What seafarers ask most
Straight answers, each linked to the exact rule.
Can a manning agency charge me a placement fee?
No. Placement fees cannot be collected from seafarers. You only shoulder documentation costs (passport, SRB, SID, mandated training, NBI/police/barangay clearance, birth certificate). Everything else is on the principal/employer.
Who pays for my medical exam (PEME)?
The principal/employer pays for the PEME — regardless of whether you pass or fail.
I backed out after processing — do I owe anything?
If you refuse to join the ship without justification after processing fees were already incurred, you must refund those processing fees within 30 days of demand — except recruitment/placement fees, visas and related costs.
What are my repatriation rights?
The shipowner/principal has the primary duty to repatriate you and cannot require performance bonds or deposits. Emergency, medical and underage repatriation are specifically covered, and waivers of repatriation entitlement are restricted.
What offenses can get me suspended or banned?
Grave offenses (drugs, sexual assault, rape, murder, terrorism, heinous crimes) = permanent disqualification. Serious offenses = 1 year and 1 day to 2 years. Less serious offenses = 6 months to 1 year.
How do I file a complaint against an agency or employer?
Complaints go through mandatory SEnA conciliation first, then to the DMW Regional Office with jurisdiction. Seafarers are entitled to free legal representation.
How do I spot a fake / illegal recruiter?
A legitimate agency holds a DMW license, keeps PhP 5,000,000 capital and a PhP 1,500,000 escrow, and never collects placement fees. Direct hiring is banned and manpower-pooling ads must state 'no fees collected'. Verify the license before paying anything.
Can I be directly hired by a foreign employer?
No. There is a ban on direct hires — a seafarer must be deployed through a licensed manning agency.
What protections apply in war or high-risk zones?
Seafarers sailing into declared war, warlike or high-risk areas are entitled to premium pay and additional insurance coverage, with the right to protections under the rules.
Is allotment to my family still required?
Yes. Seafarers are required to make an allotment of wages to their family/allottee, and remittance mechanisms are provided.