The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), a premier government-owned maritime training and research institution, underwent re-accreditation inspection on 02-06 April 2018 by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office at its principal location at Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City.
NMP applied for re-accreditation of the nine (9) STCW-regulated courses due for expiration on 26 May 2018 (Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display and Information System; Consolidated MARPOL 73/78 Annexes I-V; and Ship Security Awareness Training and Seafarers with Designated Security Duties), 01 June 2018 (Refresher Training for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats) and 15 July 2018 (Basic Training; Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats; Advanced Fire Fighting; Medical First Aid; and Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork).
During the inspection, MARINA evaluated NMP’s capability of offering the aforesaid courses to ensure that their delivery satisfies the requirements set forth in STCW Circular 2013-01, series of 2012.
The team focused into Specific Key Areas (SKA) that include the Training Designs of each courses as to the incorporation of knowledge, understanding, proficiency in the STCW Code, Qualification of Instructors, Assessors and Supervisors, Facilities and Training Equipment, Textbooks and Videos, Other References and Teaching Aids, Assessment System and Quality System documents.
Based on the inspection conducted, MARINA issued a Notice of Deficiencies on 13 April 2018 which NMP complied on 19 April 2018.
The inspection team was composed of Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo, Ms. Erlinda F. Oli, Ms. Wilma P. Moran, Engr. Ernesto D. Morales and Mr. Perry Pagdilao.
Meanwhile, NMP continues to upgrade its facilities and provide maritime training required pursuant to the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention as amended in 2010 including value-adding courses towards improving the qualifications of Filipino seafarers for their employment acceptability and enhanced competitiveness.
NMP 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.
Those interested to take NMP training programs may visit the NMP website (www.nm.gov.ph) and its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) where all related information on NMP trainings are available.