Seaman’s centers are non-profit organizations that provide support and services to seafarers. Here in the Philippines, they are usually located near port areas and within the city making it easy for seafarers to access the services they need.
I’ve been to many seafarers’ centers throughout my sailing career and these places are truly a safe haven for seamen where you can quickly feel at home away from home. They are usually one call away and they will respond to your problems or request, even visit your ship to fetch you if you want to go ashore.
Facilities and Services Offered
Also called seaman’s clubs, I made an extensive list of different ways that seaman’s centers can help you especially if you have problems while in another country. Here are just a few of them:
- Accommodation
- Food
- Laundry
- Transport
- Medical care
- Spiritual guidance
- Emotional Support
- Gym
- Communication services
- Ship visits
- Hospital Visits
- Legal assistance, etc
The seaman’s centers in the Philippines usually provide a safe and supportive environment for seafarers to relax and socialize. They have volunteers who are passionate about helping seafarers. Moreover, they understand the challenges that seafarers face and are committed to providing them with the support they need.
List of Seafarers’ Centers in the Philippines
These seafarers’ centers in the country also cater to seaman’s families. Sometimes, their services extend to areas of health and finances.
But I noticed that many of them usually offer affordable accommodation, especially for seamen living in provinces who are only visiting the city for training or repatriation.
So without further delay, here are 11 seafarers’ centers in the Philippines.
1. Mission to Seafarers Philippines
Port: Manila
Facilities: Pastoral advice, transport, Wifi, emotional support.
Location: Upper Ground Crystal IEAC Building 1381, San Marcelino St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Opening times: 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM Monday to Friday
Telephone: (028) 240 5982
Email: infomanila@mtsmail.org
Facebook: Mission to Seafarers Philippines
2. Stella Maris – Manila
Port: Manila
Facilities: Board and lodging, transport, communication facilities, gym, laundry area, reading materials, TV.
Services: Ship visits, hospital visits, Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS), Values Enrichment Seminars (VES), law and advocacy, faith enrichment, spiritual formation, seafarer’s wives and family ministry, spearhead of the National Seafarers’ Day (NSD)
Location: Pope Pius 1175 United Nations Ave, Paco, Manila, Manila, Philippines
Opening times: 07:00 AM to 22:00 PM Sunday to Saturday
Telephone: +63 2 527 2638
Email: aosmanila.ph@gmail.com
Facebook: Stella Maris – Manila
3. Luneta Seafarers Welfare Foundation Inc. (LUSWELF)
Port: Manila
Facilities: Dormitories, job info counters, banks, insurance, transport.
Location: T.M. Kalaw Corner Maria Orosa Street, Ermita, 1000, Metro Manila, Philippines
Opening times: 08:00 AM to 18:00 PM Monday to Friday
Telephone: 0918-320 3561 | (02) 8522 4043
Email: luswelf2007@yahoo.com.ph
4. Manila International Seafarers’ Center
Port: Manila
Facilities: Telephone, shower, indoor games, bar, books, and magazines, computer and printer, food and snacks, transport, telephone, transport, & Wifi.
Location: G/F Associated Workers Union Building, Roberto S Oca St., Gate 4, South Harbor Port Area, Manila, 1018 Philippines
Opening times: 09:00 AM to 16:00 PM Monday to Friday
Telephone: 28 927 0429
Email: seafarerscentermanila@gmail.com
Facebook: Manila International Seafarers’ Center
5. Stella Maris – La Union
Country: Philippines
Port: Poro City Of San Fernando La Union
Facilities: Computer, monitor, phone & fax, car, ship welfare visits, legal/referral workshop for maritime students, seafarers’ family groups, service vehicle for seafarers, sightseeing trips, liturgical services
Location: Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union
Transport: Yes
Opening times: 08:30 AM to 15:30 PM Sunday to Saturday
Telephone: + 63 (072) 700 33 81 | +63919 513 8254 | +63918 696 4517
Email: AOSLaunion@yahoo.com
6. Stella Maris Seafarers’ Center – Cebu
Port: Cebu
Facilities: Computers, study room, prayer room, spiritual activities (recollection, retreat, mass), TV, counseling services, liturgy on board, ship visits, washrooms, comfort rooms, pastoral advice, office, rooms, dorms, and accommodations, recreation hall, transport, basketball court, Wifi, free legal orientation and consultation/ seminar.
Location: Pier 4, Gate 4, Arellano Boulevard, North Reclamation Area,, Cebu City, 6000 Philippines
Opening times: 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM Everyday
Telephone: +63 32 383 6052 (front desk) | +63 32 238 4869 (admin)
Email: aostellamaris@gmail.com | aosstellamariscebu@gmail.com
Facebook: AOS Stella Maris – Cebu
7. Stella Maris – Bohol Chapter
Port: Bohol
Facilities: Pastoral advice, ship visits, mail, Wifi, and telephone
Location: Door 2, K of C Building, K of C Drive, Tagbilaran city, Bohol, Philippines, 6300
Opening times: 08:00 AM to 17:00 PM Sunday to Saturday
Telephone: +63 920 672 6171 | +63 03 8427 5520
Facebook: Stella Maris – Bohol Chapter
8. Star Of The Sea – Iligan
Port: Iligan City
Facilities: Pastoral advice, ship visits, mail, computer access, and telephone
Location: San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish Compound, Tambo, Iligan City, 9200 Philippines
Opening times: 08:00 AM to 22:00 PM Sunday to Saturday
Email: leolabiste@yahoo.com
9. Stella Maris Seafarers’ Centre – Cagayan de Oro
Port: Cagayan De Oro
Facilities: Email, telephone, car service
Location: Macabalan Port, PPA Parking Area, Corrales Extension, Cagayan de Oro City Philippines
Opening times: 08:00 AM to 17:00 PM Sunday to Saturday
Email: aosecmi_cdo@yahoo.com
10. Stella Maris Seafarers Drop-in Center Gen-San
Port: Makar General Santos City Port
Facilities: Internet-ready computers, telephone/ fax machine, TV set/video player, liturgical celebration (Catholic) by appointment
Location: Port Authority, Makar Wharf, General Santos City South Cotabato, General Santos City, Philippines, 9500
Opening times: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Saturday
Telephone: +6383 554 2375 | +63 917 724 5253 | +63 948 230 8809
Email: stellamaris.aosgensanphils@yahoo.com.ph
Facebook: Stella Maris Gensan
11. AMOSUP-JSU Multi Purpose Centre – Davao City
Port: Davao City
Facilities: Free hospitalization and free accommodation to seafarers and family members. Board and lodging, computer, and internet access (WiFi)
Location: 59 R. Castillo St, Agdao, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur
Opening times: 08:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday to Saturday
Phone: 082 234 8266
Email: shd_davao@yahoo.com
Even if you are not a Filipino seaman, asking for help from any seafarers’ centers can be a lifesaver. They are mandated to help sailors around the world and I experienced this firsthand when I was in a pinch in Germany.
And as I said before, most of the seafarers’ centers in the Philippines offer accommodation and lodging that is highly affordable. So even if you are on vacation, you can actually book there if ever you’re going for training, especially in Manila or Cebu.
May the wind be in your favor.
A family man, he loves writing, reading, investing, and watching the golden hours while sailing.
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