Heads up, seafarers! STCW office closed on Dec. 26, says MARINA

Heads up, seafarers! STCW office closed on Dec. 26, says MARINA
Martin Sadongdong December 23, 2022 https://mb.com.ph/2022/12/23/heads-up-seafarers-stcw-office-closed-on-de...

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) announced that its Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26,, which was declared a special non-working holiday by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

As such, MARINA ordered the office to accommodate on Friday, Dec. 23, all seafarers who will be embarking not later than Tuesday, Dec. 27, for an expedited processing of their STCW certificates.

Meanwhile, the theoretical examination on Monday, Dec. 26, will still be conducted as scheduled, the MARINA announced.

“The resumption of our services will be on Tuesday, 27 December 2022 at 7:00 A.M.,” the MARINA added.

Marcos declared Dec. 26 as a special non-working holiday to allow Filipinos to have a “full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones.”

It will extend the holiday break as the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Dec. 24 and 25, respectively, fall on a Saturday and Sunday.

“[A] longer weekend will encourage families to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment, and will promote domesric tourism,” Marcos said through Proclamation No. 115 signed on Thursday, Dec. 22.