Deck Officer Requirements for Filipino Seafarers

Deck officers are responsible for important navigational, operational, safety, and management duties onboard ships.

Career progression may include positions such as:

• Deck Cadet

• Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch

• Third Officer

• Second Officer

• Chief Officer

• Master

The requirements depend on the exact certification and rank.

Education

Officer pathways generally involve maritime education and structured training.

Applicants should verify the current education requirements applicable to their intended certification.

Training

Deck officers may need STCW training covering areas appropriate to their responsibilities.

Additional training may be required for particular vessel types or duties.

Sea Service

Qualifying sea service can be an important component of officer certification.

The amount and type required depends on the certificate being pursued.

Certification

Certain officer positions require a MARINA Certificate of Competency.

The specific COC depends on the rank and applicable STCW regulation.

Promotion

Moving to higher management-level positions may require:

• Additional sea service

• Additional training

• Assessment

• Existing certification

• Other documentary requirements

MARINA provides documentary requirement information through its STCW Administration Office.

Important

Do not rely on a single checklist for every deck officer position.

Always identify the exact certificate and rank first, then check the corresponding current MARINA requirements.

Engine Rating Requirements for Filipino Seafarers

Engine ratings support the safe operation, maintenance, and monitoring of machinery and engineering systems onboard ships.

Common positions can include:

• Wiper

• Oiler

• Fitter

• Motorman

• Able Seafarer Engine

• Other engine department ratings

What Do Engine Ratings Do?

Depending on their position, engine ratings may assist with:

• Machinery maintenance

• Cleaning and housekeeping

• Machinery monitoring

• Repairs

• Engine-room operations

• Safety procedures

Common Requirements

Depending on the position, an applicant may need:

• Appropriate STCW training

• Relevant certification

• Medical fitness

• Identification documents

• Sea service

• Position-specific qualifications

Career Progression

An engine rating can develop experience and qualifications that may support progression toward more advanced engine department roles.

However, higher positions require additional education, training, certification, and qualifying experience.

Before Applying

Ask the employer or licensed manning agency:

• What rank is being offered?

• What certificates are required?

• What training is required?

• Is sea service required?

• What vessel will you join?

• What are the employment terms?

Verify Current Requirements

MARINA publishes certification rules and circulars covering different categories of seafarers.

Because requirements can change, applicants should verify the current requirements for their specific position.

Final Reminder

Do not pay for training simply because someone says it is required.

First determine whether the course is actually applicable to the position you want.