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PCDC HOUSES STATE SEAFARERS ASSESSMENT, CERTIFICATION FACILITY

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MARINA’s examination and licensing system at the Union’s place intends to accelerate and streamline the licensing process for various levels in the marine profession

A computerised competency assessment facility that will speed up the examination and licensing system for seafarers has been set up at the AMOSUP-MAAP Professional Career Development Centre (PCDC) in Intramuros, Manila.

The establishment of the National Assessment and Certification Standard System (NACSS) of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will enable the state shipping body to carry out more frequent licensure examinations which the industry requires in manning various types of merchant ships in accordance with the STCW Convention.

The MARINA-implemented project, with assistance from the union, intends to accelerate and streamline the licensing process for various marine professions that the agency regulates.

Most efficient system

The facility can accommodate 150 candidates for two sessions or 300 examinees a day, which was a great leap from the old system, according to Dr Mejia Jr, the MARINA administrator.

“With the system, we are providing our seafarers with the most efficient assessment and certification by enabling us to conduct examinations on a daily basis,” Dr Mejia announced during inauguration of the facility last 28 November. He said it was due to shipowners and shipmanagers commitment to service, not only for the benefit of Filipino seafarers but for the world’s shipping as well.

Setting up the NACSS was made possible through a grant from the International Maritime Training Trust (IMTT), a grant giving body established in 1998 by the International Maritime Employers Council (IMEC). The IMTT Board is composed of representatives from organisations of workers and employers and other professionals.

The facility consists of working stations of 44 computer units that are linked by two servers in accessing the assessment of seafarers’ competence. It will soon be replicated in other regions especially in the Visayas and Mindanao through the effort of AMOSUP and its social partners.

Dr Mejia stressed the integrity of the system, saying: “Let there be no doubt that this efficiency means no compromise since it has undergone stringent review under STCW rules.”

Through the system MARINA can track down each and every competency of seafarers required under the STCW Convention.

MOA

Setting up the MNACSS comes in the midst of a necessity from MARINA to adopt and implement a computer-based type of examination system and an application module system from its mandate under a new law as the single maritime administration for the implementation of the STCW Convention.

Such necessity led AMOSUP, which has an existing modern career development facility, to offer its place as an “alternative or additional testing venue” for NACSS examinees.

Under a memo of agreement signed between the two parties, MARINA will conduct the NACSS for operational and management levels for both navigational and engineering watches as its professional licensure examination for maritime officers.

The maritime agency has provided the Union technical specifications, requirements and needed information and communications technology resources necessary for MARINA to extremely administer and conduct the NACSS efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, AMOSUP carried out the preparatory works to make available its existing modern career development facility as the alternative or additional venue for NACSS.