QuestionsQuestions (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 001)
The SUP is training assistance where OWWA assumes training costs in maritime training centers/institutions up to a maximum of ₱7,500 per course (inclusive of meal and transportation allowances) for scholars referred at the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) in Tacloban City.
All Filipino seafarers who are active OWWA members are entitled to avail of the program.
A single contribution entitles a seafarer to training assistance for one course of his choice.
Subsequent SUP entitlements are allowed after every three (3) recorded payments of OWWA membership contributions.
An application for SUP may be filed within 90 days from the seafarer’s arrival in the Philippines for vacation or following the expiration of his employment contract.
Yes. If they have three (3) or more OWWA contributions, they may still avail of the program even after expiration of their last recorded OWWA membership, provided entitlement is availed within five (5) years from their last employment as seafarer.
Courses are grouped into: (1) Deck Courses, (2) Engine Courses, (3) Specialized and Safety Courses, and (4) Culinary, Gallery and Steward Department courses.
The applicant must submit proof of OWWA membership (e.g., O.Rs./E-Card/Certification from OWWA-MPC), accomplished Applicant Form, Seaman’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), pre-qualification and admission report from the training center/institution, 1x1 photo (2 copies), and latest Community Tax Certificate.
They must have valid training permit/recognition to offer specific courses; no pending administrative cases; no previous record of violations of training standards; required curricula/facilities/equipment; and capacity to accommodate OWWA scholars based on their training policy.
Yes. All government accredited and recognized training centers/institutions offering maritime related courses and meeting the stated criteria are qualified under the program.
Yes. Applicants are given free-hand in choosing their preferred center/institution and appropriate upgrading course from among the courses listed in the RWO directory.
Key steps: (1) applicant submits complete requirements at the RWO; (2) RWO screens/evaluates; (3) once complete, RWO encodes data, issues voucher and orients applicant; (4) applicant enrolls at training center; (5) training center admits the RWO-referred scholar; (6) upon completion, training center sends statement of account and forwards certificate of completion to RWO for co-signing; (7) scholar claims certificate from RWO; (8) RWO processes voucher for payment.
Applicants are referred to and monitored at the nearest RWO where such conditions exist.
The RWO where the seafarer originally filed his SUP application, consistent with MOI No. 003, series of 2004.
MPC serves as the initial clearing house to avoid double availment since there is no operational networking database at the Secretariat. Thereafter, the MIS automatically takes over clearing claims and availments.
Verification of RWOs is done via electronic mail, and the MPC issues an electronic copy of the Certification of Availment/Non-Availment.
The MOI takes effect immediately. The repealing clause states that all Secretariat issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with its provisions are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.