Marina, PCG, CHED, DOH sign EO 63 IRR

Marina, PCG, CHED, DOH sign EO 63 IRR
Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat October 24, 2018 https://business.mb.com.ph/2018/10/24/marina-pcg-ched-doh-sign-eo-63-irr/

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Executive Order (EO) No. 63 that further strengthens the authority of the Marina as the single maritime administration, specifically in the implementation of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers 1978, as amended.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) also joined the signing ceremony in Manila on October 23, 2018.

In the signed IRR, the Marina shall be responsible for the preparation, evaluation, inspection and approval of maritime higher education programs, while both of the agencies shall jointly review of all existing policies, standards and guidelines governing maritime education programs.
Marina, in coordination with CHED, shall also be responsible for the implementation of approved Maritime Higher Education Programs such as monitoring, verifying and surveillance.

Moreover, the Marina and DOH shall jointly establish the policies and standards for medical fitness, requirements for recognition of medical practitioners and procedures for the issuance of medical certificate. Regular monitoring and surveillance of assessment activities conducted by recognized medical practitioners shall also be ensured by both agencies.

Finally, Marina and PCG shall jointly establish the control procedures, without prejudice to the Port State Control functions of the PCG. For their part, the PCG shall verify Filipino cadets undergoing Shipboard Training onboard all ships calling Philippine ports.

On September 21, 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order No. 63 strengthening Marina’s administrative power over the implementation of the STCW for Seafarers 1978, as amended.