Category: National Developments

List of Medical Facilities & Practitioners Enrolled in MISMO 2024

As we all know, one of the requirements for processing our COP application in MISMO is a valid medical certificate in PEME format. Many seafarers often asked me if MARINA would approve the clinics they opted for. We’re about to answer that here. The good thing is we now have a list of the accredited […]

13 Things You Should Know About the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers is now within reach as the Senate approves the Bill for a third and final reading. President Marcos recently stamped the bill “urgent“, assuring the global community of the Philippines’ commitment to meeting its obligations. But beyond the promises this Bill is making waves right now, what are the […]

MARINA-Approved Practical Assessment Centers for Ratings & Officers 2024

Assessment Centers, or ACs, are maritime institutions accredited and approved by MARINA to conduct practical assessments. Practical Assessment is the method used to assess a candidate by giving a close-to-reality situation on board where they must apply their theoretical knowledge. Officers and Ratings undergo such assessments to prove their competencies and be given certificates. Here […]

List of Active Shipyards in the Philippines 2024

Shipyards play a significant role in the country’s robust industries of shipbuilding and repair. Our location and volume of shipping activities make it ideal for this business to prosper. With thousands of domestic and international vessels sailing around our archipelago, the demand for ship construction, maintenance, and repair has created a flourishing maritime environment. Those […]

Accredited Medical Centers for Seamen & OFWs 2023

Accredited medical centers play a crucial role in the employment of our seafarers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).  They are responsible for conducting pre-employment medical examinations (PEMEs) and periodic medical examinations (PMEs) for our “heroes”. Before they can work abroad, they have to pass the medical exams. But there are so many of them and […]

Ultimate List of Seafarers’ Centers in The Philippines

Seaman’s centers are non-profit organizations that provide support and services to seafarers. Here in the Philippines, they are usually located near port areas and within the city making it easy for seafarers to access the services they need. I’ve been to many seafarers’ centers throughout my sailing career and these places are truly a safe […]

List of Maritime Review Centers in the Philippines 2023

The maritime industry in the Philippines is booming once again, and as a result, so are maritime review centers. If you want to get that promotion and a bigger salary on board, you need to pass the MARINA licensure exam first. Our country’s seafarer deployment is on track to pre-pandemic records. Opportunities for career advancements […]

List of CHED and MARINA Accredited Maritime Schools 2024

The most efficient way to pursue a career at sea and become a seaman is to take a maritime course in any accredited maritime school in the country. However, not all schools and universities are equal. They have to be approved by MARINA and CHED before they can offer BSMT and/or BSMarE programs. The Bachelor […]

Huge Backlog on Seaman’s Book Application Hits Seafarers

Thousands of seafarers may have to wait as early as December before they can get an appointment on their seaman’s book renewal application while shipping companies are on a hiring spree for people to man their ships. CF Sharp’s legal counsel, Atty. Carmela Magpantay said that many of their crew applying for the renewal application […]

OFW Hospital Adds More Services Also for Dependents, Still Free

The OFW Hospital is the country’s first hospital dedicated to Filipino migrant workers and their families is now expanding its services while keeping its promise of free health care. This initiative came as a way of thanking our modern-day heroes, the OFWs, for their immense contribution to the economy. The Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital […]