Publish Date : 12-Mar-2015
The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure that promotes, regulates and protects the professional practice of naval architecture in the country. House Bill 5535, which substituted House Bill 3270, introduced by Rep. Jesulito A. Manalo (Party-list, ANGKLA), updates and modernizes the existing law of naval architecture to develop maritime competence. Rep. Andres Salvacion, Jr (3rd District, Leyte), chairperson of the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation, sponsored the bill, which shall promote maritime safety and competency standards. Under the bill to be known as the Naval Architecture Law, the issue of confusion with marine engineering is addressed by deleting the same and solely using the term "naval architecture" in the title.
As defined under the bill, naval architecture refers to the hydrodynamic and hull form characteristics of the ship, the structural design of the hull, its maneuverability characteristics and its ability to operate in the marine environment. It necessarily includes marine engineering which is primarily concerned with the engineering systems including the main propulsion plant, the powering and mechanical aspect of ship functions such as steering, anchoring, cargo handling, heating, ventilation, airconditioning, electrical power generation and distribution and communications.
The bill also deals with relevant issues and concerns with regard to the design, construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures as well as its machinery and engineering system. Another key provision of the bill is that it defines, among others the essential minimum requirements for the practice of naval architecture, as well as the continuing professional development required to maintain the professional licenses. Also, the measure ensures that the practice of naval architecture conforms to the international laws such as the conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other maritime organizations.
Authors of the bill include Manalo, Salvacion and Reps. Carlos Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya), Leopoldo Bataoil (2nd District, Pangasinan), Leah Paquiz (Party-list, ANG NARS), Jonathan Dela Cruz (Party-list, ABAKADA-GURO), Evelio Leonardia (Lone District, Bacolod City), Isidro Ungab (3rd District, Davao), JC Rahman Nava (Lone District, Guimaras), Pryde Henry Teves (3rd District, Negros Oriental), Mariano Piamonte, Jr. (Party-list, A-TEACHER), Erlinda Santiago (Party-list, 1-SAGIP), Angelina Tan (4th District, Quezon), Henry Oaminal (2nd District, Misamis Occidental), Raul Del Mar (1st District, Cebu City), Ronald Cosalan (Lone District, Benguet), Jorge Almonte (1st District, Misamis Occidental), Lucy Gomez (4th District, Leyte), Joaquin Chipeco, Jr. (2nd District, Laguna) and Emi Calixto- Rubiano (Lone District, Pasay City).
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