Question & AnswerQ&A (DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 130-13)
The Order applies to shipowners and seafarers onboard Philippine registered ships engaged in international voyages where an employer-employee relationship exists, excluding warships, naval auxiliaries, non-commercial government ships, traditional ships, and fishing vessels.
Warships and naval auxiliaries, other government ships not engaged in commercial operation, ships of traditional build like pump boats, and fishing vessels.
It is a document stating Philippine requirements to implement the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 concerning working and living conditions for seafarers (Part I), and measures adopted by shipowners for compliance (Part II).
No person below eighteen (18) years old shall be employed or engaged onboard a ship.
Seafarers must hold a valid medical certificate issued by a Department of Health (DOH) accredited medical facility.
There must be a written employment agreement in English, executed in four original copies before employment starts, approved by the POEA, with copies kept by shipowner, seafarer, manning agency, and POEA, and available onboard.
Seafarers have the right to form or join labor organizations for collective bargaining and concerted activities, with any collective bargaining agreement to be registered with DOLE and POEA and available onboard.
Shipowners must adopt policies on accident and disease prevention, control of alcoholism and infectious diseases, prevention of sexual harassment, emergency preparedness, drug-free workplace promotion, monitoring of work/living conditions, and accident reporting and correction.
Revocation may occur for unremedied violations, incomplete inspections due to shipowner fault, flag changes, cessation of operational responsibility, invalid seaworthiness certification, or similar grounds determined by the Secretary.