Documentary Requirements for New Hires
- Standard employment contract signed by employer and seafarer, verified/authenticated by POLO or Philippine Embassy/Consulate
- Valid Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB)
- Seafarers Registration Certificate (SRC)
- Accomplished OFW Information Sheet
- Valid Certificate of Medical Fitness from a DOH-accredited clinic
- Valid passport
- Guarantee letter from principal on visa issuance
- Plane ticket or booking certificate
- Certificate of Attendance to Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
- Certificate of Proficiency from National Assessment Center (NAC)
- Certificate(s) of Competency from TESDA and/or PRC for Marine Officers
- Vessel registration copy if applicable
Documentary Requirements for Re-engaged Direct Hires
- Standard employment contract signed and verified/authenticated
- Valid SIRB
- SRC
- Accomplished OFW Information Sheet
- Valid passport
- Plane ticket or booking certificate
- Guarantee letter from principal on visa issuance
Documentary Requirements for Returning Direct Hires
- Verified/authenticated employment contract
- Valid SIRB
- SRC
- Plane ticket or booking certificate
- Accomplished OFW Information Sheet
Medical Examination
- Mandatory pre-employment medical examination (PEME) at DOH-accredited medical institutions or embassy/consulate where required
- Medical certificate must be valid, issued within three months prior to POEA submission
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar
- Mandatory attendance by all direct hire seafarers conducted by POEA Workers Education Division
Payment of Fees
- New hires and re-engaged:
- POEA processing fee: ₱200
- OWWA contribution: US$25 or peso equivalent
- Returning seafarers:
- POEA processing fee: ₱100
Prohibition on Name Hiring
- Foreign employers accredited/registered with Philippine manning agencies cannot directly hire seafarers
- Direct hires with such employers must be processed through the respective manning agency
Transitory Provisions
- Direct hires with contracts verified or visas issued before effectivity will still be processed by POEA
- Subject to documentary compliance and Administrator clearance
Registration at Regional Centers
- Direct hires may complete registration and processing at any POEA Regional Center or Extension Unit
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All prior inconsistent issuances modified or repealed
- Guidelines effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation