Title
New Online Registration for Seafarers
Law
Memorandum Circular No. 06, S. 2018
Decision Date
May 2, 2018
The new online registration and Seabased E-Contracts System (SBECS) streamlines the processing and documentation for agency-hired Filipino seafarers, requiring all licensed manning agencies to transition to a secure web-based platform for contract management and fee payments effective May 1, 2018.

Requirements for Manning Agencies to Use SBECS

  • Agencies must submit a Request for Enrollment and Availment of POEA e-Services (REAPS) with authorized users' details.
  • Enrollment limited to a maximum of three users per agency.
  • Agencies must open an account with Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) for electronic payment of fees.
  • Enrollment in LBP’s e-Payment System requires specific documents including a Letter of Introduction and a Peso Deposit Account.
  • Agencies must provide dedicated computers with stable internet and updated browsers (preferably Google Chrome) for authorized users.
  • At least one user per agency must complete mandatory SBECS users training.

SBECS Processing Procedure: Enrollment and System Access

  • Agencies submit REAPS; upon meeting requirements, POEA ICT Branch issues user credentials.
  • Users must set passwords on assigned computers to authenticate device and user identity.
  • Assistance provided for email or access issues including spam filtering adjustments.
  • Upon successful enrollment, users can access dashboards for contract processing, status tracking, and POEA announcements.

Request for Processing (RFP) of Seafarers Contract

  • User logs in, selecting principal, vessel, and approved crew position.
  • System auto-fills seafarer data upon entering registration number.
  • Certain contract details (insurance, CBA, duration) are selected from dropdown lists.
  • Submission triggers fee assessment and payment interface; cancellation allowed before submission.
  • Transfers between agencies require cancellation of previous contracts per POEA rules.
  • Special cases for fishers and watchlisted crew require evaluation and clearance.
  • Required documents for submission include transmittal letter, printed RFP form, clearances, insurance, signed contracts, and monitoring sheets.
  • Evaluators review submissions, approve or deny requests, and provide remarks leading to payment processing.

Fee Assessment and Payment

  • System checks seafarer’s OWWA membership validity impacting fee calculation.
  • Fees include processing fee (ranges Php 100 to Php 200 depending on status) and OWWA membership fee (US$25 if membership expired).
  • An added LBP transaction fee applies.
  • Payment options include LBP e-Payment and pre-purchased OEC numbers.
  • Successful payment advances RFP to the contract uploading phase.

Contract Uploading and Electronic OEC Printing

  • Contract upload required after payment; scanned contracts are uploaded via system interface.
  • Successful upload changes RFP status to allow electronic OEC printing.
  • Seafarers can access contract status and OEC via their e-Registration accounts.

Amendment of Contracts

  • Agencies can request contract edits on certain fields subject to accreditation status.
  • Onboard processing amendments handled online or manually with approval for changes such as flag registry or vessel name.
  • Payment of corresponding fees required for amendments.

MyPOEA Portal Features

  • Provides agencies access to announcements, transaction notifications, accreditation data, and customizable reports.
  • Enables real-time monitoring of RFP status, agency license status, renewing licenses, and compliance reports.

Technical and Operational Support

  • Dedicated POEA ICT Branch contact numbers for technical issues.
  • Seabased Employment Accreditation and Processing Center available for documentation support when system issues arise.
  • A Help Desk and downloadable user manual provide additional assistance.

Effectivity Clause

  • The memorandum circular takes effect on May 1, 2018.
  • Non-registered agencies by this date revert to manual processing until enrollment is complete.
  • Compliance is mandatory for all Licensed Manning Agencies involved in seafarer contract processing.

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