Section 79Sec./Art. 79

Requirements for Philippine-registered Ships on Shipboard Training. - All Philippine-registered ships operating domestically are mandated to enter into agreement with any of the MHEIs for the shipboard training of the latter's cadets for domestic maritime degree or non-degree programs. The number of cadets required to be accommodated shall be in accordance with rules and regulations issued by the MARINA.

Philippine-registered ships operating internationally shall also enter into agreement with any of the MHEIs for the shipboard training of the latter's cadets. They shall be required to accommodate cadets in accordance with the STCW Convention and the guidelines issued by the MARINA.

For this purpose, all Philippine-registered ships, whether operating domestically or internationally, conducting shipboard training shall appoint or employ a training officer who shall ensure that the training programs are compliant with the established shipboard training curriculum. Shipowners may charge reasonable fees for the training of cadets. MARINA shall issue guidelines on the amount of fees that may be charged by shipowners on the training of cadets.

The MARINA shall provide incentives to owners of commercially-operating domestic ships reconfigured for use in the shipboard training of a substantial number of cadets. MARINA shall also issue the appropriate guidelines for the grant of such incentives, after consultation with the relevant stakeholders.