QuestionsQuestions (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 163, S. 2001)
It is issued pursuant to Section 12(j) of Executive Order No. 125-A and in conformity with the Seafarers Identity Documents Convention, 1958 (ILO Convention No. 108).
It applies to (1) every seafarer engaged in any capacity on board a Philippine-flagged ship 35 GT and above; (2) any Filipino seafarer engaged in any capacity on board any foreign-flagged ship; and (3) persons pursuing in a Philippine maritime institution a seafaring course requiring a certificate of competency.
Personnel on board warships/naval vessels/naval auxiliaries and personnel on board ships below 35 GT. Also, for government-owned/operated ships not engaged in commercial activity, the SIRB is optional.
For all those covered, it is mandatory to secure an SIRB; maritime enterprises must ensure seafarers have a valid SIRB; and the SIRB must remain in the seafarer’s possession at all times.
Yes. Filipino seafarers employed in foreign-flagged ships are required to secure and possess a valid SIRB pursuant to the circular, notwithstanding the equivalent identity document issued by the flag state.
SIRB for shipboard employment and SIRB for shipboard training. The training SIRB shall not be used for employment purposes. For employment, limitations such as Fishermen, Bay and River, and Offshore may be indicated when necessary.
General validity is five (5) years. Exceptions: (1) if the application involves a seafarer who is still on board, validity may be up to a maximum of one (1) year; and (2) for shipboard apprenticeship/training, validity is 18 months.
Application must be personally filed, but a seafarer on board may file through a duly authorized representative.
Upon request, MARINA may dispatch a MARINA-SIRB Mobile Team for on-site processing.
At least high school graduate (with specified exceptions for service providers, seafarers already on board at the time of effectivity, or seafarers with at least six months sea service); at least 18 years old except engine/deck cadets for training (at least 16 years old); and must have undertaken the Basic Safety Course (domestic fishermen are exempted).
Birth Certificate authenticated/issued by NSO or Local Civil Registrar (or passport or affidavit by two disinterested persons in absence), NBI Clearance (or police/barangay clearances for domestic fishermen), Basic Safety Course Certificate (except domestic fishermen), two latest colored head photos with white background, documentary stamps, plus additional documents depending on category (e.g., PRC/NTC license for licensed officers; diploma/transcript/CAV for BSMT/AMT/BSMarE/AME graduates; Form 137 and proof of secondary education for high school grads; letter-request and transcript for engine/deck cadets; and specific alternative proof of skills/employment for applicants without secondary education such as service providers and fishermen).
NBI clearance; a valid NAC-assessed Basic Safety Course certificate or STCW certificate; and one colored photograph.
A filled-up SIRB, previously issued SIRB (if available), valid NAC-assessed Basic Safety Course or STCW certificate as applicable, PRC/NTC authenticated copy of license, NBI clearance as appropriate, two photos with specified specifications, and documentary stamps. For lost/damaged SIRB abroad, requirements include a letter request from the shipping/manning agency with POEA-approved employment contract (certified true copy), crewlist confirmations regarding loss/damage, seafarer’s affidavit of loss, and photos.
A letter request from the company/agency; photocopy of SIRB; two latest colored head photos with specified specifications; and documentary stamps. For recently disembarked crew, company clearance may be accepted in lieu of NBI clearance if filed within ten (10) days upon arrival.
Name and title of the issuing officer; date and place of issue; and particulars concerning the seafarer: full name, date and place of birth, nationality, physical characteristics, photograph, and signature.
Companies must ensure seafarers have valid SIRB appropriate to position (and for foreign-flag employment as well), that validity covers the contract, that supporting documents are genuine/authentic, and that seafarers work with regard to limitations indicated in the SIRB. Seafarers must secure a valid SIRB before going on board/joining and ensure validity covers their contract, and must submit authentic supporting documents.
Suspension grounds include intemperate habits, insubordination or direct assault, violations of contract terms without just cause, final conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude, and repeated violations of circular provisions. Revocation grounds include incompetence/negligence/incapacity in duty, assault with dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of ship’s property, misconduct resulting in loss of life/serious injury, molestation of passenger, murder/attempted murder, mutiny, possession/use/sale/association with prohibited drugs, and smuggling of aliens or goods including firearms and ammunition.
First offense: PHP 10,000.00; Second offense: PHP 15,000.00; Third and succeeding offenses: PHP 20,000.00.
First offense: PHP 2,000.00; Second offense: PHP 3,000.00; Third and succeeding offenses: PHP 5,000.00.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.