NMP and MARINA Conduct Pilot Class on RFPNW and RFPEW

Simulation exercises conducted during the Pilot Class on RFPNW (left picture) RFPEW (right picture)

The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in convergence with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted a Pilot Class on Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and Ratings Forming Part of the Engineering Watch (RFPEW) on 15-19 October 2018 at the NMP Training Complex, Tacloban City.

It can be recalled that with the goal of having a standardized course plans of all maritime training courses among Maritime Training and Education Institutions (MTEIs), NMP acceded to MARINA’s request to revisit, review and repackage the course plan of RFPNW and RFPEW. A Term of Reference (TOR) was signed by both parties and that necessary works started in July 2017.

After all the preparatory works and final run through of the documents, the pilot testing was scheduled to: (a) validate the newly revised courses which include the course package (course plans, instructional materials and assessment tools) and determine the areas for improvement / refinement; and (b) assess the effectiveness and relevance of the newly revised courses vis-à-vis the standard format designed by MARINA which will serve as the prescribed minimum standards to be implemented by accredited Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs).

The revised courses cover a training duration of forty (40) hours excluding the conduct of assessment, enforcing a deviation from the existing course timetable of forty (40) hours including the assessment.

The pilot class was attended by fifteen (15) participants for RFPNW and RFPEW. Validators include: OIC Pablito Estrella, 2E Junnard Hbabag, OICEW Ernesto Morales, Jr., Ms. Rina Carausos, Ms. Riza Pahilanag, and Ms. Michelle U. Margallo from MARINA; 2M Ferdinand D. Derit of Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation. & Training Inc. (PHILCAMSAT); 2M Antonio Abella, Jr. of Dragon Interseas Maritime Corporation; CM Jurgen Jaime J. Pagaran and OICEW Anecito R. Fulache of Davao Merchant Marine Academy College Of Southern Philippines (DMMA); 2M Gil Adriano and Mr. Arsenio Faculin, Jr. of Globe Maritime Training Center Manila Inc., and Mr. Jose Torallejo of St. Therese – MTC Colleges – Iloilo.

At present, NMP is still awaiting for the terminal report together with records of review and verification and validation which shall be provided by MARINA within five (5) working days after the completion of the pilot class and validation as indicated in the signed TOR.
Meanwhile, those interested in NMP research undertakings may visit the NMP website (www.nm.gov.ph) and access the e-Research Information System Portal which is designed for gathering inputs for NMP’s research, dissemination of NMP completed researches and other articles pertaining to maritime research.
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NMP also encourages seafarers to avail of the NMP-OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) Seafarers’ Upgrading Program (SUP) which entitles the beneficiary to receive financial assistance for training costs from the OWWA.