Question & AnswerQ&A (OWWA MEMORANDUM OF INSTRUCTIONS NO.003, S. 2004)
The additional guidelines are pursuant to Board Resolution No.026, dated 28 June 2004, and aim to govern the implementation of the SUP particularly on program entitlement and processing of applications.
A single contribution entitles a seafarer to financial assistance for a training course under the SUP.
Subsequent entitlements to the SUP benefit can be availed every three (3) payments of OWWA contribution.
A seafarer may file an application for SUP within ninety (90) days from the date of arrival in the Philippines for vacation or following the expiration of his employment contract.
Yes, they can avail of the SUP benefit even after the expiration of their last recorded OWWA membership, provided that the entitlement is availed within five (5) years from their last employment as a seafarer.
Applications for SUP benefits may be filed and approved at any OWWA Regional Office depending on course availability and the convenience of the seafarer.
Yes, the regional office where the seafarer claims the benefit shall accept and process the SUP application regardless of the seafarer’s regional origin.
The OWWA Regional Office where the seafarer filed his SUP application is responsible for processing these applications.
SUP course offerings are updated annually upon consultation with the maritime industry and concerned institutions to ensure relevance to international maritime requirements.
This MOI took effect immediately upon issuance and covers applications received from the time entitlement clarifications were required in connection with the issuance of the Omnibus Policies and subsequent SUP implementation in March 2004.
Provisions of MOI No.001, series of 2004 which are inconsistent with MOI No.003, s. 2004 are repealed or modified accordingly.