Maritime Licensure (MARINA/STCW) Guide

The maritime industry is one of the most globally connected sectors, and the Philippines remains one of the world’s largest sources of professional seafarers. To work legally aboard domestic or international vessels, Filipino seafarers must secure the appropriate licensure, certifications, and endorsements from MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) based on STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) requirements.

This comprehensive guide explains the application process, qualifications, required documents, examination flow (if applicable), training requirements, and tips for successfully obtaining MARINA-issued licenses and STCW certificates.

Understanding MARINA Licensure and STCW Certification

MARINA is the primary regulatory body overseeing maritime licensing in the Philippines. It issues certificates and endorsements required for seafaring positions—from entry-level ratings to management-level officers.

STCW, a global standard established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensures that all seafarers possess uniform competencies regardless of nationality. MARINA enforces STCW rules to align Filipino seafarers with international requirements.

Types of Maritime Certificates

MARINA issues several categories of documents, including:

• Certificate of Competency (COC): Required for officers (Management Level and Operational Level) such as Masters, Chief Mates, Chief Engineers, and OICs.

• Certificate of Proficiency (COP): Required for Ratings (deck, engine, steward) and specific skills.

• STCW Endorsements: Proof that a seafarer’s training meets STCW standards.

• Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB): Serves as the seafarer’s employment and service record.

• Domestic Certificates: For those serving on Philippine-flagged vessels.

These are essential for deployment and career progression onboard international ships.

Who Needs a MARINA/STCW License?

Any Filipino who intends to work on board a sea-going vessel—whether domestic or international—must obtain the appropriate certification. This includes:

• Aspiring seafarers (entry-level)

• Ratings (deck, engine, steward)

• Officers (Second Mate, OIC, Chief Mate, Master)

• Marine engineers (OIC-EW, Second Engineer, Chief Engineer)

• Maritime graduates and cadets

• Experienced seafarers renewing or upgrading credentials

Without valid MARINA-issued STCW documents, deployment through manning agencies is not possible.

Qualifications for Aspiring Seafarers

Qualifications vary depending on the desired role, but general requirements include:

For Ratings (COP Level)

• At least high school graduate (some training centers may require SHS)

• Completion of basic STCW courses

• Training from a MARINA-accredited Maritime Training Center

• Good health (Medical Certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic)

For Officers (COC Level)

• Graduate of a BS Marine Transportation or BS Marine Engineering program

• Completion of required academic and training courses

• Onboard experience as required by STCW (e.g., 12 months for cadets)

• Passing the MARINA Competency Assessment or Oral Examination

• Valid medical and training certificates

Required Documents for MARINA Application

Requirements may differ per rank or certificate, but commonly include:

• PSA Birth Certificate

• Valid Passport (for international applicants)

• SIRB (if renewing or upgrading)

• Training certificates (from MARINA-accredited training centers)

• Sea Service Records or Shipboard Training Record Book

• Medical Certificate (from DOH-accredited maritime clinics)

• 2×2 ID photos with proper attire (as required)

• Transcript of Records (for officer applicants)

• Certificate of Graduation or Diploma (BSMT/BSMarE)

• Company-issued sea service certificate (for experienced seafarers)

• MARINA Online Appointment Confirmation via MISMO

Make sure all certificates are verifiable and issued by accredited institutions.

MARINA MISMO Online System: Registration and Appointment

The MISMO portal is mandatory for all applicants. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Register an Account

Visit the MARINA MISMO portal and create an account using your email.

Step 2: Upload Documents

Upload all required certificates, IDs, and training records. Ensure they are clear and readable.

Step 3: Select the Service

Choose the type of application:

• COP

• COC

• SIRB

• Revalidation

• Upgrading

• Other STCW-related endorsements

Step 4: Choose Appointment Date and Office

Select a MARINA branch, such as:

• Manila (Central Office)

• Cebu

• Davao

• Iloilo

• Legazpi

• Zamboanga
  and others.

Step 5: Pay Fees

Payments can be made via online channels or accredited payment partners.

Step 6: Attend Appointment

Bring original documents for verification. MARINA will take your ID photo and biometrics.

STCW Mandatory Basic Training Courses

To comply with international standards, all aspiring seafarers must complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), which includes:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

• Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF)

• Elementary First Aid (EFA)

• Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

• Security Awareness Training (SAT) or SDSD

These courses ensure seafarers understand basic safety procedures and emergency responses onboard.

Additional Training for Ratings

Depending on the position, candidates may also need:

Deck Ratings

• Ratings Forming Part of Navigational Watch (RFPNW)

• Basic Seamanship

• Lifeboatman/Rescue Boat Training

Engine Ratings

• Ratings Forming Part of Engineering Watch (RFPEW)

• Engine Room Simulator courses

Steward/Hotel Crew

• Crowded Spaces Management

• Shipboard Culinary Training

• Sanitation courses

Training Requirements for Officers (Operational Level)

Operational-level officers—such as OIC-NW (Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch) and OIC-EW (Officer in Charge of Engineering Watch)—must complete more advanced training:

• OIC Courses approved by CHED and MARINA

• Ship Handling and Bridge Resource Management (BRM)

• Engine Room Resource Management (ERRM)

• Radar, ARPA, ECDIS Training

• GMDSS (for deck officers)

Cadets must also complete 12 months of onboard training under a recognized Shipboard Training Program.

Training Requirements for Officers (Management Level)

For senior officers—including Chief Mates, Masters, Second Engineers, and Chief Engineers—MARINA requires:

• Complete sea service requirements (12–36 months depending on rank)

• Management-level training courses

• Advanced Firefighting

• Medical Care for Seafarers

• Ship Management Courses

• Updated BRM/ERRM

• Specialized cargo handling courses (e.g., Tanker, LNG)

MARINA Examination and Assessment Process

Unlike the old PRC system, MARINA now handles competency evaluations. The process generally includes:

1. Theoretical Assessment (written exams)

Computer-based tests covering:

• Navigation

• Maritime law

• Seamanship

• Ship handling

• Cargo operations

• Marine engineering subjects

2. Practical Assessment

Hands-on demonstration of skills in:

• Firefighting

• Survival craft

• Seamanship

• Engine room operations

3. Oral Examination

Conducted by MARINA examiners focusing on:

• Safety

• Emergency procedures

• Professional competencies

• Situational judgement

Issuance of Certificates and Validity

After passing all assessments and document verification:

Certificate of Proficiency (COP)

• Usually valid for 5 years

• Renewable with updated training or refresher courses

Certificate of Competency (COC)

• Valid for 5 years

• Requires updated sea service and revalidation training

STCW Endorsements

• Must match the validity of the COC or COP

• Must be renewed upon expiry

SIRB

• Valid for 10 years

Renewal and Revalidation of Licenses

Seafarers must renew their certifications before expiry to avoid deployment delays. Requirements typically include:

• Updated medical certificate

• Refresher training (e.g., BT Refresher, AFF Refresher)

• Recent sea service (within last 5 years)

• Documentary updates via MISMO

• Appointment and payment

Those without recent sea service may need to undergo additional assessments.

Tips for a Successful MARINA Application

• Book appointments early, as peak seasons fill up quickly.

• Use MARINA-accredited training centers only.

• Keep digital and printed copies of all certificates.

• Regularly update your MISMO profile.

• Ensure sea service documents are company-issued and properly signed.

• Complete refresher courses before applying for renewal.

• Check for changes in STCW regulations, as MARINA frequently updates guidelines.

Career Paths in the Maritime Industry

After securing MARINA/STCW credentials, seafarers can pursue:

• Deck Career Path: OS → AB → OIC-NW → Second Mate → Chief Mate → Master

• Engine Career Path: Wiper → Oiler → OIC-EW → 2E → Chief Engineer

• Catering/Hotel Crew: Messman → Steward → Chief Cook → Hotel Department roles

• Offshore Vessels: Dynamic positioning (DP) roles

• Cruise Industry: Specialized hospitality roles

Continuous training and sea service are essential for career progression.

Conclusion

Securing a MARINA/STCW license is a vital step for anyone pursuing a maritime career. With proper planning, complete documentation, accredited training, and preparation for assessments, Filipino seafarers can confidently meet global standards and succeed in the world’s maritime workforce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the difference between MARINA and STCW?

MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) is the Philippine government agency that regulates seafarer certification, licensing, and maritime training in the country. STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is an international convention created by the IMO that sets the minimum global standards for seafarers. In practice, MARINA implements and enforces STCW standards for Filipino seafarers through its own rules, circulars, and certification systems.

Who needs a MARINA-issued STCW certificate?

Any Filipino who plans to work onboard a seagoing vessel, whether domestic or foreign-going, generally needs MARINA-issued STCW documents. This includes ratings (deck, engine, steward), officers (navigational and engineering), and cadets undergoing shipboard training. Even entry-level seafarers are usually required to complete basic STCW safety training and secure at least a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) before deployment through a manning agency.

What are the main types of certificates issued by MARINA?

The most common certificates are the Certificate of Competency (COC) for officers, the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for ratings and specific skills, STCW endorsements, and the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB). COCs are typically required for operational and management positions, such as OIC-NW, OIC-EW, Chief Mate, Master, Second Engineer, and Chief Engineer. COPs usually cover ratings and specific functions like basic training, proficiency in survival craft, or tanker operations.

How do I register in the MARINA MISMO online system?

To register, visit the official MARINA MISMO website and create an account using a valid email address. You will be asked to provide personal information, upload identification documents, and set a secure password. After registration, you must complete your profile, upload your training and sea service documents, and choose the appropriate service (COC, COP, SIRB, or renewal). The MISMO account becomes your main platform for appointments, payments, and application tracking.

What documents are usually required for a MARINA application?

Although exact requirements depend on the specific certificate and rank, applicants typically need a valid government ID or passport, PSA birth certificate, recent ID photos, medical certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic, training certificates from MARINA-accredited centers, sea service records or training record books, academic credentials (such as diploma and transcript for officers), and their SIRB for renewals or upgrading. It is important to check the latest MARINA advisories, because documentary requirements may be updated over time.

Do I need to take an exam to get a COC from MARINA?

Most officer-level applicants are required to undergo a competency assessment process managed by MARINA. This may include computer-based theoretical examinations, practical assessments, and oral examinations, depending on the rank and function being applied for. The exams cover topics like navigation, maritime law, seamanship, cargo handling, marine engineering, and safety procedures. Ratings applying only for COPs usually do not take the same type of written or oral exam but must complete approved training and demonstrate competence.

How long are COC, COP, and other STCW documents valid?

In general, Certificates of Competency (COCs) and Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) are valid for up to five years, provided that the holder maintains the required sea service and refresher training. STCW endorsements usually follow the validity of the relevant COC or COP. The Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) may have a longer validity, such as ten years. However, validity periods and conditions are subject to change, so applicants should always refer to the latest MARINA circulars and advisories.

What is required for renewal or revalidation of MARINA licenses?

For renewal or revalidation, seafarers generally need an unexpired or recently expired certificate, updated medical examination results, proof of recent sea service within the required period, and evidence of completion of necessary refresher courses (such as Basic Training Refresher or Advanced Firefighting Refresher). If a seafarer lacks recent sea service, MARINA may require re-training or additional assessments. All documents should be uploaded to MISMO, and an appointment must be booked for verification and payment.

Can I apply for MARINA certificates without sea service?

It depends on the type of certificate and your current stage in your maritime career. Cadets, for example, can apply for certain basic STCW training certificates and a SIRB before having full sea service. However, officer-level COCs typically require documented sea service of a specific duration and nature, based on STCW minimums. Applicants without sufficient sea service may need to complete shipboard training first or apply only for entry-level certificates suitable for beginners.

How do I know if a training center is MARINA-accredited?

MARINA regularly issues lists and circulars identifying accredited maritime higher education institutions and training centers. These may be available through official MARINA channels, such as the website or public advisories. Before enrolling, seafarers should verify that the school or training center is properly accredited for the specific course they intend to take. Certificates from non-accredited providers may be rejected during MISMO evaluation and could delay or prevent approval of applications.

What should I do if my application is delayed or returned by MARINA?

If your application is placed on hold, returned, or delayed, log in to your MISMO account and carefully read any remarks or deficiency notices from MARINA evaluators. Common issues include unclear document scans, missing pages, expired certificates, or incorrect document types. Correct the deficiencies by uploading clearer copies, adding missing documents, or updating your requirements. If needed, you may contact MARINA through official communication channels or consult your manning agency or school for guidance, while always relying on the latest official instructions.

Does this guide replace official MARINA or STCW regulations?

No. This FAQ is a general informational guide and does not replace official MARINA circulars, STCW provisions, or government issuances. Policies, procedures, fees, and requirements may change, sometimes without long notice. For decisions that affect your career, deployment, or legal status as a seafarer, always rely on official MARINA announcements, current STCW regulations, and guidance from accredited institutions or your manning agency. Use this guide as a starting point, not as a legal or regulatory authority.

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