Requirements for First Time Seaman

Basic Requirements for Seaman to Qualify for International Jobs

After accomplishing your marine course or degree and obtaining BST certificate, you have to secure certain documents for you to start sailing outside the country. These are the primary statutory requirements for anyone wishing to work at sea whether it be on a large commercial tanker, super yacht, cruise liner or even wind farms: Passport – This is a basic travel document issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to legitimate Filipino citizens. A seafarer working outside the country definitely needs this document to be able to leave the Philippines and enter other territories lawfully. STCW '95 – The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1995 or STCW 95 Certificate is the amended version of the old STCW which was drafted in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization. The STCW 95 code was introduced on February 2003 to set minimum international training standards for professional mariners. Seaman's Book or Seafarers Identification and Record Books (SIRB) – This document is as important as your passport. While the passport is stamped upon departure and arrival in every country, the seaman's book is stamped every time a mariner go on board. This is also requisite when applying for a work visa. Seafarers Registration Certificate (SRC) – A seafarer is also mandated to register at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to become an official and registered Filipino Seaman. To obtain the SRC Certificate, a seafarer must bring his employment contract and all other certificates/documents previously enumerated. Transit visa – Transit visas are for non-immigrants traveling in immediate and continuous transit through one particular country going to another county. The employer assist seafarers in getting one. by: - seamanjobsite.com