NMP retains its ISO 9001:2015 certification

By National Maritime Polytechnic
March 10, 2020

TACLOBAN CITY – Following a rigorous audit conducted by the SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, the National Maritime Polytechnic Quality Management System (NMP QMS) retains its ISO 9001:2015 Certification as it passed the 2nd Surveillance Audit held on 05 March 2020 both at its main office at Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City and liaison office with address at 2nd Floor ECC Building, 355 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City.

NMP’s quality procedures, manuals and other systems documentation were reviewed by Ms. Olivia Eco and Mr. Ringo Pabua, SOCOTEC auditors, as against the requirements set forth by the standard. The auditors looked into NMP’s several processes which include registration and certification procedures; course delivery; assessment / examination; documentation; performance monitoring and assessment; provision of resources; performance evaluation of suppliers and other administrative support services during the audit.

During the exit meeting, Ms. Eco, audit team leader, expressed her appreciation for the NMP’s established QMS, as well as the strong support and demonstration of leadership of the top management for the continual improvement of its QMS.

She likewise relayed her positive observations on the significant developments since her last visit in May 2017. These include collaboration/ partnership with different manning and shipping agencies, acquisition of additional equipment, establishment of extension offices, remarkable set-up of NMP’s training facilities coupled with excellent equipment maintenance activities and auditees are very competent and knowledgeable.

Finally, the audit report disclosed that there were no non-conformances noted, but somehow some observations were raised which NMP may look into as an opportunity for continual improvement. With the said findings, the NMP QMS was recommended for continued certification.

“We acknowledge the concerted efforts of the entire workforce in passing the audit. Rest assured that NMP will remain dedicated to further improve its systems, processes and procedures”, said NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod.

Likewise, NMP OIC Deputy Executive Director shared “All the efforts and hard work of NMP employees have paid off. Congratulations to all of us.”

As an Agency that commits to continuous enhancement of seafarers, maintaining ISO Certification of its QMS confirms the Agency's relevance in carrying out its mandate of upgrading the qualifications of Filipino seafarers and providing maritime industry researches.

Over the years, NMP aggressively pursued for the establishment of its QMS in compliance with the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) 1978. Its first ISO Registration Certificate was obtained in April 2000. Since then, the NMP QMS has undergone continuous certification and surveillance audits, passed and was eventually re-certified over the years under ISO 9001: 1994, ISO 9001: 2000, ISO 9001: 2008, and the latest in 2018 under ISO 9001:2015.

It can be recalled that in 2009, NMP received a special recognition from the Office of the President for being one of the forty (40) government offices across the country to be ISO-certified. Also, in 2015, the Agency earned a commendation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for continuously improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its Quality System.

Meanwhile, in its effort to sustain its mandate in providing quality service through upgrading and specialized training programs, NMP continues to maintain and upgrade its facilities and its pool of competent instructors. Those Interested to take the training courses may visit the NMP website @ www.nmp.gov.ph or visit the agency’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ nmptrainingcenter) where all updates and relevant information on NMP programs are available.

Interested stakeholders who wish to validate the authenticity of their seafarers-employed with NMP issued certificates may visit www.verify.nmp.gov.ph or download the NMP App at Google Play Store for android phone users. Likewise, those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP website and access the e-Research Information System Portal which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research Agenda, and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.