Section 1. Declaration of Policy. —

The following are hereby declared to be the policies of the State:

1. The State shall ensure compliance with the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention), as amended; all international agreements implementing or applying the STCW Convention; and other international maritime safety conventions or agreements that the STCW Convention seeks to promote compliance with;

2. The State recognizes the vital contribution of the seafarers to the national economy. Toward this end, the State shall establish systems and mechanisms for the promotion and protection of the well-being of the seafarers to ensure their professionalism and competitiveness, both in local and international trade, consistent with existing local labor laws and applicable international laws;

3. The State shall create a single maritime administrative system and structure that shall provide an enabling environment for the business of Philippine seafaring; establish appropriate institutional arrangements with other agencies of government; and create an effective regulatory framework conducive to the efficiency, transparency and competitiveness of the Philippine seafaring industry consistent with the STCW Convention; and

4. The State shall harmonize all legal and administrative measures which are taken and provided for by government regulatory agencies and ensure that such measures are appropriate and consistent with the STCW Convention.