If you want to work in tankers, cruise ships, cargo vessels, or any type of vessel, BT with COP is one of your tickets.
Basic Training (BT) is one of the fundamental certificates needed for every person who wants to work on ships. It was formerly known as SOLAS Training or Basic Safety Training and Instruction (BSTI).
BT-R, BT-U, and BT Full Course
Much has changed since the Manila 2010 Amendments. The year 2013 was chaos. As we remember well, almost all our STCW Certificates were getting major overhauls.
Rallies in front of MARINA’s office broke out. The introduction of the Certificate of Proficiency (COP) created confusion too. This left many seafarers frustrated and discombobulated.
Basic Training was divided into three separate but identical courses namely the Refresher, Updating and Full Course.
The introduction of BT-R, BT-U, and BT Full Course caters to different sea services for seafarers. You might get confused as to which training to take but I’ll explain that below.
So Which BT Should You Take?
Lately, there has been much confusion about which type of Basic Training to enroll in. Choosing between BT-U, BT-R and Full Course can cost us money and time.
Why?
Because training centers would assume that our previous BT COP is old thereby pointing us to take the Full Course.
In fact, a two-day refresher or updating course may be enough. I already fixed this problem in my previous blog post.
Basic Training Sub-Modules
In order to get the certificate and COP, seafarers must undertake the competencies stipulated in Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code.
These are the mandatory minimum requirements for familiarization and the basic safety instructions for all seamen.
Basic Training is divided into four sub-modules which are listed below.
1. Fire Prevention and Firefighting
Understanding the basic chemistry of fire. The seafarer must know what to do when discovering smoke or fire. Furthermore, he must show basic knowledge in using the various fire fighting appliances.
This course is vital since there are different approaches to the different classes of fire.
2. Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
This module aims for safety awareness among self and other crew. It stresses the importance of cultivating a safety culture on board.
Moreover, PSSR tackles proper communication, good human relationships, and respect for individual rights.
3. Personal Survival Techniques
PST sets minimum competence for survival training at sea. This module trains seafarers on the proper donning of life jackets, immersion suits, and thermal protective aids.
He will familiarize the operation of survival crafts and their equipment, location devices, and radio equipment. Furthermore, he will learn a particular swimming technique that prolongs survivability while in the water.
4. Elementary First Aid
As onboard accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, seafarers must have the ability to conduct basic first aid while on the scene. He must know what to do when encountering a medical emergency before any professional help arrives.
Basic Training – Certificate of Proficiency (BT COP)
Completing your Basic Safety Course is not enough. Even if you acquire the certificate for this training, you still need to apply for a Certificate of Proficiency in MARINA.
COP and Certificate of Completion are completely different documents. You must apply for a COP before you are allowed to work on board.
What is a Certificate of Proficiency (COP)?
A Certificate of Proficiency or COP means a certificate, other than a certificate of competency, issued to a seafarer under the authority of the Administration.
This certificate states that the relevant requirements of training competencies or seagoing service under the STCW Convention have been met.
Simply put, a COP is a document that functions as proof of your competence. MARINA issues this certificate and assures the inspecting authority that the bearer is proficient.
STCW Convention appoints the Administration, in our case MARINA, to issue this certificate.
Why is the Certificate of Training Completion not enough?
This is one question I also asked instructors and fellow seafarers. When MARINA first introduced the COP, confusion reigned all over the place.
Even on board, it was the talk of the town over the VHF. We can’t help but comply (and pay for another training). Again, we felt that training centers were milking our pockets.
Here I will explain why Certificate of Proficiency is mandatory.
There are lots of training centers from all over the country- and the world. Even though they share the same syllabus for this course, they issue different formats for your certificate.
The Administration
Training centers function as educational grounds for practicing the different modules in each course.
However, international organizations and maritime inspectors do not recognize them. They were not given that authority according to the agreement.
Our Administration, in this case, MARINA, assures any inspecting authority that the bearer is competent and trained proficiently. As you have noticed, all our COPs do not indicate any training centers but from MARINA itself.
Aside from standardizing the format of all COPs to avoid confusion, this is also a REQUIREMENT of the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments.
Requirements for Basic Training – Certificate of Proficiency (BT COP)
The Basic Training COP is valid for only 5 years. Therefore, seafarers of all ranks must renew their COP before its expiration.
To get the full details of the requirements, head on to MARINA’s MISMO. All the requirements listed here will be uploaded and verified online.
For Issuance
- Certificate of BT Full Course taken or completed WITHIN TWO (2) years before the date of application
- Uploaded first page of Passport OR Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID); OR any valid government-issued ID bearing the Full Name and Birthdate PLUS Birth Certificate as Proof of Identity.
- Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format from DOH-accredited medical clinic with seafarer’s signature. NOTE: MUST BE ENCODED by the concerned Medical Facility for Overseas Workers and Seafarers (MFOWS) in your MISMO Account.
- Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag; Frontal straight pose, showing your full face; Expression should be neutral with both eyes open and mouth closed, no hair covering the eyes; Heavy make-up and lip color must be avoided; Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other accessories are not allowed. *
For Revalidation/ Renewal
- Valid BT COP *No need to upload. This will be verified in the system.
- Uploaded Certificate of Seagoing Service for a period of at least 12 months within the last 5 years or 3 months within the last 6 months immediately prior to the application date. NOTE: MUST BE ENCODED by the concerned Local Manning Agencies in your MISMO Account.
- Uploaded Valid Medical Certificate in PEME format from a DOH-accredited medical clinic with seafarer’s signature. NOTE: MUST BE ENCODED by the concerned Medical Facility for Overseas Workers and Seafarers (MFOWS) in your MISMO Account.
- Colored 2×2 inches picture in a white polo with collar, white background and taken within the last six (6) months, NO SHOULDER BOARD and NO name tag; Frontal straight pose, showing your full face; Expression should be neutral with both eyes open and mouth closed, no hair covering the eyes; Heavy make-up and lip color must be avoided; Eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other accessories are not allowed.
- SIRB/SRB (seaman’s book) first page and pages with entries showing approved seagoing service indicated in the company sea service certificate (upload in order of issuance).
- Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher on Basic Training (BT-R) taken or completed within two (2) years before the date of application.
- If DOES NOT MEET the required SEA SERVICE, upload Training Completion of the Full Course provided the COP to be revalidated is VALID.
Expedite Processing (Issuance or Revalidation)
The list provided here includes the respective requirements for each item above (issuance and revalidation). Additionally, the following documents are also required.
- Request Letter submitted by the Local Manning Agency to MARINA.
- Certified True Copy of VERIFIABLE Flight Details (departure should be within 2 days).
- Original or Certified True Copy of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
- Original or Certified True Copy of Contract of Employment (duly approved by POEA).
Specific Provisions
Lately, MARINA issued STCW Circular 2018-05 which stipulates rules for RE-VALIDATING your COPs. It focuses more on giving time frames for your sea service experience.
More importantly, it sets specific deadlines for filing your Certificate of Proficiency INCLUDING Basic Training.
Here are the following.
- Approved seagoing service for a period of at least 12 (twelve) months in total within 5 (five) years, OR
- 3 (three) months in total within 6 (six) months prior to the date of re-validation: AND
- Completed an approved Refresher Course in Basic Training within 6 (six) months before application for re-validation of the COP OR
- If the applicant for re-validation does not meet the required seagoing service, he must complete an approved course in Basic Training within 6 (six) months before application for re-validation of COP.
Steps for Application and Renewal Process of Your BT COP
Walk-in applicants are no longer allowed. MARINA encourages all seafarers to secure an online appointment through MISMO and I personally think it’s much better that way.
- First, applicants must register in the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online System through https://online-appointment.marina.gov.ph/. Fill out the details needed.
- If you already have a MISMO Account, you can log in and start choosing the training you want to file COP for.
- Select the type of certificate that you want to process.
- Complete the documentary requirements.
- Pay the corresponding fee to accredited Bayad Centers.
- Wait for a confirmation message that you will receive through SMS.
- Check to see if your BT COP is approved and ready. Print it as your physical record.
Fees and Release Dates
- Regular Processing – Php200.00. Within 5 working days.
- Expedite Processing – Php600.00. Within the same day.
Did you find this post useful? If you have any questions, feel free to hit the comment below.
May the winds be in your favor.
A family man, he loves writing, reading, investing, and watching the golden hours while sailing.
Ng apply po Ako cop Ng BT and bakit hndi po same ang date Ng issue at expiration Bali issuance ko November 28 2023 tapos expiration ko is march 2028? Yun march ay month Kun kelan Ako Ng BT
Yung expiration na ilalagay nila sir depende yan kung kelan mo kinuha ang BT Course.
Sir good day. tanong ko lng po. What if kumuha ako ng refresher e.g. BT.. kase expiration ng BT Cop ko is January 17 2024. So let’s say nag apply ako revalidation ni BT COP ko gamit yung refresher ko na bagong kuha. Let’s say December ko sya inapply. What if January 18 2024 na pero di parin na rereview at validate ni Marina? ibig sabihin ba nun need ko kumuha full course na? thanks po
No need na kumuha ng bago sir as long as ifile mo agad sa mismo before mag expire ang COP mo.. Eto yung isa sa specific requirements ng MARINA tungkol sa BTR.
-Certificate of Training Completion for Refresher on Basic Training (BT-R) taken or completed within two (2) years before the date of application.
pano po bayaran ang para sa COP BT Refreher course?
Magbibigay sila ng payment reference number sir sa MISMO. Andun din mga payment options. Gamitin mo lang payment reference number para bayaran yung COP mo..
good day puede ba mgpa bt sdsd cop kht wl pang sea service saka wla pang sid at seamans book????
Pwede mo yan mapa COP sir kahit wala kang SID at seaman’s book. Gamit ka lng ng ibang valid government-recognized ID pgfile mo ng COP.
Good day Sir.
Tanong lang po kung hanggang ilang buwan/taon pwede ma-COP ang BT.
Within two years lang po yan after training completion dapat mapa COP mo na. Kung hindi, kukuha po kayo ulit ng full course.
Good day po tanong lang po mag eexpire na po ngayong 23 november ang cop bt ko., ano po ba kaylngan ko kunin bt refresher or bt full course
Good morning sir. Kuha po kayo ng BT refresher course at be sure to file for its COP bago mag expire ang current COP ng BT nyo.
Good day po. first time ko po mag-apply para magtrabaho sa cruise. Gusto ko malaman paano/ saan po ba ako makakapag register para sa mga Basic training STCW A-VI, COP for Basic Training at Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)? Maraming salamat po sa mga tutugon sa aking tanong.
Heto po listahan ng mga training centers for BT, SDSD-SSA, at iba pa: List of MARINA-Accredited Maritime Training Centers in Manila (2023). Para sa COP naman po, check nyo po dito ang steps at processes: 8 Easy Steps in Processing Your COP Using MISMO for FREE!.
ask lang po.yung BT ko kasi ang nakalagay na appointment date for releasing of COP is october 5,but until now wala pa po.OCTOBER 13 na po
Good day po. Wala na po appointment and pagkuha ng COP ng mga certificates. Pag nasunod nyo po lahat ng requirements sa MISMO including payments, iuupload lang nila ang COP mo sa iyong MISMO account. From there, check nyo lang po kung andun na sa MISMO nyo ang inyong COP.
Good day Sir,
Ask ko lang po paano po makakakuha ng generated ref. # for payment, last Aug. 25, 2023 ako ng.apply ng BT COP tru online, dn nkalagay for Final Evaluation Oct. 18, 2023…dn hanggang ngayon Oct.20 For Final Evaluation pa rin nkalagay…ilang days po kaya ang final evaluation…
Salamat sir
Sir good pm po. Review nyo po requirements nyo then try nyo isubmit ulit. Kung wala prin po, call or email nyo nalang ang marina. Pwede nyo rin sila puntahan sa office kung malapit lang kayo.
Hi sir.kng mg apply po ng expired COC kailangan ba na encode yung bt atff pscrb at mefa?nanjan yung mefa ko nkalagay sa documents pero wala sa certificates.ok lng po ba yun?ty
“Add Attachments” nyo nlang sir tapos “Attachment existing document” nyo na mga docs nyo na kelangan sa COC renewal.
Note info
Mam/Sir.
Good morning
Tanung ko lang po. Yung BT COP ko po ai ma eexpire this February 24, 2024, may sea service po aq nang 12 months for the last 5 years. Kaka babah ko lang po this June 2023. Ask ko lang po kung required paba mag refresher training aq nang BT kung magpa revalidate aq nang COP ko sa BT or pwedi nang hindi mag refesher. Kasi may nabasa aq online pwede na daw hindi mag refresher nang BT as long as hindi pa expired ang BT COP.
SALAMAT PO SA SAGOT.
Sir good morning.
Required po ang refresher kung magpa revalidate ng COP according to MARINA’s Advisory. Meron pong time na pwede ka magparevalidate ng COP kahit walang refresher training as long as meron kang attestation letter pero sa dating MARINA admin pa yun. Ngayon, tinanggal nila iyan at kelangan na ulit ng refresher training kung magpapa revalidate ng COP.
sir ask lang po sa Jan 2025 po expire ng rbt cop ko pwede ko pa ba gamitin hangang dec 2024? o need na ako kumuha ng rbt? thanks po .
Pwede yan sir.