO)
a. Valid COP in BT
b. Certificate of Training Completion for BTOCTCO OR
Approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Oil or Chemical Tankers and
records or evidence of passing the assessment in an approved BTOCTCO
c. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
2. COP in Advance Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (ATOTCO)
a. Valid COP in BTOCTCO
b. Certificate of Training Completion for ATOTCO
c. While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo
Operations, has completed an approved seagoing service of at least three (3)
months on Oil Tankers, OR at least 1 month of approved onboard training on Oil
Tankers, in supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3
unloading operations and documented in an approved training record book; AND
d. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
3. COP in Advance Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (ATCTCO)
a. Valid COP in BTOCTCO
b. Certificate of Training Completion in ATCTCO
c. While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo
Operations, has completed an approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on
Chemical Tankers, OR at least 1 month of approved onboard training, in
supernumerary capacity, which includes at least 3 loading and 3 unloading
operations and is documented in an approved training record book; AND
d. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
4. COP in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (BTLGTCO)
a. Valid COP in BT
b. Certificate of Training Completion in BTLGTCO, OR
Approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on Liquefied Gas Tankers and
records or evidence of passing the assessment in an approved BTLGTCO
c. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
5. COP in Advance Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (ATLGTCO)
a. Valid COP in BTLGTCO
b. Certificate of Training Completion in ATLGTCO
c. While qualified for certification in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo
Operations, has completed an approved seagoing service of at least 3 months on
Liquefied Gas Tankers, OR at least 1 month of approved seagoing service onboard
training on Liquefied Gas Tankers, in a supernumerary capacity, which includes at
least 3 loading and 3 unloading operations and is documented in an approved
training record book;
d. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
6. COP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code (NOTE:
Seafarers who are holders of valid COP in BTLGTCO are qualified for issuance of COP
in Basic Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code)

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 a. Certificate of training completion for Basic Training for Service on Ships subject to
the IGF Code
b. SIRB/SRB first page and entries
c. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
7. COP in Advanced Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code
a. Valid COP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
c. While holding COP in Basic Training for Service on Ships Subject to the IGF Code,
has
i. Certificate of training completion for Advanced Training for Service on Ships
subject to IGF Code; AND
ii. Has an approved seagoing service of at least 1 month that includes a minimum
of 3 bunkering operations onboard ships subject to the IGF Code. Two (2) of the
3 bunkering operations may be replaced by approved simulator training on
bunkering operations as part of the approved training in Advanced Training for
Ships subject to the IGF Code.
d. Masters, Engineer Officers and any person with immediate responsibility for the care
and use of fuels on ships subject to the IGF Code who have been qualified and
certificated according to the standards of competence specified in Section A-V/1-2,
paragraph 2 for service on Liquefied Gas Tankers are to be considered as having met
the requirements specified in Section A-V/3, paragraph 2 for Advanced Training for
Ships subject to the IGF Code, provided they have:
i. Met the requirements of Regulation V/3, paragraph 6; AND
ii. Met the bunkering requirements of paragraph 8.2 of Regulation V/3 or have
participated in conducting three (3) cargo operations onboard the liquefied gas
tanker; AND
iii. Completed sea going service of three (3) months in the previous five (5) years
onboard:
1. ships subject to the IGF Code; or
2. tankers carrying as cargo, fuels covered by the IGF Code; or
3. ships using gases or low flashpoint fuel as fuel.

8. COP in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters

a. Certificate of Training Completion in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar
Waters.
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
c. SIRB/SRB first page and entries
9. COP in Advance Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters
a. Valid COP in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters
b. Certificate of Training Completion in Advance Training for Ships Operating in Polar
Waters. AND;
Has at least two (2) months of approved seagoing service in the deck department
at management level or while performing duties at the operational level, within polar
waters or other equivalent approved seagoing service in areas with ice regimes, in
different regions and during the winter seasons replicating the conditions in the Arctic
and the Antarctic regions;

c. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format

II. FOR REVALIDATION OF COP
1. COP in Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tankers Cargo Operations (BTOCTCO)
of Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, Second Engineer Officer, Officer in
Charge of a Navigational Watch, and Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch
a. Valid COP in BTOCTCO
b. Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the
last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation onboard Oil or Chemical Tanker, OR

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 Certificate of Training Completion in BTOCTCO, if expired COP in BTOCTCO or if
applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
c. Medical Certificate in PEME format
2. COP in Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations (ATOTCO) of Master,
Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, and Second Engineer Officer
a. Valid COP in ATOTCO
b. Medical Certificate in PEME format
c. Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the
last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief
Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, and Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard
Oil Tanker, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in ATOTCO, if expired COP in ATOTCO or if
applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
3. COP in Advanced Training for Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations (ATCTCO) of
Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, and Second Engineer Officer
a. Valid COP in ATCTCO
b. Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the
last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief
Engineer Officer, Chief, or Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard
Chemical Tanker, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in ATOTCO, if expired COP in ATCTCO or if
applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
c. Medical Certificate in PEME format
4. COP in Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (BTLGTCO) of
Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, Second Engineer Officer, Officer in
Charge of a Navigational Watch, and Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch
a. Valid COP in BTLGTCO
b. Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the
last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation onboard Liquefied Gas Tanker, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in BTLGTCO, if expired COP in BTLGTCO or if
applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.

c. Medical Certificate in PEME format

5. COP in Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations (ATLGTCO)
of Master, Chief Engineer Officer, Chief Mate, and Second Engineer Officer
a. Valid COP in ATLGTCO
b. Medical Certificate in PEME format
c. Approved seagoing service for a period of at least three (3) months in total within the
last five (5) years prior to the date of revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief
Engineer Officer, Chief, or Second Engineer Officer, as appropriate, onboard Liquefied
Gas Tanker, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in ATLGTCO, if expired COP in ATLGTCO or if
applicant does not meet the required seagoing service.
6. COP in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters of Master, Chief Mate
and Officer-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch
a. Approved seagoing service for at least 2 months in total within the last 5 years prior
to revalidation in the capacity as Master, Chief Mate or OIC of a Navigational Watch
onboard ships operating in Polar Waters, OR
Evidence of passing the assessment in an approved Basic Training for Ships
Operating in Polar Waters, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in Basic Training for Ships Operating in Polar
Waters
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
c. SIRB/SRB first page and entries
7. COP in Advance Training for Ships Operating in Polar Waters for Master and
Chief Mate

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 a. Approved seagoing service of at least 2 months in total within the Last 5 years prior
to revalidation in the capacity either as a Master or Chief Mate onboard ships
operating in Polar Waters, OR
Evidence of passing the assessment in an approved Advanced Training for Ships
operating in Polar Waters, OR
Certificate of Training Completion in Advanced Training for Ships Operating in Polar
Waters.
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
8. COP in Basic Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code
a. Certificate of Training Completion on Refresher in Basic Training for Service on Ships
subject to the IGF Code.
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
9. COP in Advanced Training for Service on Ships subject to the IGF Code of Master,
Chief Engineer Officer, Second Engineer Officer, Officer-in-Charge of an
Engineering Watch, and all personnel with immediate responsibility for the care
and use of fuels and fuel systems on ships subject to the IGF Code
a. Certificate of Training Completion on Refresher in Advanced Training for Service on
Ships subject to the IGF Code.
b. Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format
III. FOR REPLACEMENT OF COP

1. For seafarers applying personally:

 Duly notarized Affidavit in case of lost or damaged COP or if the COP has wrong
information entry. (The Affidavit should state the circumstances of the loss or damage or
the wrong details of information, and give description of the certificate/s to be replaced.)
 Any government-issued identification document
2. In case the seafarer is onboard ship:
 Letter from the concerned manning agency / crewing agency / shipping company
requesting for the replacement of the COP duly signed by authorized official;
 Affidavit of Loss or Damage
 Employment contract approved by the POEA;
 Oath of undertaking; and
 Ship’s crew list.

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 ANNEX - B

PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM FOR ISSUANCE, REVALIDATION AND

REPLACEMENT OF COP UNDER THIS CIRCULAR

Institutions / Agencies Seafarers MARINA

Signs-in to MISMO Signs-in to MISMO

system using own system using own B
MISMO account MISMO account

 MTI encode / input Select Transaction

the required training then click the
information taken Certification tab
by the seafarer into
the MISMO system
within 1 working Select Type of
day from training
Process
completion.
(Regular or Expedite
 Medical Clinic or Onboard)
encode / input the
seafarer’s medical
exam result and Choose the type of
other required Transaction
information within 1 (Issuance or
working day from Revalidation or
completion of Replacement)
medical exam

 Manning Agency / Click the Type of

Shipping Company Certificate then
encode or input the choose “COP”, and
seagoing service select the certificate
information or / training course to
records within 3 be processed
working days from
disembarkation of Click the “Submit”
the seafarer (as button and check the
applicable) data encoded by
 MHEI encode or MTI, Medical Clinic,
input the seafarer’s & Manning Agency,
information within 3 & comply with other
Click the “Submit”
working days after requirements for the
button
completion of chosen transaction
issuance of the
Special Order Click the “Submit”
button A

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Institutions / Agencies Seafarers MARINA

A
C

Online Evaluation
Open the MISMO
account then Set
appointment date, Yes
time and choose Approv
venue for final ed
evaluation No

Notify & advise the

seafarer to comply
Pay corresponding thru text message
fee at authorized
payment center
B
Proceed to chosen
MARINA office /
processing center on Final Evaluation
the scheduled date
& time
Yes
Approv
ed
No

Notify & advise the

seafarer to comply
thru text message

Print the COP

Send COP to Validate the printed

seafarer through COP
courier service

Release & advice

Claim & sign the seafarer to sign &
COP if all the entries check entries on the
are correct COP

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 ANNEX – C

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY
ISSUED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON
STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR
SEAFARERS (STCW CONVENTION), 1978, AS AMENDED

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines, through the

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA),

certifies that

(NAME OF THE SEAFARER)

has successfully completed the approved training course in

(TITLE OF THE TRAINING COURSE)

in accordance with Regulation ____ of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended
and has been found qualified after passing the assessment
under Section A-_______ of the STCW Code.

Certificate Number :
Date of Issue :
Date of Expiry :
Date of birth of the seafarer:

Passport
size VADM ROBERT A EMPEDRAD AFP (Ret)
Photo of the Administrator
Seafarer MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY
Bonifacio Drive corner 20th Street, Port Area,
Manila 1018 Philippines
Telephone No.: (02) 8523-9078 / (02) 8524-2895

Signature of the holder :

This certificate must be kept available in its original form on board the ship on which the lawful
holder is serving as required under Regulation I/2, paragraph 11 of the above-mentioned
Convention.

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