Seaman’s Book Renewal Guide With Photo Instructions

by | Last updated Nov 24, 2023 | How-to Guide, Important Documents | 44 comments

Seaman’s Book renewal is now made simpler. With the introduction of online appointment, seafarers can book a schedule in advanced even when they are still on board. Given proper implementation, this method must be faster and more convenient for everyone. Walk-ins are still entertained but you must be at their branch early. First timers can apply for a seaman’s book using MARINA’s online appointment website.

Your passport may be your ticket to the world but for us mariners, our seaman’s book or Seaman’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) is our pass to the seafaring world. International law and every local regulation require every seafarer from their respective countries to have a seaman’s identity document before they could work on ships.

Requirements for Renewal

Prepare the following:

  • A valid email address (for online applicants)
  • One long folder
  • Two Documentary Stamps

Original and photocopy of documents for verification:

  • Previously issued Seaman’s Book with photocopy of biopage and service entries
  • Sea Service Certificate
  • COC and COE from MARINA or MARINA ID for licensed officers
  • Marriage Contract (for sea woman applying for change of name)
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • Basic Safety Training Certificate
  • Uniforms with appropriate shoulder boards (for graduates of BSMT, BSMarE and Officers
  • White polo with collar (graduates of non-maritime related courses)

Note:

Preparing these requirements in advance will ensure faster and smoother processing. Bring the original and photocopy of the said documents.

Once you have all the requirements above, proceed now to the first step.

Steps for SIRB Re-issuance

1. Online appointment thru Marina online appointment website.

Upon clicking, that link will take you to another web page that looks like this:

Marina appointment webpage for seaman's book application online
This is MARINA’s website for online appointments and application including filing of COP both for seasoned seaman and first timers.

Scroll down the information while reading it before proceeding. Once you understood its content, click on “SET APPOINTMENT” at the bottom of the page or on top of it.

Important note:

They may impose strict instructions on their site especially the “only confirmed appointment will be entertained/ accommodated by MARINA”. This is correct but not for all branches.

Online Application Center

  1. SM City Manila
  2. SM Mall Of Asia
  3. MARINA Region 6 (started November 12, 2018)

2. Fill up necessary information.

After clicking the “SET APPOINTMENT” button, you will now start to fill up the necessary information needed for your Seaman’s Book.

Click on the box to fill it out one by one. You can set your desired date and time for your appointment. After that, press next and another form will appear. Continue filling it up until completed. Only the ones marked with red asterisks are mandatory. Others are optional.

This task is the part where your appointment saves time for your seaman’s book renewal. It speeds up the processing of your seaman’s book renewal since the system saves your details in their database. When you go to MARINA Office in SM Manila, MOA or Region 6 Office, the processor no longer needs to manually enter your personal information.

seaman's book renewal online appointment

3. Click “SUBMIT” once finished.

A new page will show you the form that you filled in. Double check your work to ensure that everything you entered is correct. Remember that the details you typed here will be the same information used in your seaman’s book. It’s important to have it free from errors.

SIRB application form for seaman's book renewal Online

4. Click “PROCEED” when satisfied.

Your online appointment is almost finished. Take note of the reminders on the next page. Other requirements are also listed there for your guidance. Download your application form on the “download your application form here” button.

seaman's book renewal online

5. Print your SIRB Application Form.

If you have a printer connected to your laptop or mobile device, print it directly. Or you can save it in a flash drive and print it somewhere else.

This is very important. You cannot apply/ renew your seaman’s book if you won’t present a copy or proof of your SIRB Application Form. The guard will check if you have it together with the other requirements upon showing up on your appointed schedule.

Beaman's book renewal/ Application form.

“Take note that the Appointment Office for online applicants is located at MARINA SCDD Office: 5th Level SM City Manila, Concepcion St. corner Arroceros St., Manila, Philippines. SM Mall of Asia and MARINA Region 6 Office is also available.”


6. Appearance.

On your appointment schedule, show the guards your SIRB APPLICATION FORM. He will guide you to special queue exclusive for online applicants either renewal or first time. Remember to bring with you the necessary requirements mentioned above. These documents are used to verify your identity.

During the Image Capturing section, you will be required to wear a uniform. There are uniform rentals available nearby their office.

Once the counter evaluator validates you documents, proceed to the Cash Section and pay the applicable processing fees. Regular and expedite process has different payments. Also, take note of these fee formats.

Fees and charges for regular and expedite process of your Seaman's Book.

After submitting your requirements, proceed to the windows/counters for Image Capturing with your appropriate uniforms.

Walk-in Processing/ Application Centers

  1. POEA Central Office sa Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.
  2. SM Bacoor

It’s still not clear if you can process your SIRB application in various Regional Offices of MARINA. For more information, kindly call them at 524-2972.

Further tips.

You can also call their regional branches nearest you. Their contact details should probably be found around the Web.

7. Lastly, you have the option of…

  • a) claiming your Seaman’s Identification and Record Book at the MARINA where it was applied (within the day for expedite and next working day for regular application): or
  • b) Courier delivery to your home.

If availing of the delivery service, proceed to the Delivery Counter to pay for the delivery fee.

The last time I checked, seaman’s book renewal and application process will be much more faster. MARINA plans to install a second satellite office to ease the backlogs of seafarers. The new office will also cater walk-in and online applicants.

For more questions, call 524-2972.

Problems with Online Appointment

Lately, I checked their online appointment system. It’s user friendly and very simple to use. Filling out the forms are quick and seamless. However, I noticed one single problem that needs to be addressed. Please be aware of this before you decide using their web-based application system.

1. Latest available slot

As of this writing, available slot for 2019 is FULLY BOOKED! But this can be a two-edged sword. You can take advantage of this if the circumstances permits.

However, booking your appointment ONE YEAR ahead is quite impossible. There are many factor to consider like when you are still on board waiting for your contract to finish. When your SIRB is 9 months away from expiration and the agency requires you to renew it, online appointment may not be for you. 

How was your experience with MARINA’s online appointment system? Share your thoughts on the comments below.

May the winds be on your favor.

Gibi

44 Comments

  1. Edmark

    Hi sir ask ko lng ilang days ang regular kc Mindanao po kc ako malayo at yung expedited na lng sana kahit mag hintaya ko ng 7 days like passport.

    Reply
  2. edgar

    sir ask k lng pano ba mgpa apointment sa poea ortigas..malapit lng ksi ak dun,,pa renew sirb.ngtry ak mg online apointment kso sm mnl lng walng choices..gusto k sana sa poea marina pa renew..

    Reply
    • Gibi

      Sir pwede ka walk in sa poea ortigas.

      Reply
  3. tinay

    hi sir ask ko lang meron pa po bang kuhaan ng picture doon or kylangan ko tlga mag dala ng uniporm to take photo. thank you.

    Reply
    • Gibi

      Hello Tinay.

      The last time I went there to renew my SIRB (2017), I just went to a photobooth nearby as what many other seafarers did. Tapos binigay namin ang picture sa MARINA. That branch was in SM Manila. I’m not sure if they still that today.

      Reply
  4. Aileen

    hi, what is the requirements to get the seamans book for the newbies ?

    Reply
    • Gibi

      Hello.

      The requirements for new applicants is the same as to those who are in for re-issuance.

      A valid email address
      One long brown envelope
      Documentary Stamp
      2 x 2 ID Picture (in uniform)
      Birth Certificate on SECPA or Passport
      Marriage Contract (for sea woman applying for change of name)
      NBI Clearance
      Valid Basic Safety Training Certificate
      Transcript of Records (for students/ cadet applicants enrolled in maritime course)

      Kindly bring original and photocopy.

      Reply
  5. manman

    sir ask ko lang po kasi isang buwan na at di pa rin na release yung prinocess ko na seaman’s book. I kept on updating kung kelan pwede but they only replied na the booklet and stamp are not yet available. Di pa rin ako nakakapag-apprenticeship. Ano po pwede kong gawin about this?

    Reply
    • Gibi

      San nyo nirenew sir at kelan? The best thing that you can do for now is to wait kung kelan maayos ung problema nila. I think ung provider nila ng booklet ay hndi nkafullfil sa kontrata nila with MARINA. Pero alam na ng MARINA to and they are finding ways to solve it. You can also try to ask them kung pwede ilipat ang processing at releasing ng SIRB mo sa ibang branch na accessible sayo at may supply na booklets/ stamps.

      Reply
  6. Darwin

    ok lang ba MULTIPURPOSE CLEARANCE ang purpose sa NBI clearance? Yon kasi nakuha ko. Hindi VISA SEAMAN ung purpose nakalagay.

    Reply
    • Gibi

      NBI Multi Purpose Clearance is now the only type of NBI clearance issued. You can use this for whatever purposes both local and abroad including processing your Seaman’s Book.

      Reply
  7. Jay P

    Where to COP the BT Certificates Sir?

    Reply
    • Gibi

      Sa Marina sir.

      Reply
  8. Marc Cachola

    Hello There!

    Ask q lng Po Kung
    1. Saan Po ba pwede Mag renew ng SIRB – Marina or SM Manila
    2. Need pba magpa-appoinmnet or possible for Walk in

    Salamat

    Reply
    • Gibi

      Pwede appointment or walk in at pwede rin sa marina o kahit saang marina satellite offis (including sm manila).

      Reply
  9. jayson j. raymundo

    Hi.
    ask ko lng po kung may latest releasing ng seaman book. according po kc s sm marina office mayroon daw po system error ng renew ako last march 21,2018 dated ng releasing is april 16,2018, wla po b pagbabago s releasing date..thanks

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Hello Jayson. I can’t give you an accurate answer of that since I am in any way not affiliated with MARINA. Please contact them with regards to your question.

      Reply
  10. Richard

    Hi,
    I would like to know your schedule to get for seaman book ?

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Hello. You can check schedule for SIRB application in their website.

      Reply
  11. johnadels

    hi sir.. pwede pa rin po ba mag renew ng sirb kahit hindi nka online appointment? or walk in? and sa marina pa rin po ba or sm manila?

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      I’m not sure kung pwede prin walk-in dun sir pero sa website nila, required ang appointment. Pero sa tingin ko naman pwede pa walk in especially kung sa provinces ka magrerenew. Sa ngayon kasi, mid April pa ang vacancy nila for online appointment so kung gusto mo maaga kang maka-renew, mag-walk in ka nalang at suggest ko sa probinsya..

      Reply
      • paolo

        Sir mag aaply sana ako new SIRB pwede ho bang walk in?

      • Greur Bernal

        Pwedeng walk-in sir.

      • paolo

        Sir pwede po ba ung NBI na multipurpose ang gamitin pag mag aaply ng SIRB ?

      • Gibi

        Pwede siguro yan pre. Wala namang specified dun basta NBI clearance lang.

      • paolo

        Sir last na tanong nlng ilang araw makuha ung SIRB?

      • Gibi

        Regular pre next day makukuha mo na- Php800.00
        Expedite after 4 hours pg file mo- Php1,500.00

  12. don

    sir good day, regarding ulet sa certification of basic safety cousre 2001 issued ko kung kahit refreshing or updating ay hindi na rin po ba pwede or posible parin? at nakapag appointment na po ako ng SIRB for renewal via online at nilagay ko yung reg# at certification # ng basic safety course 2001 issued ay nabigyan parin po ako ng appointment schedule sa april 2, 2018. nais ko pong malaman kung pwede iparefreshing or ipaupdating ko nalang yun basic safety course certificate ko? salamat po ulet malaking tulong po sa amin ang info na galing sa inyo,,,more power and god bless

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Walang nagmomonitor ng entries sa online appointment nila sir dahil automatic na pumapasok sa database nila ang mga nagpapa-appoint. Saka na machecheck at mveverify ang entries mo dun pag kausap mo ang assessor at dun pa lang nila malalaman na 2001 pa ang BST mo. At since 2009 pa ang SIRB mo, mas maganda punta kayo sa MARINA office dahil pati yung mga lumang certificates mo nyan kelangan palitan. Magtanong na kayo ng requirements sir from SIRB to COPs. This will save you a great deal of time and effort.

      Reply
  13. Charmae

    Hello. Sa loob lang po ba ng office pagkukuha ng documentary stamp?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Hi Maam. Sa loob na po ng MARINA and documentary stamp. Sila na po ang magpprovide nyan 🙂

      Reply
      • albert

        kailangan pa ba ipa COP ang BT para makakuha ng SIRB

      • Greur Bernal

        Yes sir kelangan pa.

      • don

        good day, ask ko lang kung possible pa ba mairenew ang seaaman book ko na expired 2009 pa at ok lang ba kung ang basic safety course ko 2001 issue pa or ano po ang maaari kong gawin for renewal of seaman book? thanks

      • Greur Bernal

        Hello Don Good Day. Kelangan mong kumuha ng bagong Basic Safety Training since luma ang sa iyo. Ipa-COP mo rin iyan. We have new regulations already regarding training competencies since the Manila 2010 Amendments. Sa kaso ng SIRB mo, pwede mo pang irenew yan basta comply ka lang sa requirements. Visit the MARINA Office for more info.

  14. Mary Ann S Quito

    Where can I get a documentary stamp?

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Doc Stamp is available inside MARINA at P25.00 each. But you can always buy somewhere else like the City Hall.

      Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      As per the latest update from Marina, Marina no longer sells documentary stamps as this is already included in the payment for processing COP. Sa medaling salita, LIBRE na po ang documentary stamps.

      Reply
  15. Monaliza D Furtado

    Job well done!!!
    Excellent seRvice.

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Yep. MARINA is doing a pretty good job now when it comes to processing not only our COPs but our SIRB as well. Big improvement!

      Reply
  16. Jamail T abdul

    How to get a seaman’s book

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      The steps are laid out in the article sir. They’re paired with pictures. But in case you haven’t booked an appointment schedule, you can still go there as walk in. Your SIRB will still be processed.

      Reply
  17. orly

    Do MARINA require Flight Details for Expidite of SIRB Applicants?

    Reply
    • Greur Bernal

      Hi Orly. Flight details are required for the processing of expedite SIRB Applicants. As far as I know, Expedite letter is also needed. Both can be obtained from your manning agency.

      Reply

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