TACLOBAN CITY — The government-run National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) will begin offering a free Updating Course for Basic Training–Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (BT–PSSR) after receiving approval from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said the program is part of the agency’s continuing effort to support the growth and excellence of Filipino seafarers by providing “accessible, high-quality, and world-class training programs.”
“As the country’s only state-run maritime training and research institution, NMP remains committed to upholding international standards in maritime education and training, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as the world’s leading supplier of maritime professionals,” Del Rosario added.
The initiative, approved through a memorandum signed by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, aims to help seafarers meet the new requirements of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) while easing the financial burden of mandatory training.
Under Marina Advisory 2025-40 issued on October 15, all seafarers serving aboard seagoing vessels are required to complete the Updating Course or Revised BT starting January 1, 2026.
According to NMP, the revised course introduces strengthened measures against bullying, harassment, and sexual misconduct onboard ships.
“This means that all seafarers who completed the BT course but have not yet applied for a Certificate of Proficiency (COP), as well as those with valid COPs issued before November 1, 2025, must take the updating course,” the agency explained.
The BT–PSSR is a core component of the mandatory basic training under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) framework, designed to equip seafarers with essential knowledge and skills to ensure safety, security, and efficiency while at sea.
Meanwhile, NMP clarified that first-time applicants and those with expired COPs must take the revised full BT course.
Online enrollment for the free Updating Course opened on October 29 via register.nmp.gov.ph
The 1.5-day training sessions will be held at NMP Tacloban on the following dates: November 18–19; November 26–27; November 27–28; December 1–2; December 4–5; December 8–9; and December 11–12.
NMP said it will continue offering the Updating Course through 2026 and beyond “to ensure that seafarers can conveniently comply with Marina requirements.”
(RONALD O. REYES)
