QuestionsQuestions (MARINA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 87)
It is issued pursuant to Section 12(j) of Executive Order (EO) No. 125-A (13 April 1987) and in conformity with ILO Convention No. 108 (Seafarers National Identity Documents Convention, 1958). Its purpose is to prescribe policies, minimum requirements, and procedures for issuance of the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), and to establish systems for efficient identification and maintenance of a continuing record of Filipino seafarers’ sea service.
Mandatory for all merchant marine officers and ratings on board vessels of 35 gross tons or over, who must secure an SIRB and show it to proper boarding authorities upon demand for routine check and inspection. Off-shore workers seeking employment are also required to secure an SIRB.
“Seafarer” refers to rated and non-rated skills manning merchant marine vessels and off-shore oil rigs. “SIRB” refers to a MARINA-issued document to qualified merchant marine officers and ratings (including fishermen and off-shore workers) providing identity papers and a record of sea service, and serving registration purposes.
Revalidation is the process of extending the effectivity of an SIRB. The maximum number of times an SIRB can be revalidated is three (3).
Applicants apply directly in person at MARINA Central Office or any Maritime Regional Office (MRO). For renewal/revalidation, apply at least one (1) month before expiration; for damaged/lost SIRB, apply immediately. SIRBs may be claimed 24 hours after receipt by the SIRB Processing Unit (or 10 days from filing for applications at MROs).
At least one (1) month before the SIRB expiration date.
Special processing is entertained only if the applicant is leaving the country within eight (8) hours, provided the applicant submits documents (including proof of embarkation/departure) two (2) hours before the close of the official working days.
Yes. Through duly authorized representatives, they may apply for revalidation/replacement for seafarers actually on board at least sixty (60) days before the SIRB’s expiration, and they must submit a copy of the seafarer’s 201 file.
Grounds include: incompetence, negligence, or incapacity in performance of duty; intemperate habits such as drunkenness causing immediate loss/destruction/serious damage or endangering life; insubordination or direct assault; violation of contract terms without just cause; and final conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Examples include: assault with dangerous weapon; malicious destruction of ship’s property; misconduct resulting in loss of life and/or serious injury; molestation of passenger; murder or attempted murder; mutiny; possession/use/sale/association with prohibited drugs (including marijuana); smuggling of aliens or goods including firearms and ammunition; sabotage; court conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; theft of ship’s property or stores; perversion; jumping ship; serious neglect of duty.
Overseas: five (5) years; Off-shore: five (5) years; Domestic: three (3) years; Fishing: three (3) years.
Overseas/Off-shore: new/replacement P500.00; revalidation P300.00. Domestic/Fishing: new/replacement P250.00; revalidation P150.00.
Birth Certificate (NSO/Local Civil Registrar certified) or affidavit in absence; NBI Clearance (VISA Seaman); SOLAS certificates; two (2) latest 2"x2" head photographs (uncapped, signature at back); and applicable documentary stamp (A-E) based on category, which may require PRC/NTC license authentication or special qualifications/transcripts/service records.
The applicant shall be subject to criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code and administrative penalty. The circular provides administrative fine amounts depending on the offender’s position (e.g., officers/master/chief engineers/ratings) and whether it is a first offense or subsequent offenses; for succeeding offenses, suspension/disqualification to practice may be recommended by MARINA to the PRC or proper agency.
Yes. The circular states that shipping companies/manning agencies requesting or recommending issuance of SIRB for a seaman, or those whose employees/liaison officers participated in securing or tampering documents, are held solidarily liable to specified administrative fines per infraction level, with possible suspension or recommendation for cancellation of license. Responsible officials and liaison officers may also be subject to criminal prosecution.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.