Application Availment Period
- Applications for the SUP benefit must be filed within ninety (90) days from the seafarer’s arrival in the Philippines for vacation or after their employment contract expires.
- Seafarers with three (3) or more OWWA contributions who have not previously availed the benefit may still apply within five (5) years from their last employment, even after their OWWA membership expires.
Venue for Application and Processing
- SUP applications can be filed and approved at any OWWA Regional Office convenient for the seafarer and based on course availability.
- Any OWWA Regional Office where the benefit is claimed will accept and process the application regardless of the seafarer’s regional origin.
- Applications for SUP courses taken at the National Maritime Polytechnic in Tacloban City shall be processed by the Regional Office where the application was filed.
Updating of Courses
- SUP course offerings will be updated annually in consultation with maritime industry stakeholders and relevant institutions.
- Course updates ensure alignment with international maritime standards and requirements.
Effectivity and Repeal Clause
- The Memorandum of Instructions (MOI) takes effect immediately upon issuance.
- It covers all applications from the period clarifying entitlements related to the issuance of Omnibus Policies and SUP implementation since March 2004.
- Provisions inconsistent with this MOI from MOI No. 001, Series of 2004, are repealed or modified accordingly.