Tacloban City – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) affirms the approval of Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Board on the free Seaman’s Book to be issued to first time seafarer applicants, as well as the granting of 50% discount for its renewal.
As recently announced by Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, the Seaman’s Book, which cost ranges from Php1,000.00-Php1,800.00, will now be given for free to seafarers who are applying for the first time, and 50% off for the renewal of expired/expiring SRB and reissuance of lost or damaged SRB.
In a statement, MARINA Administrator Robert Empedrad explained that this initiative of the MARINA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to support the Filipino seafarers especially in the midst of the pandemic and help lessen the expenses for the processing of their documents. MARINA yearns to wholeheartedly fulfill the request of our seafarer-heroes who remains steadfast to help boost our economy amid the health crisis.
NMP Executive Director Joel B. Maglunsod expresses full support to this cause as an excellent way to help our seafarers and repay their valuable contributions. As an advocate of the seafarers’ welfare, the NMP will likewise explore other areas possible to pitch in and further assist the department in the implementation.
The MARINA issued Advisory No.2022-06, Series of 2022 specifying the guidelines relative to the cost of the SRB/Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) effective the 2nd of February and shall remain in effect and co-terminus with the period when the country is under the state of public health emergency or until 31 December 2022, whichever comes first.
The Seaman’s Book, technically referred to as Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB), is a full record of a seafarer’s career experience and certifications. It certifies that the person holding it, is a Seafarer as per The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and serves as record of sea service of the holder.