The seaman’s book or the seafarer’s identification and record book is an important document for anyone who wants to go on board and sail the seas. In fact, it is a major requirement for every sailor for naval auxiliaries, naval vessels, or even a fisherman sailing on a fishing vessel.
Good news for seafarers in the Philippines because applying for a seaman’s book is a lot easier as compared to other countries.
Here’s a guide for new application, re-issuance or renewal, onboard and on-site:
Seaman’s book Basic requirements
Prior to going to MARINA to apply for seaman’s book, the applicant needs to produce the necessary requirements including the following:
For new application
- Birth certificate issued by the PSA or passport
- Valid and recent NBI clearance for seaman’s visa
- Valid certificate for Basic Safety Training and the official receipt
For renewal of seaman’s book
- Original SIRB
- Certificate for Basic Safety Training
- Recent NBI clearance for seaman’s visa
For re-issuance (Ship Officers)
- Original SIRB
- PRC ID (licensed officers)
- STCW certificate
- Board certificate or PRC license
- Certificate for Basic Safety Training
- Updated NBI clearance for visa seaman
In case of damaged or lost SIBR for regular seaman, the following are the required documents:
- Affidavit of damage or loss (duly notarized)
- Certificate for Basic Safety Training
- Valid NBI Clearance
If an officer seaman damaged or lost the SIRB, he should produce the following requirements:
- STCW 1978/1995 certificate
- PRC ID
- Board certificate or PRC license
- Affidavit of loss or damage, duly notarized
- Certificate for BST
- Valid NBI clearance
For an onboard application, the applicant must prepare the following requirements:
- Letter request granted by the agency/company
- Approved employment of contract
- MLAO clearance for monetary obligation
- List of crews signed by the Master
- Latest passport size photo
- Seafarer’s affidavit confirmed by the Master
- Regular seafarers must bring a photocopy of BST certificate and SIRB
- Ship officers must bring a photocopy of BST certificate, SIRB, STCW certificate, board certificate or PRC license, and PRC ID
Who are qualified to apply for seaman’s book?
The MARINA has a set of standard that every applicant should meet. If you are planning to apply for a seaman’s book, you should know first the qualifications.
- 18 years old, a Filipino citizen
- A cadet applying for SIRB that will be used for shipboard apprenticeship, 16 years old
- Filipino seafarer who plans to go on board
Cost of Processing Fee
The cost of the processing fee for application or renewal of seaman’s book varies. If you opt for the expedited application, you will pay Php1,500 and the SIRB will be released within 4 hours. On the other hand, the regular application will take about 8 hours and will cost Php800.00. You can apply Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM.
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Seaman’s book Online appointment
To facilitate convenient and easy application and renewal of seaman’s book, MARINA and DOTC have introduced the online appointment system. Through a Seaman Jobsite, those who will apply for SIRB, STCW certificate and COC can easily acquire such documents.
For inquiries, you can reach out the details below.
- Parkview Plaza, 984, Taft Avenue, Cor. T.M. Kalaw, Ermita Manila
- Tel. 526-9071 / 523-9078
- Email Address: [email protected]
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