Seafaring course or being a seaman in the Philippines has become one of the most attractive profession among the Filipino youth. There are plenty reasons for this but what stand out most is that it is by far, this is one of the highest paying profession. There is no denying this as most seafarers who have been regularly plying the seas brought green pastures for their families back home. So in this blog, we’re going to lay out the map on how to become a seaman in the Philippines.
You see them driving a car or living in a big nice house. You think, I want to have that life. Great! We will guide you in this article the process and so-called development plans so you won’t get lost. just like any other profession, becoming a seaman is not easy. Never been and never will.
If you’re still in High School…
You need to be in alignment with the Senior High School’s (SHS) Maritime Specializations. Click here to view list of SHS.
These are the Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) Maritime specialization and the Pre-baccalaureate Maritime specialization.
The Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) maritime specialization
This is based on the provisions provided by the 1978 STCW Convention. After the candidate satisfactorily fulfill the requirements of this curriculum, he or she is qualified to take the assessment and certification for Ratings forming part of Navigational Watch or Engineering Watch. (II/4, III/4)
One thing though, you aren’t eligible for officership if you take TVL. However, it’s a good start. The goal of this program is to produce skilled seafarers or ratings at earliest opportunity available.
Pre-baccalaureate maritime specialization
This is a modified program of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand under the Academic Track. This specialization will lead you to a higher maritime education curriculum which is the BS Marine Transportation or Engineering.
This program is eligible for officership enroute to become a ship’s captain or chief engineer. The overall goal of this program is to produce ship’s officers in the global seafarer market.
Are you in one of these two specializations? Well, that’s great! Let us proceed.
If you aren’t in a maritime related course…
If you aren’t in a maritime related course but want to join a ship, you can take note of the following:
FOR ENGINEERS:
- Take Electro-Technical Course / Other related Electrical trainings
- Get ETR / ETO Certificate from MARINA
- Take BT Training (Full course)
- Yellow Card (Yellow Fever Vaccine)
- Passport
- Valid Seaman’s Book
FOR HOSPITALITY COURSES:
- Compile your training certificates in catering / experiences
- Take BT Training (Full course)
- Yellow Card (Yellow Fever Vaccine)
- Passport
- Valid Seaman’s Book
Then, after gathering these requirements, you can start to apply for a spot onboard. You can also avail of additional training from well-known maritime institutions like Magsaysay and Norwegian Training Center. This is an attractive advantage to employers.
Remember that these are just basic requirements. Your shipping agency will have additional requirements in addition to the ones listed above.
The next step
Once you graduate via the TVL Specialization, it is now possible for you to get the to the next level. What is it? Gathering the requirements for shipboard deployment.
While if you’re in the Pre-baccalaureate maritime specialization, you shall enroll and finish the 4 year Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Transportation or Engineering in a MARINA accredited maritime school. Click here to see the list.
Also, take scholarship grants. This way, you can skip all the hassle later on as you start your career. Sponsored cadets have already secured a spot in the company that sponsored them. So, at all costs, please take scholarship grants provided by various institutions and shipping agencies.
Gathering of the basic requirements
Then, once you finish schooling, it is now time to gather the basic requirements for shipboard deployment. There are plenty of new seafarers who get lost at this stage. Since probably they are overwhelmed by the enormous amount of time, money and effort to complete these requirements.
Luckily now, the mandatory STCW safety trainings are being integrated with the curriculum. So that by the time the cadet will graduate, he or she has required certificates for basic safety trainings, etc.
Basic requirements of being a seaman in domestic trade are the following:
- Valid Seaman’s Book
- STCW Mandated Certificates – BT, PSCRB, AFF, MEFA, SDSD
- MARPOL Consolidated (I-VI) Certificates
- Updated resume
- NBI Clearance
- TOR / School records / Training Record Book
- Deck Watch-keeping / Engine Watch-keeping Certificate
- Valid Medical Certificate (DOH & MARINA Accredited)
- Good Moral Certificate / Endorsement from School
Basic requirements of being a seaman in international trade are the following:
- Valid Seaman’s Book
- STCW Mandated Certificates – BT, PSCRB, AFF, MEFA, SDSD
- MARPOL Consolidated (I-VI) Certificates
- Yellow Card (Yellow Fever Vaccine)
- Updated resume
- Passport
- TOR
- Deck Watch-keeping / Engine Watch-keeping Certificate
- Valid Medical Certificate (DOH & MARINA Accredited)
Now, there are more requirements that might be needed. That differs from agency to agency. In addition, additional requirements may differ in relevant to your assigned vessel. For example, if you will be assigned to tanker vessels then you need a BTOC or Basic Training on Oil and Chemical Tanker training.
Remember that these requirements above are the most basic one. All these trainings and documents have their own requirements also. Keep in mind to keep all those certificates for future use.
And as we said above, if you’re on scholarship grant, there will be a clear instruction for you on what to do unlike an ordinary cadet.
Application to various shipping agencies
Here is where it gets very tricky. This step is very difficult. There are plenty of cadets who never got pass this stage and eventually, they started looking other opportunities.
Have you heard of having a backer? A backer is someone who is already in the company and will arrange for your entry into that company and eventually board a ship.
If you don’t have one, then you need to step up your game. You can use the traditional method of pure hustle and energy in applying to different shipping agencies. On the other hand, you can go to shipping agencies who offer placement fee in return of a sure shipboard spot. You make your choice.
For your guidance, we have already complied shipping agencies in various cities in the country. We’ve covered Cebu, Makati and Pasay area.
For verification of registered and POEA accredited shipping agencies, click here for your reference. In addition, here’s what you going to encounter as you go along.
If it is still possible, acquire as many as you can in this checklist:
The selection process…
If you’re already a scholar by a shipping company then, you can skip this step and some items above. This process is for the normal cadet who finish school, looking to complete his Bachelor’s degree.
You will notice that once you’re in for a written exam or an interview, there are a lot of candidates also vying for a limited spot. For this reason, you must be at the top of your game.
The classic line “We’ll just call you” is a signal to keep looking, keep hustling. Never expect that to happen. In addition, keep learning, keep busy with your sideline to help your parents in funding you.
Here’s the painful truth, only a few out of a thousand graduates can actually board a ship. Getting a rank of cadet (deck or engine) is very tough. Imagine all your classmates, your seniors, cadets from other schools also vying for that position.
So, my tip is give yourself a timeline. If at this time, you won’t get onboard as a cadet, then look ways to board a ship other than the cadet rank. You can try being a messman first. Or a deck hand/ engine hand. Just don’t lose sight of your goals.
Once you’re hired…
Once you’re hired, please create a POEA E-Registration number. If you don’t have this, then your contract will not be processed.
Then, follow instructions of your crewing manager / office staff regarding in house training like Zero Accident, Anti-Piracy training, etc. Every shipping agency differs on what in house training you shall be attending.
It is important to be proactive once you’re hired. Ask questions, clarify instructions, ask from those with authority. Feed yourself with relevant information regarding processes of documents. Take the initiative on this chance, never let it rest.
Shipboard Deployment
After all you’ve been through, you’re finally boarding a plane, going to the port of embarkation. What a great feeling! It is a culmination of years of hardwork, perseverance and patience.
Congratulations on this achievement. From here, make your mark. Continue learning, grinding and hustling. Remember, only the tough ones will survive in this game.
You are now a seaman!
You will never be called a seaman unless you have successfully experience at least one contract onboard merchant vessel. Then, it is up to you to continue your journey that you started few years back.
It is our pleasure to see aspiring young men and women take on seafaring and become breadwinners for their family.
Just a heads up, cadet salary ranges from $450-$700 per month, Deckhand/Engine hand from $150-$300 and messman from $1200-$1700 range Electrician Trainee ranges from $1300 to $1800. That is the entry level salary for those who does not have an idea.
We hope that i have answered all the question on how to become a seaman. It will be a great experience mate. Just ride along!
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