New Requirement for Seafarer’s Book Now Effective

OFWs (and soon-to-be OFWs) in the maritime sector, here is an important update regarding the documentary requirements for those who aim to work or continue sailing on-board either with an international or locally registered ship or service. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has released an advisory regarding the new requirement for application of the Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or the “Seaman’s Book” last June 8 and was put into effect last July 15, 2018.

According to the notice, all seafarers (marine and deck officers) including graduates of BS Marine Transportation, BS Marine Engineering are to bring their own respective uniforms and shoulder boards when applying for an SIRB. Non-maritime graduates, in contrast, are required to wear a white polo shirt.

Image Credit: STCW Office FB Page

MARINA Imposes 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 requirements and procedures for the SIRB application:

Requirements:

  1. First-time applicants:
  • 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:
  • 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 lost or damaged Seaman’s book:
  • 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)

Note:

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

Procedures:

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

But if you’re in a hurry or would like to file at a particular date and time, it’s best that you take the on;-line application route:

  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 correctly.
  4. Upon confirmation of appointment date and time, download and print a copy of the application form. Take note of your appointment control number, and scheduled date and time. Make sure to have this document together with the other abve-listed requirements when you go to the MARINA office.

Note:

  • Only CONFIRMED appointments will be entertained.
  • Early or late comers will be ignored so be sure to arrive thirty (30) minutes before your specified appointment date and time, as indicated on your application form.
  • MARINA enforces strict rules for personal appearance so be sure 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.

Otherwise, if waking up early and traveling don’t concern you as much, you can opt to file your application personally. Just visit a MARINA office on regular working days (Monday to Friday only) between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 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 (Rush) Php 1,500.00

Replacement of Lost/Damaged SIRB

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

On-board/On-site                                           Php 1,500

Source: marinaappointment.com

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

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