Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 26)
The guidelines apply to all Filipino seafarers seeking overseas employment on board ocean-going vessels and licensed manning agencies engaged in recruiting Filipino seafarers for overseas employment.
Filipino seafarers must be duly certified and registered by the Administration and possess a valid Seafarer's Registration Certificate (SRC).
The SRC is valid for three years from the date of issuance unless sooner revoked for cause and is renewable every three years thereafter.
The registries include Registry A (1 year sea experience or completed one-year contract), Registry B (graduates of maritime schools and recognized training centers), Registry B1 (graduates of certain engineering degrees), and Registry C (less than one year sea experience or without formal maritime education but have related skills). Registry C is further classified into C1, C2, and C3.
Cadets must have a valid SSRB/SCDB, original transcript of records, Special Order from MECS or certificate of completion, certificate of exemption from MECS if from other government maritime schools, and one 2.54 x 2.54 cm black and white picture.
The application for registration or updating shall be denied, and where appropriate, the applicant's previous registration shall also be cancelled.
Removal grounds include death, request by the seafarer, conviction for drug-related offenses, failure to meet qualifications, payment to recruiters for expediting recruitment, contract violations, submission of fake documents, bribery, tampering official documents, license revocation, or perjury.
Valid SSRB/SCDB, certificate of service record, passport, quarantine booklet, shore pass or wage account, immigration seals showing departure and arrival, FOREX if necessary, and one 2.54 x 2.54 cm black and white picture.
The matter is referred to the Chief, SRD for appropriate action, the applicant undergoes a technical interview, and records are subject to personal verification.
No, except with written authorization from the applicant and subject to approval of the Chief, SRD.