TESDA’s COC is now known as MARINA’s COP

It has been a while since my last blog post due to a busy schedule on-board my current vessel. Include the fact that internet access is very rare in our situation. I’m aware that many things have changed since then, but one thing is certain, it feels good to write again.

Anyway, upon scanning for news related to seafarers I was able to bump with TESDA’s official website and found out that there were changes with TESDA‘s assessment and certification functions for deck and engine ratings. The old CoC or Certificate of Competency is now called CoP or Certificate of Proficiency. Previously the services were performed by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) but it is now transferred to MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority). Effective date was July 1, 2013.

30 June 2013

MARINA Advisory
No: 2013-10
Series of 2013

TO: All Shipping Companies/Seafarers/Manning Agencies/MARINA Regional Offices and All Concerned.

SUBJECT: Assumption by MARINA of TESDA Functions in the Conduct of Assessment and Certifications of Seafarers in the Ratings Category. 

Pursuant to Executive Order no. 75 and its Implementing  Rules and Regulations, and in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) signed on 18 March 2013, NOTICE is hereby given that MARINA shall assume, effective 1 July 2013, the functions related to the conduct of assessment and certification of ratings under Regulations II/4, III/4, II/5, and III/5 of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended. 

To ensure the efficient transfer and exercise of the above functions, the following interim guidelines are hereby adopted:
1. Valid assessment center accreditation certificates issued by TESDA shall continue to be honored by the MARINA until their dates of expiry;
2. Assessment centers with accreditation certificates that expired in the month of June or about to expire in the month of July are deemed extended until 31 August 2013, and
3. Issuance by MARINA of Certificates of Proficiency (COP) pursuant to the above STCW Regulations shall commence only upon adoption and approval of the relevant Implementing Guidelines by the MARINA Board of Directors. 

For the guidance and compliance of all concerned. 

MAXIMO O. MEJIA, JR, PhD
Administrator

source: www.marina.gov.ph / www.tesda.gov.ph