THE road that led to this certification was long and circuitous for the Maritime Industry Authority. The preparation of the quality standard system began in 1996 after the Philippines signed a bilateral agreement with the Government of  Norway for technical cooperation strengthening  the institutional capability of the MARINA to implement the provisions of the STCW Convention, as amended.

One of the more important revisions adopted was the requirement for government entities/agencies performing training, assessment of competence, certification, endorsement and revalidation activities to continuously monitor these activities. And so, on June 1996, the first of a series training programs was conducted by Norwegian experts on areas covering internal audit, quality assurance on Maritime Academies and Training Centers, QSS preparation and implementation symposium for starters. 

In 1997 until the first quarter of 1998, the core group on the MARINA QSS drafted the QSS procedures manual and the quality documents/forms manual. The manuals were subjected to an extensive document review by a consultant from ABS, resulting in major revisions in the MARINA QSS to include additional activities to be undertaken by the authority. 

Other training programs were simultaneously conducted during the period of document preparation such as the ISO Awareness Seminar, the second Internal Quality Audit Course, a Corrective Action Course, ISO Orientation Course for MARINA Management and Lead Assessor Course.

What initially was envisioned under the institutional cooperation program as strengthening of the MARINA as the institution to implement the STCW-related functions as well as the expansion of its scope of activities. Subsequently, training programs included representatives from the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority as the agencies responsible for Education, the Maritime Training Council for training, the Professional Regulation Commission and the National Telecommunication Commission for Licensure Examination, the Department of Health for Medical Fitness as well as the Philippine Coast Guard for control procedures. Not only the Norwegian Government but also by the Norwegian Shipowners extended funding assistance as well as the NSA in cooperation with the MARINA contracted consultants from DNV to provide assistance to these agencies towards the preparation of their agency QSS.
The preparation of the Communication of Information in Accordance with Regulation 1/7 was made possible under the expanded scope.

Finally the QSS was completed, finalized and implemented in November 1999. The MARINA QSS underwent another revision with the issuance of Executive Order 242 in May 2000 transferring the administration of the STCW Convention from MARINA to the Maritime Training Council. The certification and follow-up audit was conducted in July and September 2000, respectively. The Certificate of Compliance in accordance with ISO 9002 Standards was issued to the MARINA in October of last year. 

The circle has been completed but another circle commences, one that has no end, as the pursuit of quality service never really ceases. -- Capt. Jovito Tamayo

'Only 37 institutions are STCW '95 compliant'  [View LIST]

North Harbor modernization slated to begin this year

All-Filipino crew of M/T Team Venus stages daring high-seas rescue

SMS: A way to reduce accidents at sea

MARINA gets ISO certification

YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR
By Dr. Carlitos N. Orola, MD-CFP
What is hepatitis?

MARINO: HISTORY OF FILIPINO SEAMEN
By Roli G. Talampas
Union records string of CBA victories

You can now join or start any discussion on seafarer's issues anytime or anywhere you are with
Usapang Marino
(Seafarer's Forum)
at URL: http://www.ufs.ph/discus