The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through the STCW Office’s Examination and Assessment Division (EAD), officially welcomed newly certificated Marine Deck and Engineer Officers during an oath-taking ceremony held on 04 December 2025 at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila.

A total of 98 new officers took their oath.
• Deck Department: 48 officers — 11 Master Mariners, 2 Chief Mates, and 35 Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch.
• Engine Department: 50 officers — 7 Chief Engineers and 43 Officers-in-Charge of an Engineering Watch.

STCW Office Executive Director Mr. Samuel L. Batalla encouraged the new officers to value their responsibility, reminding them that the sea demands skill, discipline, and integrity. He noted that Marine Officers serve as protectors of safety and strong representatives of Filipino excellence around the world.

Keynote speaker Capt. Banny B. Briones, President of MMS Maritime (Philippines), Inc./Multinational Maritime, Inc., highlighted that a license is more than just a document — it is a promise to uphold safety, good leadership, and professionalism onboard.

The oath was administered by Capt. Danilo G. Arevalo, Chairman of the Board of Marine Deck Officers (BOMDO), and Chief Engr. Reynaldo S. Rabino, Chairman of the Board of Marine Engineer Officers (BOMEO).

The ceremony reinforces MARINA’s commitment to developing competent, responsible, and safety-focused Filipino marine officers ready to take on greater roles in the global maritime industry.