Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 131)
This Circular applies to all shipping companies operating Philippine-registered seagoing ships engaged in international trade.
Safe Manning is defined as the minimum number of officers and ratings onboard a ship who can safely operate the ship from port to port, as prescribed under the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations (PMMRR).
The company is primarily responsible for ensuring that only competent and properly certificated seafarers are deployed onboard, that crew members can contribute knowledgeably to safe operation, that safe watchkeeping is maintained, and that the ship is completely manned by Filipino seafarers unless otherwise approved by the Administration.
No, foreign seafarers are not allowed onboard Philippine-registered ships unless their employment is approved by the Maritime Industry Authority (the Administration).
The company must ensure that all seafarers required to be certificated under the STCW Convention and established by the Administration hold appropriate and valid certificates at all times.
Newly employed seafarers must be given sufficient time to familiarize themselves with shipboard equipment, procedures, and arrangements; relevant information and manuals must be available in understandable languages; the captain must ensure all seafarers understand their duties; and officers and crew must effectively coordinate during emergencies and for safety.
The ship's complement must at least comply with the minimum manning requirements of the PMMRR, and the level of manning cannot be reduced without approval from the Administration.
Seafarers forming part of a watch must have at least ten hours of rest in any 24-hour period, which may be divided into two periods but one must be at least six hours. This may be reduced to six consecutive hours for not more than two days, with a total of seventy hours rest per week, and only in specific situations such as drills, emergencies, or unforeseen overriding conditions.
Shipowners, operators, managers, and bareboat charterers who violate the Circular after a hearing may face administrative fines: P15,000 for the first violation, P25,000 for the second, and P50,000 for the third and subsequent violations. If other fines apply, the higher amount will be imposed.