Seafarer Answers & Official Links
Direct, plain-English answers and verified official links for Filipino seafarers and manning agencies — certificates, recruitment, rights at sea, and the government appointments you actually need. Maintained by the EAGLE Intelligence Unit and cross-checked against DMW, MARINA, STCW and MLC 2006 sources.
Before you apply: protect yourself from recruitment scams
- A licensed agency will never charge you a placement fee. Under Philippine law and MLC 2006, seafarers must not be charged to get a job.
- No legitimate agency or employer asks you to pay for a visa, “visa processing”, training bonds, or medicals as the price of a job offer. Requests to send money — especially by e-wallet, remittance, or to a personal account — are the clearest sign of a scam.
- Always verify the agency’s DMW licence first. Check the official Department of Migrant Workers list before you sign anything or hand over a single peso:
dmw.gov.ph/inquiry/licensed-recruitment-agencies →
Apply & book appointments — official government links
Use only these official .gov.ph portals. Government appointments such as DMW verification and DFA passport booking are free — avoid “fixers” and lookalike sites that charge for them.
- DMW — Verify a recruitment / manning agency licence →
Confirm an agency is licensed BEFORE you apply, sign, or pay anything.
- MARINA — SID / SRB (seaman's book) appointment →
Book your Seafarer's Identity Document & Record Book appointment.
- MARINA — MISMO online appointments (COC / COP & more) →
Certificates of Competency / Proficiency and other MARINA transactions.
- DFA — Passport appointment →
Passport applications & renewals are FREE to book here — avoid fixers.
- NBI — Clearance application →
Register and book your NBI clearance appointment online.
- Bureau of Quarantine (DOH) — Yellow fever / polio ICV →
International Certificate of Vaccination when your vessel / route requires it.
Eagle Intelligence is independent and is not affiliated with these agencies. Links are provided for convenience; always confirm current requirements and fees on the official site.
Common seafarer questions
- How can I avoid manning agency and recruitment scams?
Check the DMW licence, never pay placement or 'visa processing' fees, and spot the red flags before you sign or send money.
- How do I check if a manning agency's DMW licence is valid?
Step-by-step: look the agency up on the official DMW list of licensed recruitment agencies before you apply or pay anything.
- How do I renew my STCW certificate as a Filipino seafarer?
MARINA revalidation cycle, sea-service / refresher requirements, and the medical certificate you need.
- How do I apply for or renew my SIRB (seaman's book) / SID?
Book a MARINA SID/SRB appointment online, the documents to bring, and how to avoid losing your slot and fee.
- What are the minimum rest hour rules under MLC 2006?
The 10-hour / 24h and 77-hour / 7-day minimums, how rest may be split, and the recording rules.
- What medical certificate and vaccinations do I need to work at sea?
PEME with a DOH/MARINA-accredited clinic, plus the Bureau of Quarantine yellow-fever / polio ICV when your ship requires it.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Verify current requirements with the relevant authority (DMW, MARINA, DFA, NBI, Bureau of Quarantine) or a qualified professional before acting.