A measure regulating, promoting and protecting the professional practice of naval architecture in the Philippines has been approved by the House of Representatives on second reading.
The bill, introduced by ANGKLA partylist representative Jesulito Manalo, aims to strengthen maritime safety and naval competency standards in the country by updating and modernizing existing laws governing the practice of naval architecture.
Manalo’s partylist group ANGKLA, is an ally of the National Unity Party (NUP) under the Coalition for Peace and Development.
The other authors of the bill are Rep. Andres Salvacion (3rd district, Leyte), the chairperson of the Committee on Civil Service and Professional Regulation; Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya); Representatives 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).
Under the consolidated version of the measure, House Bill 5535, the issue of confusion with marine engineering is addressed by deleting the same and solely using the term "naval architecture" in the title. HB 5535 is to be known as the Naval Architecture Law.
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.
The measure ensures that the practice of naval architecture conforms to international laws such as the conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other maritime organizations.
It necessarily covers marine engineering which is primarily concerned with the engineering system of the ship, 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.
It also enumerates the essential minimum requirements for the practice of naval architecture, as well as the continuing professional development required to maintain the professional licenses.