Guidelines on Seafarer's Identification and Record Book

Mandatory for all merchant marine officers and ratings on vessels 35 gross tons or over to secure SIRB.
Must present SIRB to boarding authorities during inspections.
Offshore workers seeking employment also required to secure SIRB.

Merchant Marine Officers: Licensed officers on commercial vessels engaged in maritime commerce or training.
Master: Licensed Master Mariner.
Radio Officer: Licensed First Class Radiotelegraph Operator.
Seafarer: Rated and non-rated personnel on merchant marine vessels and offshore oil rigs.
SIRB: Document issued by MARINA providing identity and sea service records.
Seafarer’s Registry Book: MARINA-maintained roll of merchant marine personnel including offshore workers.
Revalidation: Extension process of SIRB validity, allowed up to three times.
Replacement of filled/damaged SIRB: Applies when book pages are full or damaged but not expired.
Replacement of lost SIRB: Process for replacing lost books.

Applications must be filed in person at MARINA Central Office or Maritime Regional Offices (MROs).
Renewal applicants must apply at least one month prior to expiration; replacements must be immediate.
SIRB documents claimable 24 hours after processing at Central Office; 10 days if filed at MROs.
SIRBs for overseas employment are valid for fishing and domestic employment.
Shipping companies/manning agencies may apply for revalidation/replacement on behalf of seafarers on board at least 60 days prior to expiration with a copy of Seafarer’s 201 file.
Damaged/lost SIRB replacement done through shipping company/manning agency with affidavit and supporting documents.
Special processing for applicants leaving the country within 8 hours upon submission of proof 2 hours before closing.

Basic qualifications: Filipino citizen and at least 18 years old.
Interview may be conducted to verify authenticity of licenses and documents.
Documentary requirements vary by type of employment (Overseas, Domestic, Fishing, Offshore) and nature of application (new, revalidation, replacement).
Documents include certified birth certificate, NBI clearance, SOLAS certificates, photographs, documentary stamps, authenticated licenses, transcripts, affidavits, service records, contract or letter requests.
Specific certificates and proofs required for professional license holders, retired naval personnel, special skill applicants.

Grounds for suspension/revocation include incompetence, negligence, intemperate habits endangering life or vessel, insubordination, contract violations, and conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude.
Mandatory revocation for serious offenses including assault with deadly weapon, malicious destruction, loss of life due to misconduct, molestation, murder, mutiny, drug offenses, smuggling, sabotage, theft, jumping ship, and serious neglect.

Master/owner/operator/manning agencies responsible for compliance; liable for violations.
Submission of false statements or tampered/fake documents leads to criminal prosecution and administrative penalties.
Graduated penalties and fines for offenders, escalating with repeated offenses.
Shipping companies or manning agencies held liable for spurious documents; fines range from P25,000 to P100,000 and possible suspension or cancellation of license.
Responsible officials subject to criminal prosecution.

Circular effective 15 days after publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.