NMP’s two additional training courses accredited by MARINA

Press Release
April 27, 2018

TACLOBAN CITY – Two (2) additional training courses of the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a government controlled and operated maritime training and research institution with principal address located at Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City, have been duly accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), namely: Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) and Engine Room Simulator (ERS).

It can be recalled that NMP submitted its application for accreditation of the said courses last 20 July 2017. MARINA conducted its initial inspection last 23-24 October 2017 and issued a corresponding Notice of Deficiencies on 13 November 2017.

NMP submitted its compliance to the deficiencies noted by the MARINA on 22 December 2017. In order to validate if indeed the deficiencies noted were been duly rectified, MARINA conducted a re-inspection on 23-24 January 2018.

As per formal letter received from MARINA dated 10 April 2018, NMP was granted full course approval of two (2) additional courses valid for a period of three (3) years along with the accreditation of instructors, assessors and supervisors who will be handling the said courses.

During the said period, announced and unannounced visits will be made by MARINA STCW Office or its duly authorized representatives to ascertain NMP’s compliance with the MARINA’s rules and regulations.

NMP is required to submit the records of review and validation of the aforementioned courses within six (6) months from the date of its conduct. Moreover, the records of implementation of corrective actions for audit results both internal and external, records of review and validation of the courses including the assessment and statistical record of trainees enrolled / certificated must be made available during the conduct of monitoring.

Further, NMP is required to revise and align the course package of the above-mentioned courses to the new standards once same have been duly issued by MARINA.

MARINA’s approval ensures that the courses are designed and structured in accordance with the standards of competence prescribed under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978), as amended in 2010.

PFRB is open to all seafarers who have completed the Basic Training course while the ERS is open to both operational and management level marine engine officers.

Upon successful completion of the above courses, the seafarer-trainees will be able to:

1. Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB) - Understand the construction, maintenance, repair and outfitting of fast rescue boats; take charge of the launching equipment and appliance as commonly fitted, during launching and recovery; take charge of the fast rescue boat as commonly fitted, during launching and recovery; take charge of a fast rescue boat after launching; and operate a fast rescue boat engine.

2. Engine Room Simulator (ERS) - Familiarize the use of instrumentation and controls extensive use in the engine rooms of modern merchant ships; understand and be aware of the correct watchkeeping procedures; understand the way in which machinery units are interdependent; identify operational problems and techniques in troubleshooting; make decisions to promote the safety and efficiency of an operational plant; improve managerial skills particularly in voyage planning, machinery systems and time and resource management; and recognize the importance of value-added qualities to carry out and lead a harmonious engine room teamwork.

Meanwhile, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime trainings required pursuant to the STCW Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses towards improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness. It also regularly conducts maritime studies to come up with policies for the improvement of the manpower sector of the industry.