Duterte signs EO designating MARINA as sole maritime authority

Duterte signs EO designating MARINA as sole maritime authority
Prince Golez Sep 25, 2018 http://politics.com.ph/duterte-signs-eo-designating-marina-as-sole-marit...

President Rodrigo Duterte signed on September 21 an executive order creating a single maritime administration to supervise the training and certification of Filpino seafarers.

Executive Order (EO) 63 cited Republic Act 10635 that established the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as the Single Maritime Administration responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers Convention, pursuant to the Philippines’ commitments under the said Convention.

“Being a Party to the STCW Convention, the Philippines is obligated to demonstrate strict and full compliance with its provisions to ensure the continuous recognition by the international community of STCW Certificates issued by the Philippine Government, and thereby guarantee sufficient employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers abroad,” the order said.

EO 63 tasked the agency to establish “structured” maritime education programs in accordance with the written programs, methods and media of delivery, procedures and course materials compliant with the Convention.

MARINA is also directed to submit to President Rodrigo Duterte an annual progress report on the status of its implementation.