InterAksyon.com
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MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has designated the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC), through the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), as the sole agency that can issue certification for the deployment of Filipino seafarers abroad.
In Executive Order No. 75, Aquino said the functions of the existing Maritime Training Council (MTC) as well as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to issue certificates of competency for seafarers shall also be transferred to Marina.
MTC and Tesda’s functions, records, equipment, facilities, rights and other assets and personnel were also transferred to the DoTC, through Marina.
“It is of paramount national interest that the competitiveness of the Filipino seafarer be promoted and sustained (to) ensure that they are accorded consistent priority in employment and that their job security is maintained,” the President said.
“(This) objective can only be achieved through the institution of a single maritime authority in the government to oversee and supervise the maritime education, training and certification system in accordance with adopted international standards at all levels,” he added.
The Philippines is a party to the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, a maritime safety instrument that sets the global standard of training and certification for seafarers engaged in international shipping trade.
Aquino said the creation of additional plantilla positions and hiring of additional personnel for Marina shall be authorized in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management.
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