Merchant Marine and Deck Officer

Board for Marine Deck Officers

Code of Ethics

Article I

GENERAL PROVISION

The Merchant Marine Deck Officer has a moral obligation and social responsibility to practice his profession according to a Code of Ethics and Conduct. Every Merchant Marine Deck Officer shall regard the Code of Ethics as a way of life which has its foundation in Honesty, Truth, Justice, Integrity, and Love of the Country, not as a set of rules which should strictly be observed. Professionalism is the keystone of every Merchant Marine Deck Officer in the conduct of his profession and above all upholds the honor and dignity of every Filipino Merchant Marine Deck Officer.

Article II
RELATION TO THE PROFESSION

a) A deck officer shall strive to elevate, maintain and contribute to the honor and dignity of the profession.
b) He shall conduct himself with the traditional decorum of an officer and a gentleman, restraining himself from all acts contrary to the established rules of morality and personal discipline.
c) He shall continually improve his professional competency by keeping up to date with the latest technological and scientific knowledge being applied in the marine fields.
d) It shall be his obligation to keep himself prepared for the next higher license through reading, diligent studies and keen observation of the shipboard activities.
e) He shall make financial gain secondary only to the service that the entire profession can render to the economic growth of the country.
f) A deck officer shall not hesitate to consult his fellow deck officers in matters that will affect the honor and integrity of the deck officer’s profession.
g) He shall expose, without fear or favor, to the proper authorities of the profession; corrupt or dishonest conduct of members of the profession whose existing practices can degrade the reputation of other practitioners.
h) Every deck officer should aid in safeguarding the profession against the admission to its ranks of