QuestionsQuestions (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 09, S. OF 2008)
It provides guidelines on the documentation, registration, and deployment of direct hire Filipino seafarers to better protect them.
It covers: (1) direct hire seafarers hired without a manning agency; (2) re-engaged direct hire seafarers working with the same employer under a new contract (unless the employer later ties up with a manning agency); and (3) returning direct hire seafarers on emergency leave returning to the same employer.
New hires are for first-time direct hire contract processing; re-engaged are those with a new contract with the same employer (but if the employer ties up with a manning agency, processing shifts to that agency); returning seafarers are those returning from emergency leave to complete the unexpired portion of their original contract.
The Standard Employment Contract for Filipino seafarers signed by both employer and seafarer, verified by the POLO or authenticated by the nearest Philippine embassy/consulate.
A valid SIRB (Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book) and a Seafarer’s Registration Certificate (SRC) are required.
It is required and must be duly accomplished as part of the documentary requirements for contract processing.
All direct hire seafarers must undergo a pre-employment medical examination (PEME) at a DOH-accredited medical clinic/hospital (or a foreign embassy/consulate in Manila where visa issuance requires it).
All direct hires must attend a PDOS conducted by POEA; a Certificate of Attendance to the PDOS is required for new hires.
A Certificate of Proficiency from the NAC is required; a Certificate of Competency from TESDA is required if applicable; and for marine officers, a Certificate of Competency from PRC is required.
A Certificate of Competency from PRC for marine officers.
The text explicitly states PDOS Certificate of Attendance for new hires; the circular indicates the general requirement that all direct hires are required to attend PDOS, with the specific documentary list shown for new hires.
Plane ticket or booking certificate is required; new hires and returning seafarers both require plane ticket/booking certificate, and re-engaged seafarers also require it.
A guarantee letter from the principal on visa issuance is required; it is issued by the principal/employer (principal) to support visa issuance.
A copy of vessel registration may be required, but only 'if necessary,' as part of the documentary requirements for new hires.
For new hires and re-engaged seafarers: POEA processing fee is P200.00, and OWWA contribution is US$25 or its peso equivalent.
P100.00 upon processing of the employment contract.
Foreign employers registered/accredited with a licensed Philippine manning agency are not allowed to directly hire Filipino seafarers; direct hires whose employers are already accredited/registered with a manning agency must be referred to the manning agency for processing.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days from publication in a newspaper of general circulation. All previous issuances inconsistent with it are modified, amended, and/or repealed.