TACLOBAN CITY — Exciting news for the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and Filipino seafarers! The Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) and Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) courses offered by NMP have successfully passed the rigorous inspection conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) from 11-14 July 2023. As a result, MARINA is set to recommend the reaccreditation of these vital courses, solidifying NMP’s commitment in providing high-quality trainings to Filipino seafarers.

Over the course of four (4) extensive days, the MARINA Inspection Team, in compliance with the requirements prescribed under MARINA Memorandum Circulars SC-2021-09 and SC-2022-05, thoroughly reviewed the course package, instructional materials, quality standard system, facilities and the competence of NMP’s instructors, assessors and supervisors. The focus was to ensure that these courses align with the international standards set forth by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

With the successful conclusion of the inspection, NMP now awaits the official reaccreditation from MARINA. This reaccreditation is crucial as it validates NMP’s ability to continually offer these courses to Filipino seafarers, ensuring their access to quality training.

As NMP and MARINA continue to collaborate in upholding the highest standards of maritime education and training, the Philippine maritime industry can rest assured that NMP will continue to produce competent and well-trained seafarers. The reaccreditation ensures that NMP remains at the forefront of maritime training, equipping seafarers with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to navigate the challenges of their profession.

Meanwhile, those interested to take the aforementioned courses and other NMP training programs may visit the Online Registration System via https://register.nmp.gov.ph, the Agency’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) or website https://nmp.gov.ph  where all updates and relevant information on NMP programs are available.  Likewise, for information on NMP research undertakings, please visit the NMP’s e-Research Portal (www.research.nmp.gov.ph) which is designed to disseminate NMP completed researches, present the Research agenda, and engage the industry stakeholders to collaborate in the research activities.