Have you ever wondered how seafarers can send extra funds beyond their regular allotments? The Master’s Payment Order (MPO) is the answer. Since crew members at sea have no access to banking services, the MPO allows seafarers to send money without visiting a bank or remittance center. It’s a convenient method, and if your ship […]
Category: Career Guide
How Seamen & OFWs Can Avail of OWWA’s Php20,000 Cash Grant
If you plan to retire from working abroad due to distress, emergency, or having been displaced, you can apply for financial assistance from OWWA. OWWA’s Php20,000 Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay program is a grant that doesn’t need to be repaid. It is a monetary aid for Overseas Filipino Workers, including Seafarers, who want to start […]
Top 20 Maritime Schools in the Philippines
I often receive emails from interested students asking about the best maritime school in the country. I tried looking into it and finally made criteria for my ranking, which I want to be based on facts and numbers. Many of the schools that reached the top 20 are renowned for their scholarship programs, which many […]
Minimum Requirements of STCW Training Courses Per Rank
Pursuing a career at sea requires extensive training and certification. The higher you progress through the ranks, the more courses you must take. If you want an overview of what training courses you must take for your future promotion, this article will guide you there. The requirements listed here are specified in the STCW Code […]
First Time Onboard? A Comprehensive Guide to Joining Your Ship
I recently received a comment from a reader about the embarkation process and how seafarers join their ships. His concern was valid, and I can relate to it, especially on my first contract as a cadet in the deck department. Do you know that uncertain feeling when traveling from your ship to a place you […]
52 Most Common Deck Cadet Interview Questions & Answer Tips
A company interview is one of the most important stages of a deck cadet’s journey for onboard employment. But despite its significance, many find this part difficult, even when answering the most basic interview questions. One reason is their unpreparedness; they might get it wrong and fail the job application. But knowing the possible questions […]
24 Seafarer Tips for Job Hunting, Life On Board, Signing Off, & Vacation
These seafarer tips I’m about to show you may be a little old-school or overly simple by today’s standards. But they work and have greatly helped my career since I started sailing in 2009. Over the years, I refined them and saved which ones are working and timeless and which aren’t. I’m sharing them with […]
15 Things You Must Do 5 Days Before Joining Your Ship for Work
Working on ships is totally different from working on land. You are cut off from the rest of the world when you’re out there in the middle of the ocean and you can’t do anything in case some problems happen. For peace of mind, you need to do these things before signing on any vessel. […]
How to Write an Application Letter for Seafarers – Tips & Examples
Writing an application letter has become one of the most critical steps in securing a maritime job. This is true, especially for fresh graduates who are just starting out. If you want to get ahead in applying for any position on board, crafting a well-written application letter will help you stand out and get noticed! […]
Seafarer Packing List – What to Bring When Joining Your Ship
Every time you join a ship for work, it’s always a must to bring all the necessary items in your luggage. I know the pain of realizing that I forgot useful items upon reaching my cabin and that’s why I created this seafarer packing list to help you as well. You don’t want to be […]