The Maritime Industry is an essential part of global trade and transportation, making the demand for skilled seafarers continuously high. TESDA provides training programs to equip aspiring seafarers with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet industry demands.
Also read: List of TESDA Courses for Maritime
The Able Seafarer Courses offered by TESDA are divided into two categories: Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Regulation II/5) Qualification and Able Seafarer Engine NC II (STCW Regulation III/5) Qualification. These courses are designed to develop competent seafarers who can perform various tasks onboard a ship. Upon completion of the courses, graduates are qualified to work on different types of vessels such as cargo ships, passenger ships, and oil tankers.
Benefits
Here are some benefits of taking TESDA Able Seafarer Courses:
- International recognition: The courses offered by TESDA are recognized and accepted globally, giving graduates the opportunity to work in different countries and on various types of vessels.
- High demand for skilled workers: The maritime industry is constantly growing and evolving, creating a high demand for qualified seafarers. By completing TESDA’s Able Seafarer Courses, individuals can enter this lucrative career field with confidence.
- Hands-on training: TESDA courses provide practical hands-on training, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties at sea.
- Career advancement: Taking TESDA Able Seafarer Courses can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher earning potential in the maritime industry. Graduates can also pursue further education or specializations to enhance their skills.
- Job placement assistance: TESDA works closely with shipping companies and agencies, providing job placement assistance for graduates of their courses.
Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Regulation II/5)
The Able Seafarer Deck (STCW Regulation II/5) Qualification equips individuals with key skills to support navigation, cargo handling, ship operations, onboard safety, and maintenance. It follows the Maritime Sector competency map and meets STCW Regulation II/5 standards.
Course Description
This course helps you learn the skills and attitude needed to work as an Able Seafarer Deck. It includes the basics, common practices, and key skills.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this Qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in Workplace Communication
- Work in a Team Environment
- Practice Career Professionalism
- Practice Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment
- Minimize the risk of fire and maintain a state of readiness to respond to emergency situations involving fire
- Fight and extinguish fire
- Take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency
- Comply with emergency procedures
- Take precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment
- Observe safe working practices
- Demonstrate security awareness practices
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Perform Navigation at the Support Level
- Perform Cargo Handling and Stowage at the Support Level
- Control the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons on Board at the Support Level
- Perform Maintenance and Repair at the Support Level
Career Opportunity
A person with this qualification is certified to be an AB Deck.
Training Duration
- 18 Hours (Basic Competencies)
- 60 Hours (Common Competencies)
- 80 Hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 158 Hours
Qualifications
This section outlines the qualifications and requirements for trainees. Key qualifications include:
- A Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch II (STCW Regulation II/4), or
- Completion of the Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch course from a TESDA/MARINA-accredited training center.
Additional qualification:
- Passing a medical exam for eyesight and hearing, as per DOH Administrative Order No. 2013-0006.
Trainer Qualifications
- Must be a licensed Officer-In-Charge of a Navigational Watch with at least 12 months of seagoing experience in this position.
- Must be proficient in English communication.
- Must hold a National TVET Trainer Certificate (NTTC) I for Able Seafarer Deck NC II (STCW Regulation II/5).
Remarks
- To deliver the element “Operate Survival Craft and Rescue Boat” under the core competence “Control the Operation of the Ship and Care for Persons on Board at the Support Level,” trainers must meet MARINA’s standards for the Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB) training program.
- For delivering common competencies, trainers must meet MARINA’s standards for Basic Safety Training (BST) and Security Awareness Training courses.
Also read: How to Apply for a Scholarship in TESDA
Able Seafarer Engine NC II (STCW Regulation III/5)
The Able Seafarer Engine NC II qualification prepares individuals to perform marine engineering tasks, safely use electrical equipment, and handle maintenance and repairs. It follows the Maritime Sectors’ standards (Annex A) and complies with STCW Regulation III/5 requirements.
Course Description
This course provides the basic skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for Able Seafarer Engine NC II (STCW Regulation III/5). To complete the qualification, all required units must be successfully completed.
Units of Competency
The Units of Competency comprising this Qualification include the following:
BASIC COMPETENCIES
- Participate in workplace communication
- Work in a team environment
- Practice career professionalism
- Practice occupational health and safety procedures
COMMON COMPETENCIES
- Survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment
- Minimize the risk of fire and maintain a state of readiness to respond to emergency situations involving fire
- Fight and extinguish fires
- Take immediate action upon encountering an accident or other medical emergency
- Comply with emergency procedures
- Take precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment
- Observe safe working practices
- Demonstrate security awareness practices
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Perform marine engineering at the support level
- Demonstrate safe usage of electrical equipment at the support level
- Perform maintenance and repair at the support level
Career Opportunity
A person with this qualification is certified to be an AB Engine.
Training Duration
- 18 Hours (Basic Competencies)
- 60 Hours (Common Competencies)
- 68 Hours (Core Competencies)
Total: 146 Hours
Qualifications
This section outlines the qualifications and requirements for trainees:
- Must hold a Certificate of Proficiency (COP) for Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch II (STCW Regulation III/4), OR
- Must have completed a course on Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch from a TESDA/MARINA-accredited training center.
- Must pass the medical examination for eyesight and hearing as per DOH Administrative Order No. 2013-0006.
Additional health, physical, and entry examination requirements may also apply.
Trainer Qualifications
- Licensed Officer-In-Charge of an Engineering Watch with at least 12 months of seagoing experience in this position.
- Proficient in English communication.
- Holder of National TVET Trainer Certificate (NTTC) I for Able Seafarer Engine NC II (STCW Regulation III/5).
Remarks:
These qualifications apply to delivering the core competencies. For common competencies, trainers must meet the standards set by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for Basic Safety Training (BST) and Security Awareness Training courses.
Requirements
To enroll in the course, certain requirements must be met. These include:
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College Diploma
- Certified True Copy of Official Transcript of Records or Form 137
- Certificate of Good Moral Character or GMRC
- 1 x 1 and/or 2 x 2 pictures
Please note that the specific requirements for enrollment may vary depending on the school. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the school directly to obtain accurate information regarding any potential variations in the required documentation.
Also read: Full List of TESDA NC2 / NC II Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Able Seafarer Deck NC II and Able Seafarer Engine NC II?
A: Able Seafarer Deck NC II covers deck operations, while Able Seafarer Engine NC II focuses on marine engineering. Both are essential for AB Deck or AB Engine roles.
2. What are the basic competencies included in the training for both qualifications?
A: Basic competencies cover areas such as workplace communication, teamwork, professionalism, and occupational health and safety procedures.
3. Are there any additional qualifications required for trainees?
A: In addition to holding a COP or completing the relevant training course, trainees must also pass a medical examination for eyesight and hearing. Other health, physical, and entry requirements may also apply.
4. Are these courses available for individuals who are not currently working in the maritime industry?
A: Yes, these courses are available for both individuals already working in the maritime industry and those who are interested in pursuing a career in it. However, trainees must meet all the necessary qualifications and requirements before enrolling.
5. How long is the total training duration for each qualification?
A: The total training duration for Able Seafarer Deck NC II is 158 hours, while Able Seafarer Engine NC II requires 146 hours of training. This includes hours dedicated to basic competencies, common competencies, and core competencies.
Summary
Able Seafarer Deck NC II and Able Seafarer Engine NC II are key qualifications for a maritime career, covering essential skills for safe deck or engine operations. Trainers must meet MARINA and TESDA standards to ensure quality education. Aspiring seafarers should take these qualifications seriously and commit to ongoing training to stay updated with industry advancements. With dedication, these certifications can open doors to a successful maritime career.
