[ADVISORY] New Requirement for Seaman’s Book Application Now in Place

For OFWs and aspiring employees in the maritime sector, here is a timely update regarding the documentary requirements for those who are planning to work or continue sailing on-board either with an international or locally registered ship and to work in maritime-affiliated industries. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued an update advisory regarding the new requirement for application of the Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or the “Seafarer’s Book” as of June 8 and was implemented last July 15, 2018.

According to the announcement posted on MARINA’s Facebook page, all active seafarers (marine and deck officers) as well as graduates of BS Marine Transportation, and BS Marine Engineering are required to bring their own appropriate uniforms and shoulder boards when applying for the SIRB. Non-maritime graduates, on the other hand, are required to come in wearing a white polo shirt.

Image Credit: STCW Office FB Page

 

MARINA Introduces New Requirement for Seafarer Book Application

The Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or more commonly called the “Seaman’s book” is solely issued by the MARINA.

Here are the general requirements and procedures for the application of SIRB:

Requirements:

  1. First-time application:
  • Passport or NSO-issued birth certificate
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • Original or Certified True Copy of your Basic Safety Training (BST) / Basic Training (BT) certification AND official receipt of any of these documents
  • Transcript of Records (TOR), for applicants enrolled in a maritime course. (If TOR is not on hand, a certification with the signature of the college’s Registrar will be accepted. This will serve as the applicant’s proof of enrolment in a maritime course.)
  1. For renewal or re-issuance:
  • The old Seaman’s Book (SIRB)
  • Original or Certified True Copy of your valid Basic Safety Training (BST) / Basic Training (BT) certificate.
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • A company-issued sea service certificate
  • MARINA Computerized picture and documentary stamp
  • MARINA/PRC/NTC License/board certificate (for licensed officers)

 

  1. For damaged* or lost SIRB:
  • The old Seaman’s Book (SIRB)*
  • Original or Certified True Copy of your valid Basic Safety Training (BST) / Basic Training (BT) certificate.
  • Valid NBI Clearance
  • A duly notarized affidavit of loss or damaged seaman’s book
  • MARINA Computerized picture and documentary stamp
  • MARINA/PRC/NTC License/board certificate (for licensed officers)

Important:

  • You must bring both the original copy and photocopy of your certificate/s when you apply for or renew your SIRB.
  • The MARINA computerized photo and documentary stamp can only be availed inside the MARINA office.

Procedures:

You can file your application either on-line or personally through walk-in applications in select MARINA offices/desks in Metro Manila or regional branches.

But if you do not have the time to go out and process your application yourself or would like to file at a specific date and time, it’s best that you take the on-line application method:

  1. Visit the Marina appointment website.
  2. Choose SIRB in the type of document to apply for, and then pick your preferred appointment DATE and TIME.
  3. Fill out the online application form as accurately as you can.
  4. As soon as you receive confirmation of your date and time of appointment, download and print a copy of your application form. Pay attention to your appointment control number, and scheduled date and time. Be sure to present this document together with the other above-listed requirements when you go to the MARINA office.

 

Note:

  • Only CONFIRMED appointments will be accepted at the MARINA office.
  • You have to be on-site at least thirty (30) minutes before your specified appointment date and time, as indicated on your application form.
  • MARINA enforces strict rules for personal appearance so remember to come in proper attire along with your respective uniform, shoulder boards, or in white collared polo shirt (for non-maritime graduates).
  • Go to the MARINA SCDD Office at the 5th Level of SM City Manila, Concepcion St. corner Arroceros St., Manila for image capturing.

If you’re okay with waking up early and traveling for (a couple of) hours, you can  also file your application personally. Just visit a MARINA office during regular office days (Monday to Friday only) between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. You can check out the MARINA regional office closest to you. Or if you’re within Metro Manila, you can visit either of these MARINA service locations:

  1. MARINA 5th level SM City Manila
  2. MARINA booth Ground level of POEA Ortigas

Payment

Type of Application/Fees

New/Renewal

  • Regular Php 800.00
  • Expedite (Faster)                 Php 1,500.00

Replacement of Lost/Damaged Seaman’s Book

  • First-time Php 1,500
  • Succeeding issuance/s Twice the cost of the previous issuance

On-board/On-site                                           Php 1,500

Source: marinaappointment.com

Note: For regular payment/processing, you may claim your Seaman’s book the day after your application. For expedite (rush) processing, you may claim your document within four (4) hours on the same day of your application.