Republic Act No. 8495 and Implementing Rules and Regulations

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, professional categories, legal requirements, and regulatory frameworks of the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998 (RA 8495).

Republic Act No. 8495

Known as the Philippine Mechanical Engineering Act of 1998, it regulates the practice of mechanical engineering in the Philippines.

Practice of Mechanical Engineering

The performance of services including consultation, valuation, investigation, management, engineering design, supervision of installation, maintenance, teaching of professional subjects, and government employment requiring mechanical engineering knowledge.

Mechanical equipment or machinery

Includes prime movers, steam generators, heat exchangers, materials handling equipment, and piping systems with a working pressure of not less than $70\,kpa$.

Capacity of process works, projects or plant

The total kilowatt ratings of all engines, motors, boilers, turbines, or other prime movers installed for use, whether in operation or not.

Board of Mechanical Engineering

A body composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President of the Philippines to supervise the registration, licensure, and practice of the profession.

Board Member Qualification - Age

Must be at least thirty-five ($35$) years of age at the time of appointment.

Board Member Qualification - Professional Status

Must be a Professional Mechanical Engineer with a valid license and an active practitioner for not less than ten ($10$) years prior to appointment.

Board Member - Term of Office

Three ($3$) years from the date of appointment, with a maximum of two ($2$) regular terms.

Professional Mechanical Engineer (PME)

The highest category of registration, requiring a BSME degree, a valid ME license, and at least four ($4$) years of active practice.

Mechanical Engineer (ME)

A category of registration requiring a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized school.

Certified Plant Mechanic (CPM)

A category of registration requiring a vocational course of at least two ($2$) years and one ($1$) year of active practice in mechanical plant operation.

Licensure Examination Passing Rating

An average of seventy percent ($70\%$) on all subjects, with no rating below fifty percent ($50\%$) in any individual subject.

Re-examination rule

An applicant who fails to pass for the third time must wait for the lapse of one ($1$) year before taking another examination.

Seal of a Professional Mechanical Engineer

A design in the form of a gear used to stamp plans, designs, and technical reports; it is unlawful to use it if the certificate is revoked.

Reinstatement of Certificate

The Board may reinstate a revoked certificate for reasons of equity and justice at least two ($2$) years after revocation.

Temporary/Special Permit - Consultation

Issued to foreign engineers for specific projects not requiring more than three ($3$) months residence in the Philippines in a twelve-month period.

Personnel Requirement: $100\,kw$ to $300\,kw$

Requires at least one ($1$) certified plant mechanic, mechanical engineer, or professional mechanical engineer per shift.

Personnel Requirement: $300\,kw$ to $2000\,kw$

Requires at least one ($1$) mechanical engineer or professional mechanical engineer per shift.

Personnel Requirement: Over $2000\,kw$

Requires at least one ($1$) professional mechanical engineer per shift.

Practice by Firms and Corporations

Direct practice is not allowed; however, licensed engineers may form a partnership or association registered with the SEC.

RA 8495 Penalties

A fine between $P50,000.00$ and $P200,000.00$, or imprisonment from six ($6$) months to three ($3$) years, or both.

OTEC

Stands for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, which utilizes temperature differences between deep and surface ocean water to generate electricity.

Syllabi

An outline or table of specifications comprising the contents of subjects for licensure examinations systematically arranged by topics.

Official Seal of the Board

Features a drawing of Hers-Steam Engine from the 1st Century A.D.

Professional License Renewal

The license is valid for three ($3$) years and is renewed on the birth month of the professional upon payment of fees and compliance with CPE requirements.