Overview
MARINA is the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines, which sits under the Department of Transportation. Its STCW Office handles the examination and certification of Filipino seafarers under the STCW Convention. The source used here is the office's qualification-requirements document for the theoretical examination under STCW Circular Nos. 2018-08 and 2018-09. It covers who may sit for each officer level, and refers to the Certificate of Competency (COC) and COE that are applied for afterwards. It says nothing about the exam format, fees or dates, so check the STCW Office for those.
The STCW Office lists boards of examiners that set the exam and assessment procedures. The Board of Marine Deck Officers (BOMDO) covers deck officers. The Board of Marine Engine Officers (BOMEO) covers engine officers. A separate Board of Engine Ratings (BOERA) sets practical assessments for engine ratings.
Who can apply
Eligibility depends on the level and department. Every level asks for a valid medical certificate in PEME format and a profile photo, and the deck and engine levels also need valid Certificates of Proficiency (COPs). The deck and engine levels ask candidates to upload the first page and entries of the seaman's book (SIRB) showing relevant sea service. The operational levels also need a transcript of records. The COPs and existing COC/COE are checked in the MARINA system, so they do not need to be uploaded.
Levels or stages
Deck operational level (Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch)
Valid COPs in Basic Training, Survival Craft and Rescue Boat, Advanced Fire Fighting and Medical First Aid.
Approved sea service on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more: at least 12 months of structured onboard training (such as deck cadet), or at least 36 months in the deck department.
Transcript of records for a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT).
Updating training for OIC-NW (Parts A and B) is required for those who began BSMT in 2012 or earlier, and is not required for those who began in school year 2013-2014 or later.
Deck management level (Chief Mate and Master Mariner)
Valid COPs as above, plus Medical Care.
A valid COC and COE as OIC-NW or Chief Mate, as applicable.
For Chief Mate: at least 12 months as OIC-NW on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more.
For Master Mariner: at least 36 months as OIC-NW, or 12 months as OIC-NW plus 12 months as Chief Mate.
Certificate of completion of the Management Level Course (Deck), with the updating certificate if applicable.
Candidates moving up from operational level also need either their BSMT transcript (if they started in school year 2013-2014 or later) or OIC-NW updating training Part B.
Engine operational level (Officer in Charge of an Engineering Watch)
Valid COPs in Basic Training, Survival Craft and Rescue Boat, Advanced Fire Fighting and Medical First Aid.
Approved sea service on ships with main propulsion of 750 kW or more: at least 12 months of structured onboard training (such as engine cadet), or at least 36 months in the engine department.
Transcript of records for a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE).
Updating training for OIC-EW (Parts A and B) is required for those who began BSMarE in 2012 or earlier, and is not required for those who began in school year 2013-2014 or later.
Engine management level (Second Engineer and Chief Engineer)
Valid COPs in the same four courses as the engine operational level.
A valid COC and COE as OIC-EW or Second Engineer, as applicable.
For Second Engineer: at least 12 months as OIC-EW on ships of 750 kW or more.
For Chief Engineer: at least 36 months as OIC-EW, or 12 months as OIC-EW plus 12 months as Second Engineer.
Certificate of completion of the Management Level Course (Engine), with the updating certificate if applicable.
Candidates moving up from operational level also need either their BSMarE transcript (if they started in school year 2013-2014 or later) or OIC-EW updating training Part B.
GMDSS radio operator
Certificate of training completion for GMDSS radio operators and a valid PEME medical certificate.
Proof of passing the OIC-NW theoretical exam or practical assessment, depending on which system the candidate took it under. This does not apply to non-BSMT graduates.
Non-BSMT graduates and non-seafarers instead submit a government ID, and an employer certificate showing their work relates to GMDSS operation.
How to apply
Candidates upload their documents through MARINA's online system, in the order of their sea service. The requirements document notes that limits on vessel tonnage or propulsion power, and the exact rank granted, are decided later, when the candidate applies for the COC and COE.
Preparation tips
Check the requirements for your level and department before you start, since sea service is counted differently for each.
Keep your seaman's book entries and training certificates in order, because sea service is reviewed from them.
Confirm that your COPs and medical certificate are valid on the date you apply.
Who runs the MARINA licensure examinations?
The STCW Office of the Maritime Industry Authority, working with its boards of examiners for deck officers, engine officers and engine ratings.
How much sea service is needed for the operational level?
For both deck and engine officers, at least 12 months of structured onboard training, or at least 36 months in the relevant department.
Do I need to upload my COPs?
No. The requirements state that COPs and an existing COC and COE are verified in the MARINA system.