Maritime
Revised policies
on two maritime
educational programs
now due for final
CHED approval
I
n line with the continuous improvement of maritime
education, training, and certification system in the
Philippines, two maritime educational programs are
now due for final approval of the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) en banc.
This follows the final revisions made by the Technical
Panel for Maritime Education (TPME), comprised of
representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA),
CHED, as well as officials from the industry and the academe, on the
DOTr Secretary
Arthur Tugade
12
MARINA OIC Administrator
Vice Admiral Narciso
Vingson Jr.
proposed revised policies, standards, and guidelines (PSG) on the
conduct of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT)
and the Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).
The proposed revised PSG underwent public consultations and
deliberations during the TPME meetings. Specifically, maritime
stakeholders deliberated on provisions concerning the authority
to operate of maritime higher educational institutions (MHEIs), as
well as the application and verification processes, and the minimum
requirements prior to the granting of permit and recognition. The
sanctions against unauthorized MHEIs are also provided under the
proposed revised PSG.
Further, maritime stakeholders discussed the conduct of regular
curriculum review and internal evaluation to ensure continued
compliance of MHEIs with the Standards of Training, Certification,
and Watchkeeping for (STCW) Seafarers Convention 1978, as
amended.
The MARINA is working double-time to improve the existing PSG
on BSMT and BSMarE to maintain the Philippines’ status as one of
the top sources of competent seafarers who, apart from manning
and leading internationally-flagged vessels, also contributed
approximately PhP300 billion worth of remittance in 2017.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has expressed its
full support to the MARINA in beefing up the competence of
Filipino maritime manpower, guided by the STCW Convention
1978, as amended, pursuant to its mandate as the single maritime
administration under Executive Order No. 63.
“I commend the MARINA for its efforts to uphold our
position in the international maritime community by ensuring
uncompromising compliance with international laws and
conventions. There is no better time than now to further promote
the welfare and enhance the proficiency of Filipino seafarers as we
recognize their invaluable contribution to the national economy,”
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso A Vingson Jr
likewise encouraged maritime stakeholders to remain committed
in establishing a conducive learning environment and providing
quality learning experience to aspiring Filipino seafarers for the
overall development of the Philippine maritime industry.
“Let us keep our passion burning for the continued improvement
of the industry. Our Filipino seafarers remain to be our prime assets,
so we should not waver in our efforts to continually raise their
competence,” Vice Admiral Vingson added.
http://marina.gov.ph/