Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 001 s. 1993)
The MRQSEPG stands for Minimum Requirements and Qualification Standard for Entry and Promotion to Grade of Filipino Seafarers. It serves as the basis for issuance of Seaman's Service Record Book, certification, registration/documentation, and placement of Filipino seafarers on board ocean-going vessels.
The MRQSEPG was adopted by a joint resolution signed by the heads of member agencies of the Maritime Training Council under LOI 1404 and the National Maritime Polytechnic.
Applicants must be graduates of maritime and related courses, have at least one year of sea experience, be high school graduates, or have sufficient related land experience to be qualified for registration and overseas employment.
Yes, applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements but are hired by manning agencies or shipping companies may be registered under the C3 category, but only for specified positions and subject to certain documentary requirements and approval.
Required documents include: 1) Guaranty Undertaking from the manning agency/shipping company, 2) Certification by the school regarding the registrant's highest educational attainment, 3) Employment Contract, 4) Medical Certificate of Fitness, and 5) Approved Routing Slip issued to the manning agency/shipping company by the Seafarers Accreditation Division.
A seafarer can update his profile by submitting through his manning agency/shipping company a xerox copy of his latest sea service record or other relevant new information (e.g. address, beneficiary, civil status) to the Employment Contract Processing Branch for updating the Manpower Registry Division.
The SRC remains valid until its expiration date. After expiration, the seaman shall be issued a new SRC reflecting his permanent registration number.
The registration fee for new registrants and the replacement fee for upgrading registrants is P50.00.
The Circular took effect on January 16, 1993.