It is a uniform test conducted—since 2006, by Philippine - Japan Manning Consultative Council (PJMCC), as the principal organization—for students enrolled in maritime educational facilities in the Philippines.

Examinees who have performed well in the test, are selected and provided with basic practical training on board the T.S. Oca owned by Associated Marine Officers’ & Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and additional training on board merchant ships. After obtaining certificates of competency, these students are expected to serve on board vessels under the control of Japanese shipping companies.

On February 12, 2010, the MSAP was conducted for students enrolled in the second year, at the same time at 81 private maritime schools in the Philippines.

From among the 17,000 examinees, the top 120 students based on the scores obtained in the test are expected to be selected and granted scholarships from The International Mariners Management Association of Japan.