In view of the Philippines' accession to the IMO 1978 Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended, the POEA enjoins all manning agencies to ensure that all seafarers being deployed by them comply with the upgrading courses being prescribed by the Convention.

There are reports reaching this office that certain seafarers, reportedly at the prodding of their manning agencies, submit training certificates, particularly for Basic Safety Courses (SOLAS), without actually having attended said courses.

In view of this, the deploying manning agency shall be held responsible for the submission of authentic training certificates of their seafarers.

The POEA, shall closely coordinate and cooperate with the Maritime Training Council (MTC) in monitoring and ensuring compliance with this circular, effective immediately.

Adopted: 26 March 1996

(SGD.) FELICISIMO O. JOSON, JR.
Administrator