A TOTAL of 20 Master Mariners passed the Harbor Pilot Licensure Examination administered by the Maritime Industry Authority last March.

Officer-In-Charge Deputy Administrator for Planning Sonia Malaluan said new pilots must be faithful in their sworn duty during an oath taking ceremony held on June 7.

“(Pilots) must ensure safety of property and life, and the protection of the marine environment,” Malaluan said in a statement.

The successful examinees are Edwin Acosta, Em Joseph Aguilar, Bernie Banzon, Alexandar Bitoy, Arnulfo Caballero, Al Nair Calderon, and Edgardo Calumpag.

Also included in the list are Jonathan Camanga, Gary Joseph Campos, Oliver Wendell Capuli, Philam DennCastro, and Samith Cosina.

Completing the list are Adolfo Daroy, Joemar Dungo, Ireneo Fidel Jr., Bobby Layog, Feliciano Jr. Nañasca, James Ramos, Rex Sagaral, and Jaime Serdoncillo.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 125/125-A, the MARINA is mandated to undertake the licensing of harbor pilots in the country.

A candidate for the Harbor Pilot Licensure Examinations should be at least 35 years of age at the time of the examination; mentally and physically fit; Master in command of a merchant ship or PCG or NAMRIA and other non-combatant ship of more than 500 GT of not less than five (5) years; of good moral character and not included in the database of watch listed seafarers.