Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Objectives. - The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers shall have the following objectives:

(a) Codify the rights and obligations of Filipino overseas and domestic seafarers, as contained in the MLC 2006, as amended, the STCW Convention, pertinent conventions and international agreements which the Philippines has signed and ratified, and pertinent Philippine laws, rules, regulations, and jurisprudence;

(b) Implement the MLC 2006, as amended, and the STCW Convention for Filipino overseas seafarers, and identify the extent of their application to Filipino domestic seafarers;

(c) Institute comprehensive measures that will enhance the education, cadetship, training, and practice of Filipino seafarers to upgrade their qualifications and ensure their competency, competitiveness, and world-class quality;

(d) Align and institutionalizing existing policies and rules of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on the education of maritime students and training of cadets, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on the qualifications and safety of both domestic and overseas seafarers, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on labor standards and protection of domestic seafarers, and of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on labor standards and protection of overseas seafarers;

(e) Afford greater protection to seafarers from nefarious practices that threaten their livelihood and compromise their well-being;

(f) Promote the safety of the general public who depend on the skills and competencies of Filipino seafarers; and

(g) Identify the roles of various government agencies and key stakeholders in achieving the objectives and ensuring the effective implementation of this Act.

CHAPTER II

GENERAL PROVISIONS