Writing letter requests is one of the many formalities seafarers will eventually face. For one, these letters can be used to put into black and white that which was asked verbally. The most common on board are Repatriation letters, Extension letters, and Early...
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) is now part of our working life. If you are employed especially abroad, or wanting to travel outside the country, expect to have this kind of document. ICVP is commonly known as Yellow Card during our...
An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) is a document that contains the record of your vaccination history. On a positive note, member states of the World Health Organization recognizes this certificate. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, seafarers and OFWs...
The Department of Migrant Workers now accepts registration for OFWs and seafarers. They use the same platform from the POEA online services portal. There are two ways to access your records. One is thru registration and the other is migration. As per most experiences,...
The DMW eRegistration Account is the newest version of digital platform for migrant workers. Seafarers, OFWs and those planning to work abroad are required to register an account in this system. But before we dive into that, let us first take a look at some...
Today, processing your Certificate of Proficiency and Competency (COP/ COC) is easy. You only need to complete the requirements in your MISMO account. Everything is done online. If you compare it more than seven years ago, everything in MARINA was a disaster. Imagine...
The Master, as a shipboard manager, is in overall command of the vessel and personnel on board. Being the highest ranking person, his duties and responsibilities covers the whole ship. Technically, the Master is the "owner’s representative". He is responsible to...
After giving zero payments for first time SRB applicant and 50% discount for renewals last January 01, 2022, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has made another move that will greatly reduce the burdens of our seafarers. Last February 4, 2022, MARINA released...
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) thru the efforts of DoTr secretary Arthur Tugade provided a FREE SEAMAN'S BOOK application for first time seafarers. Aside from that, regular mariners are entitled for a 50% discount whenever they renew their seaman’s book...
Seafarers and OFWs are modern day heroes. Our remittances help not only our family but country as well. Thus, our government initiates different programs like cash assistance, financial projects, accidents and disabilities and welfare to help them in many ways. Either...
As we are all aware today, quarantine guidelines for returning OFWs and seafarers are lighter compared to a few months ago. Here is my previous post about crew change in the middle of pandemic last year. The emergence of “Red, Yellow and Green Countries” added ray of...
Clock changes are part of seaman’s life. The first time I heard about the ship’s time being retarded was, well, a bit confusing. How could time be retarded when it only ticks and doesn’t think? Then I learned that it will be moved backwards to comply with the Daylight...
Recognizing the importance of seafarers in keeping the global economy running, some European ports are now offering free Covid-19 vaccine to seafarers. The first COVID vaccine in the European Union started in Belgium last June 1. Around 2,200 seamen got their jabs in...
With their latest advisory, the Maritime Industry Authority( MARINA) further extends the validity of STCW Certificates up to December 2021 or December 2022. This could be a surprise for you but let’s dissect what the latest MARINA Advisory No. 2021-29 is telling us....
Our government manages a master list of POEA accredited manning agencies. It's all made available online and free to access. Illegal recruiters often prey on unsuspecting seafarers. Thus, knowing if an agency is well registered in the POEA database is the first step...
The Maritime Industry Authority launches its academic arm, the MARINA Training Institute or MarTI, which aims to improve, modernize and streamline the country’s maritime education and training systems and reach its full potential. MarTi is located in a four-storey...
Training centers in Visayas and Mindanao regions prove to be helpful for seafarers since majority lives in provinces. However, there are only a few training centers in Manila which are able to build branches in those areas. This could be due to the fact that many...
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) adapted its training requirements for maritime institutions to include blended learning or hybrid learning. As I wrote on my other article, hybrid learning is a combination of online learning...
SSS Salary Loan is a program of our Social Security System allowing members to borrow a portion of their contribution for a short term cash need. It is the most availed loan program of the SSS. Between January 2019 to August 2019, SSS released more than Php26.33...
Metro Manila is still the epicenter of jobs in our country. As the government slowly reopens the capital, many of us are planning to go back to the Metro and return to the jobs we knew. However, it's not like we used to be. Getting out of the province is not as easy...
All applications for RESIT and RESCHEDULE of Merchant Marine Officers exam are now available thru MISMO under the Examination Tab. To minimize unnecessary exposure of seafarers against COVID19, MARINA implements online application of theoretical examination starting...
The Philippine Government permits Filipino Seafarers coming from countries with reported cases of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain, to enter the country provided strict and mandatory protocols are followed. Additionally, they are allowed to leave the country following exit...
Recognizing the restriction this pandemic has brought us, MARINA extends the validity of expiring Seaman’s Book for all Filipino seafarers. The Maritime Industry Authority, through its Advisory No. 2020-67, auto-renews all Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) and Seafarer’s...
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) approves ONE YEAR EXTENSION validity of all COP, COE and COC for seafarers who are either ON BOARD or ASHORE. MARINA Advisory No. 2020-73 series of 2020 adds another 12-month life-span for STCW Certificates expiring between 13...
SOLAS 1974 Convention or the Safety Of Life At Sea is an international agreement between flag states which sets standards on different aspects of maritime safety. By far, it is the most important of all international conventions related to shipping. Its complete...
What is ISPS Code? ISPS Code or the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code is a collection of guidelines for the security of the ship her crew, cargo and the port facility. Regulations require vessels to enforce the provisions of this code wherever they...
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