Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and Affordable Costs.
Section 9
SEC. 9. Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and Affordable Costs. - Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement and training at reasonable and affordable costs. No fees or charges, other than tuition and miscellaneous fees, shall be imposed on cadets or persons similarly situated. Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall: (a) Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering courses related to seafaring or maritime education; (b) Pursue grant programs, such as scholarships, subsidies, loan assistance, and other measures that will harness the skills of seafarers toward greater competitiveness given the new and evolving demands in the industry; (c) Promote quality maritime education and training that respond to the needs of the industry and are in accordance with minimum international maritime standards of competency; and (d) Afford enhanced access to educational advancement and training of women in the seafaring industry. The MARINA, CHED, and National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) shall work together to mainstream gender and development in the curricula of maritime institutions and training centers.