Republic Act No. 844, enacted on May 7, 1953, mandates that all nautical or maritime schools in the Philippines must possess at least one training ship to be recognized by the government. Existing schools have a six-month grace period to acquire a training ship or risk losing their government recognition. The Secretary of Education has the authority to exempt certain schools from this requirement if they have arrangements with shipping enterprises for student training aboard their vessels. This law aims to ensure that maritime students receive practical training essential for their education and future careers.
May 7, 1953
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 844
AN ACT REQUIRING NAUTICAL OR MARITIME SCHOOLS TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE TRAINING SHIP EACH
SECTION 1. All nautical or maritime schools shall have at least one training ship each.
No nautical or maritime school shall be recognized by the Government unless it has at least one ship for the practical training of its students: Provided, however, That any existing nautical or maritime school already recognized by the government shall provide itself with a training ship within the period of six months from the date of approval of this Act, and the failure of such school to provide itself with a training ship within said period shall result in the cancellation of its government recognition. cd i
The Secretary of Education is authorized to exempt any nautical or maritime school from the requirements of this Act if he is satisfied that such school has an arrangement with any shipping enterprise whereby its students may be given practical training in the ship or ships of such shipping enterprise.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved: May 7, 1953
Published in the Official Gazette, Vol. 49, No. 5, p. 1759 in May 1953