application letter for seaman in philippines

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application letter sample for seaman

If you are searching for a sample application letter for seaman, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with seven different examples of application letters for seamen, as well as some tips and frequently asked questions about the application process.

An application letter for seaman is a formal letter that is used to apply for a job on a ship. The letter should be well-written and should highlight your qualifications and experience. It should also be tailored to the specific job that you are applying for.

When writing an application letter for seaman, it is important to keep in mind that you will be competing with many other applicants. Therefore, it is important to make your letter stand out from the rest. You should highlight your qualifications and experience, and explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

It is also important to make sure that your letter is well-written and free from errors. You want to make a good impression on the hiring manager, so take the time to proofread your letter before submitting it.

Finally, it is important to remember that you can always find examples of application letters for seamen online. These examples can be used as a guide when writing your own letter, and can be edited as needed to fit your specific situation.

Application Letter Samples

Application letter sample for experienced seaman.

I am very interested in the position of experienced seaman that you have advertised. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as a seaman, I have gained extensive knowledge of various types of vessels, and have developed a strong understanding of the rules and regulations that govern the industry. I am also skilled in navigation, maintenance, and repair of vessels.

I would be honored to have the opportunity to work for your company, and I believe that my skills and experience make me well-suited for the job.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Complimentary Close,

Application Letter Sample for Entry-Level Seaman

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to apply for the entry-level seaman position that you have advertised. While I do not have extensive experience in the industry, I am eager to learn and am committed to building a career in the field.

I recently completed a training program in seaman skills, where I gained knowledge of navigation, vessel maintenance, and safety procedures. I am also skilled in using various types of equipment, and have a strong work ethic.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for your company, and I believe that I would be an asset to your team. Thank you for considering my application.

Application Letter Sample for Deckhand Position

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in the deckhand position that you have advertised. With my strong work ethic and experience working on vessels, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as a deckhand, I have gained experience in a variety of tasks, including loading and unloading cargo, maintaining the vessel, and assisting with navigation. I am also skilled in using various types of equipment, and am knowledgeable about safety procedures.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for your company, and I believe that my skills and experience make me well-suited for the job. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

Application Letter Sample for Able Seaman Position

I am writing to apply for the able seaman position that you have advertised. With over 5 years of experience working on vessels, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as an able seaman, I have gained extensive knowledge of navigation, vessel maintenance, and safety procedures. I am also skilled in using various types of equipment, and have a strong work ethic.

Yours sincerely,

Application Letter Sample for Chief Engineer Position

I am writing to express my interest in the chief engineer position that you have advertised. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as a chief engineer, I have gained extensive knowledge of vessel engineering, maintenance, and repair. I am also skilled in using various types of equipment, and have a strong understanding of safety procedures.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for your company, and I believe that my skills and experience make me well-suited for the job. Thank you for your consideration.

Application Letter Sample for Cook Position

I am writing to apply for the cook position that you have advertised. With my experience in cooking and my knowledge of safety procedures, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as a cook, I have gained experience in preparing meals for large groups of people, and am knowledgeable about food safety and hygiene. I am also skilled in using various types of kitchen equipment.

I am excited about the opportunity to work for your company, and I believe that my skills and experience make me well-suited for the job. Thank you for considering my application.

Application Letter Sample for Electrician Position

I am writing to express my interest in the electrician position that you have advertised. With my experience in electrical work and my knowledge of safety procedures, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate for the job.

During my time as an electrician, I have gained experience in a variety of tasks, including installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. I am also skilled in using various types of electrical equipment, and am knowledgeable about safety procedures.

Tips for Writing an Application Letter for Seaman

When writing an application letter for seaman, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Tailor your letter to the specific job that you are applying for.
• Highlight your qualifications and experience.
• Proofread your letter for errors.
• Use a professional tone.
• Don’t simply repeat your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i include in my seaman application letter.

Your application letter should include information about your qualifications and experience, as well as your reasons for applying for the job. You should also highlight any relevant skills or certifications that you have.

How long should my seaman application letter be?

Your letter should be no longer than one page. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing all of the necessary information.

Should I include my resume with my seaman application letter?

Yes, you should include your resume with your application letter. This will provide the hiring manager with additional information about your qualifications and experience.

How should I address my seaman application letter?

You should address your letter to the hiring manager or the person who is responsible for hiring for the position. If you are unsure who to address your letter to, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”

How should I close my seaman application letter?

You should close your letter with a professional and courteous complimentary close, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.”

What should I do if I do not have any experience as a seaman?

If you do not have any experience as a seaman, you can still apply for entry-level positions. You can highlight any relevant skills or certifications that you have, and express your eagerness to learn and build a career in the field.

How can I make my seaman application letter stand out?

You can make your letter stand out by highlighting your unique qualifications, experience, and skills. You should also tailor your letter to the specific job that you are applying for, and make sure that it is well-written and free from errors.

Writing an application letter for seaman can be a daunting task, but by following these tips and using these examples, you can create a letter that will make you stand out from the competition. Remember to highlight your qualifications and experience, tailor your letter to the specific job that you are applying for, and proofread your letter for errors. Good luck with your job search!

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Seaman cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting,  cover letter introduction, cover letter middle part (body), how to close a seaman cover letter (conclusion and sign-off).

As an able seaman’s daily work directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of their crew mates, how they go about their work is as important as what they do. Safety is paramount in many situations, so a seaman cover letter should convey their approach to their work as well as their previous experience. They need to show that they can be trusted. A series of interviews will be central to making this decision, but the first evidence should be provided in the cover letter.

A seaman's career can contain many unexpected perils, so the seaman cover letter can tell a few of the less common stories from your career and show that you have what it takes when adversity hits. Simply repeating the duties of the role will not impress anyone – your cover letter should demonstrate adaptability, calmness under pressure and an iron will to get through even the toughest of situations. Telling the unusual stories shows that you are someone who is ready for the unexpected.

Working with others to solve problems and having an attitude of excellence to doing your part in the team should be essential ingredients of any seaman cover letter. Personality fit will play a bigger part in the seaman hiring process as you will be spending a lot of time with your crew mates. Be yourself and you will find a like-minded group of colleagues.

This cover letter guide and seaman cover letter example are part of our 125+ free cover letter samples that show you how to get the most out of this important document and land an interview for your desired seaman position. Writing a cover letter its very different to writing a resume, so let's get into the detail.

In this seaman cover letter example guide, we will explore:

• A seaman cover letter format that creates the right structure for your story.
• What information to include in the introduction, middle part and cover letter close.
• How to write a seaman cover letter if you have no seaman experience.
• Psychological tips to consider and basic mistakes to avoid when you write.

According to Zippia , 14.6% of merchant seamen had bachelor’s degrees. As higher education is not a key requirement, teasing out the right aspects of your past experience and personality will play a significant role.

Best format for seaman cover letter example

Every seaman has plenty of stories to tell, but how should you structure the format of the seaman cover letter and which stories can you tell in which parts? Every story needs a compelling beginning, solid middle and memorable end and a seaman cover letter is no different. For this reason, how a cover letter is structured is similar for most roles:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

This cover letter example guide is intended to offer a few specific tips for a seaman cover letter, but there are many more general ideas in our comprehensive cover letter example. You may have a colourful past that encompasses far more than a seaman’s core duties, so consider writing a seaman cover letter from as many angles as possible. There are so many transferable skills that can be incorporated into the role.

Here is a seaman cover letter example that could spark some creativity:

Dear Mr. Winterburn,

Working on a crabbing vessel taught me everything I need to know about operating and maintaining fishing equipment and machinery.

The Barents Sea was a tough initiation into the profession. After my move to Canada, I realize that lobster fishing is no less challenging. In my previous role, I was responsible for a variety of tasks, including deck maintenance, line handling, and navigation. I am comfortable working with various types of equipment and technology, and am confident that I can quickly adapt to new systems.

I hold all necessary licenses and certifications, including STCW Basic Safety Training and the Able Seaman certification. I am also familiar with maritime regulations and safety protocols. My previous boat was equipped with the latest technology, and I oversaw sourcing new technology. A sonar system that I suggested was partly responsible for a volume uplift of 41% for the season and new safety equipment ensured 74% fewer minor injuries.

In terms of supporting the ship’s captain, I have experience of navigation and steering a 60-70ft fishing vessel. I possess strong navigation skills and can steer a vessel in busy shipping lanes with confidence and accuracy. It is important to maintain alertness and ensure careful decision-making. I am a reliable and dependable crew mate.

I look forward to the opportunity of joining your crew on a trip to understand the fit of personalities and experience levels. I have heard many good things about your crew.

Raymond Sunderton

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Any maritime captain will put efficiency and simplicity right at the top of their priority list, so the seaman cover letter header should contain the essentials of their application with a minimum of fuss. Avoid quirky graphics and a bright color scheme at all costs.

The cover letter header should contain the contact details of the candidate – their full name, email address and maybe social media profile (to show their passion for fishing). If these details are missing, the hiring manager may wonder what they are hiding. When personality matters so much, why are they being coy about being able to be checked out properly?

Make yourself easy to contact. If the header section contains all the required information, the reader can quickly mentally move on to the more important aspects of the seaman cover letter: your experience and your story. Don’t be cute with the email address: [email protected] could imply that you don’t take your job seriously enough. Use a private email with your name and a common provider.

You don't have to include your full home address in the cover letter. There are data protection issues here, so only share the full address where you are at the offer stage. Keep the header section as uncluttered as possible.

Goal of the cover letter header: Give the basic information in the most unobtrusive way and pick a simple design for the cover letter header that does not distract from your story.

A seaman cover letter does not need to be overly formal as writing is not a core expectation of their role, but they nonetheless need to greet their prospective boss correctly. Getting the right name (with the correct spelling) as basic courtesy, so check and double check the job description. If you do not know the name, a quick phone call to the company will not hurt and it may even give you an opportunity to find out a little more about the role or the culture.

Goal of letter greeting: Start the seaman cover letter off on the right footing.

The introduction of a seaman cover letter should show that you understand the specific demands of the role and how your previous experience shows that you will be the person for the job. Be specific, give examples and show some personality.

As teamwork is such a key requirement for a seaman, showing that you have years of experience in cooperating with others (in various settings) is a great way to start the letter. Your employer will not be looking for a lone wolf. A seaman cover letter introduction that depicts you at the heart of a well-functioning team is a great way to start. Include how you have worked with your previous crew mates to do your daily jobs. Don't make your cover letter all about you. 

Goal of the cover letter intro: You know what qualities really matter as a seaman – make sure that your future boss gets a flavour of them in the cover letter introduction.

The body of the seaman cover letter is where you expand on your experience and tell a couple of stories that both fit with the role in question and also serve to help you stand out from the competition. If the stories aren’t relevant, they will be discounted. If they are common to many others, they will fade into obscurity.

Don’t fall into the trap of simply repeating the job description in your seaman cover letter. The middle part of the letter should draw the reader into your story and explain just how you make your unique difference with what you do on the boat. As mentioned earlier, the safety and wellbeing of your crew mates depends on how you do things as well as what you do. Give context to what you share and quantify your exploits wherever possible.

While a cover letter should be written from a first-person perspective, roles that involve a lot of teamwork should also mention the achievements of those around them in a cover letter. A seaman is a cog in an incredibly click machine, so when you credit others during your job search, you are tipping your hat to the fact that you are only part of a whole. Humility is a vital characteristic of a seaman. You are nothing without your crew mates.

It might seem obvious, but it is important to mention some of the crucial personal qualities that every seaman should possess. Maybe delve into your motivations for those long sea voyages or give an insight into your competitive nature. Going to sea is a tough job on many levels, so your future employer will want to know why exactly you do it.

Goal of the body of your cover letter: Make sure that the core of your seaman cover letter is relevant and unique as well as positioning yourself as a member of the wider crew.

The most important thing that a captain is looking for in a seaman is someone that they will be able to work well with and get on with. When you are spending long hours at sea, you will be looking for a kindred spirit. The conclusion of a seaman cover letter should share one last insight into your character before a potential future boss decides to invite you to interview.

Hopefully, by now your resume and cover letter have done their job, so the last lines of the seaman cover letter should finish on the strongest possible note. Ask for the interview in a polite and non-presumptuous way. If your application is a good fit, there is nothing wrong with saying that you are looking forward to a potential meeting and understanding more about the details of the role.

Goal of the closing: Give them one last personality-led reason to hire you and don’t shy away from saying that you are looking forward to a possible interview.

Writing psychology: mistakes to avoid in your seaman cover letter

Communication skills are important for a seaman, but writing skills are not high on the wish list, so while you likely will not be judged too harshly for any mistakes or typos in a seaman cover letter, they do hint at a lack of attention to detail which can be incredibly dangerous when you are out on the high seas. When there are a number of applicants, you cannot afford for the following mistakes to put any doubt in the hiring manager’s mind:

• Grammatical and spelling issues: Take advantage of online spell-checking and grammar software such as Grammarly to ensure that any obvious errors have been picked up. Asking a friend to proofread the cover letter will also work.
• A friendly tone: You will be spending a lot of time with your future crew mates, so don’t be too formal in the tone of your letter. Write as if you are having a conversation with them – keep it light. See it as a monologue to begin the interview process.
• Generic examples: There is always a temptation to give generic examples and simply copy the responsibilities in the job description. Falling into this trap is the quickest way to find your way to the rejects pile – you have to find a way to stand out.

Getting the content of your cover letter right is half the battle. You also have to make sure that it is visually appealing. If you experiment with different formatting with Word software or somehow come up with a PDF version yourself, you risk your resume looking different on different browsers, etc. Save yourself the trouble with one of our expert-designed simple cover letter templates. Looks matter just as much as the detail.

Cover letter for seaman with no experience

There is considerable opportunity to start a career as a seaman with no previous experience. Your seaman cover letter with no experience should cover all the transferable skills that might be considered useful in a seaman career: ability to work with machinery, physical fitness, attention to detail, excellent communication skills, determination to cope with a difficult environment and an ability to work in a team when under constant pressure.

You will not be the only person that is applying with little experience, so don’t be apologetic about it. Describe the sort of person that you are and why you see your previous experience as being relevant. You have to show that you understand what the role entails, so don’t be afraid to make some links to what you will be expected to do.

Key takeaways

• Show that you have the skills and personality to excel at one of the most demanding roles in the world. Being a seaman is hard work – both physically and mentally.
• Use the seaman cover letter format to set out your story in a logical way.
• Getting a job as a seaman with no experience is possible but you have to use your seaman cover letter to match your past with your future potential.
• Check for silly mistakes as attention to detail is a key attribute for the job.

Free professionally designed templates

Resume Sample for a Seaman Applicant in the Philippines

An effective seaman resume presents a candidate’s hard and soft skills related to different aspects of seafaring, such as ship operation and maintenance, cargo transport, and safety.

If you’re applying for a seafarer position, here’s a good resume sample you can refer to when writing your own:

Seafaring requires physical strength and endurance, as well as the ability to work well in a team. This resume demonstrates these attributes, starting with the line “energetic seaman” and ending with the candidate’s sports involvement (boxing, running, and weightlifting).

The candidate highlights his being a team player by mentioning about encouraging crew members to perform their best job and promoting team camaraderie. Through his resume, the candidate also showcases his ability to solve problems and make sound decisions.

Lastly, because of the dangerous working conditions at sea, commitment to safety is among the values employers look for in a seaman. This resume shows that by telling how the candidate helped ensure safe passenger behaviors during each journey.

Go back to the main article: How to Write a Resume in the Philippines (with Samples, Formats, and Templates)

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How to Become a Seaman: Work as a Seafarer

Are you aspiring to become a seaman or seafarer? As one of the highest-paying jobs in the Philippines and abroad, becoming a seaman is the dream of many Filipinos. Likewise, most shipping companies prefer to hire Pinoy seafarers due to their diligence, skills, and commitment towards their jobs.

Also Read:  12 Reasons Why Filipinos Want to Work Abroad

Globally, the Philippines is among the top countries where most seafarers come from. Around one-fourth of the world’s seafarers are Filipinos, as a matter of fact! Without a doubt, the demand for Pinoy seamen will continue to increase, thus providing plenty of job opportunities for our kababayans . If you are interested in becoming a seaman, keep on reading because we will discuss the requirements, procedures, and other matters related to this profession.

DISCLAIMER: The following details are presented for general information-sharing purposes only. To learn more about the requirements, procedure, processing fees, and other matters pertaining to seaman or seafarer jobs, please visit the official website of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). 

Table of Contents

What is a Seaman / Seafarer?

A seaman or seafarer is a person whose job involves sailing, navigating, and other tasks aboard a ship. In the Philippines, the term “Filipino seaman” may also refer to someone who is a part of the Philippine Marine Corps or the Philippine Navy. Generally, however, it is used when referring to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are “sea-based” workers.

What is an “Able-Bodied Seaman”?

When speaking of seafarers, you may have come across the term “able-bodied seaman” or simply “able seaman” (AB). Generally, this refers to a person with two or more years of experience at sea. To become an AB, one must have completed training and certification.

An AB usually works as a watchstander, which includes being a lookout or a helmsman. He/She may also be a day worker, doing general maintenance work, repair, and sanitation, among others. The AB may also be called on to perform emergency tasks and use safety equipment. Over time, he/she may undergo further training to become an officer.

What is an “Ordinary Seaman”?

Another term you might hear is “ordinary seaman” (OS). This refers to an apprentice who is required to work at sea for some time, before becoming an able-bodied (AB) seaman.

Aboard a ship, the OS is usually expected to perform general maintenance, sanitation, and other tasks that may be assigned by an officer. The duties may also vary depending on the type of vessel, the number of crew members, and other factors.

Are women allowed to work as seafarers?

Marine and shipping have historically been male-dominated types of work. According to a study, there’s less than 5% of women who work in the maritime industry. However, there are also women seafarers working in ships. There are Filipinas who study to become sea women and have successfully landed jobs as seafarers. So YES, women are allowed to work in ships.

How to Become a Seaman: Overview

Before we continue, here is a quick overview of the steps to becoming a seafarer. We will discuss each step in greater detail later, as we go along.

• Completion of Training Courses. Aspiring seafarers need to take the Basic Safety Training (BST) course. This includes training on Sea Survival Techniques, Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention, and First Aid, among other skills.
• Preparation of Documents. After passing the BST course, you will receive a BST certificate, which is recognized worldwide and enables the holder to work aboard ships. Other important documents are the “Seaman’s Book,” and of course, the Philippine Passport , which is a general requirement when traveling to and from other countries (and across the seas).
• Application through Manning or Shipping Agencies. There are many recruitment agencies that hire seafarers. The important thing is to make sure that you apply through an agency that is licensed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Check out this link to see a list of POEA-accredited recruitment agencies.
• Continuing Education. Just like in other professions, there are many opportunities for growth and promotion in the seafaring industry. So if you want to move up the “career ladder,” be sure to continue studying and undergoing trainings whenever you can.

Seaman Training Courses

If you are a high school graduate, or a graduating high school student who is interested in becoming a seaman, consider taking any of these college courses: Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE). In the Philippines, there are around 80 to 100 maritime schools that offer these courses.

Notably, the BSMT is a four-year course that trains aspiring seafarers on navigation, basic safety, radio communication, and other skills. The course typically involves three years of classroom instruction and one year of on-board training. Afterwards, the person needs to take (and pass) the seaman’s state board exam.

If you are not a BSMT or BSMarE graduate, working on a ship is still possible as long as you take the necessary training. Just make sure that the school or training center is accredited by major agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Maritime Training Council of the Philippines. It should also be compliant to the standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Standards of Training Certification and Watch Keeping Convention (STCWC).

Top 10 Maritime Schools in the Philippines

As mentioned previously, there are around 80 to 100 maritime schools or training centers in the Philippines. Below are some of the best maritime schools in the country, based on the passing rates of their graduates in recent years:

• Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
• Baliwag Maritime Academy
• John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University
• Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
• Philippine Maritime Institute – Bohol
• Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
• Philippine Merchant Marine School
• University of Cebu
• University of Perpetual Help – Las Piñas

In any case, the important thing to remember is that the school should be recognized by the CHED, MARINA, and other entities pertaining to education and maritime standards.

Seaman Job Requirements

Here are some important documents that seafarers must prepare when applying for a job. Take note that other documents may be needed by the agency or company; nonetheless, these are the general requirements:

• Passport. This must be valid for at least 6 months before the intended date of departure.
• Resume. The resume should include your details, educational background, work history, seminars/trainings attended, and other information.
• Seaman’s Book. This serves as your “passport” in the seafaring industry. You can apply for it through MARINA (more on this below).
• Medical Certificate. This is another important requirement, as it would help ensure that you are physically fit to work aboard a ship.
• Transit Visa. This is usually processed once you get hired; the employer and agency will be facilitating the acquirement of your travel visas.
• Training Certificates. This includes the Seafarer’s Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping Certificates (STCW), which indicate that you have completed basic trainings. If you are applying for a higher position, additional certificates would be needed, depending on the job.

How to Apply for a Seaman’s Book

The Seaman’s Book , or the Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB), is a must-have for every seafarer. This is quite similar to a passport; you will be needing it throughout all your voyages at sea. You can apply for a Seaman’s Book at MARINA, where you will need to submit the following requirements:

• High school diploma (for high school graduates)
• Transcript of Records (for college graduates)
• Birth Certificate
• NBI Clearance
• Certificate of Authentication/Verification from CHED or DepEd
• 2 passport-sized photos
• Accomplished MARINA application form

As for the fees, you will also need to prepare a fee of PHP 800 (regular processing) or PHP 1,500 (express processing). Regular processing takes about 8 hours, while express processing takes about 4 hours. Please visit the official website of MARINA for more details.

Seaman Job Sites

Seafarers are usually hired to work on passenger ships, cargo vessels, oil tankers, and other types of vessels. One important question now is… how can you find a job as a seaman?

If you have a friend or relative who is already working as a seafarer, he/she might be able to help you apply for a job with the same company. On the other hand, you can also look search for seaman jobs online. Here are some popular seaman job sites that you can visit:

• Jobstreet.com
• Pinoy Seaman
• Seaman Jobsite
• Seaman Jobs Philippines

Another way to apply for seaman jobs is through a shipping agency. Just make sure that the agency is accredited by the POEA. In fact, whether you find a job through a friend, a website, or through an agency – you need to make sure that the company/agency is duly registered.

Top Manning Agencies

There are many manning or shipping agencies offering jobs to Filipino seafarers. Below are some of the top agencies that you may consider:

• Bahia Shipping Services, Inc.
• CF Sharp Crew Management, Inc.
• Jebsens Maritime
• Magsaysay Maritime Corporation
• OSM Maritime Services, Inc.
• RCCL Crew Management, Inc.
• TDG Crew Management, Inc.
• Singa Ship Managament, Inc.
• United Philippine Lines, Inc.
• V. Ships Manila

Before applying through any of these agencies, make sure that they are accredited by the POEA and other entities. Again, you can visit this link for the list of POEA-accredited manning agencies.

Ranks in the Ship

As a seafarer, you must be familiar with the ranks and responsibilities of every person aboard a ship. The types of vessels may vary, but you will generally find the following ranks and departments:

• Captain/Master. This person is the highest ranking and commanding officer in the vessel. The Captain/Master is the top person in charge of the ship, its cargo, and the entire crew.
• Deck Department. This consists of the First Mate/Chief Mate, who is typically in charge of cargo operations, safety, and security; the Second Mate, who serves as the navigation officer; and the Third Mate, who also oversees the safety and security of the ship and the crew. This department also includes Deck Cadets, who are officers under training; Boatswains, who are responsible for ship maintenance; and Able-Bodied Seamen (ABs), who are responsible for general maintenance, sanitation, and other duties aboard the ship.
• Engineering Department. This department oversee engine operations and maintenance. It is led by the Chief Engineer, who is supported by the Second Engineer, Third Engineer, and Fourth Engineer. The department also includes Engineering Cadets.
• Steward Department. This department is in charge of food preparation, serving of meals, cleaning, and maintenance of the ship’s quarters. It is led by the Chief Cook, who is supported by the Chief Steward, who, in turn, guides the Stewards.

Seaman Salary in the Philippines

At this point, you are probably wondering how much a seaman’s salary is. The International Labour Organization has set USD 850 as the minimum wage of the lowest-ranking crew member of a ship. Of course, this may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of vessel and the specific rank of the crew member.

For example, crew aboard tanker vessels generally earn higher than those aboard bulk or container carriers — mainly because of the higher risk involved in managing tanker vessels.

And then of course, the higher the rank of a crew member, the higher his/her salary would be. We can also consider the incentives based on a person’s length of service with the company, along with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed by all parties involved. Again, this would depend on the company that you will be working for.

OWWA Programs for Seafarers

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has programs that are specifically for Filipino seamen. The following programs are generally geared towards enhancing and upgrading the skills of Pinoy seafarers:

1. Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

This program offers short-term courses to Filipino seamen, providing training assistance up to PHP 7,500 — including meal and transportation allowance. Seafarers who are active members of OWWA may apply for this program. Succeeding availments may be done after every three (3) recorded membership contributions.

To apply, seafarers need to submit these requirements: (a) proof of OWWA membership; (b) accomplished application form; (c) two 2×2 photos; and (d) Seaman’s Book and/or passport.

2. Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) Program

As the name suggests, this is a bridging program for those who wish to pursue a maritime career. It applies to qualified graduates of BS Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME) who would like to take up BS Marine Engineering (BSMarE). The program includes a grant of PHP 38,120 plus a 3-month stipend of PHP 15,000.

Filipino seafarers who are active members of OWWA, dependents of OFWs (land-based and sea-based), and OFWs’ next-of-kin (up to the first degree of consanguinity) may apply for this program. Requirements to be submitted include: (a) birth certificate/proof of relation to OFW; (b) Transcript of Records (TOR): and (c) declaration of no current/pending application for scholarship with OWWA and other non-government organizations (NGOs).

3. Marine Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP)

This is a “study now, pay later” program that enables on-board marine officers and engineers to pursue a maritime degree. It provides financial assistance through a loan with zero-percent interest.

4. Incentive Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets

As the name suggests, this program is for the top 200 students (BS Marine Transportation and BS Marine Engineering) who passed the Maritime School Assessment Program. Each Maritime Cadet will receive an incentive worth PHP 30,000 — which will be used to process his/her documents before boarding a vessel.

Aside from these programs, OWWA provides other financial assistance to Filipino seamen, as part of the Philippine Seafarers Act. For example, in case of unexpected death, the seaman’s family will receive accident insurance worth PHP 200,000 and burial assistance worth PHP 20,000. In addition, the family will receive livelihood assistance and educational assistance for children who are 21 years old and below.

For more information about all of these programs for Filipino seafarers and their dependents/beneficiaries, please visit the official website of OWWA.

How to Apply for a Seaman Loan

There are many loans available to Filipino seafarers. Commercial banks such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), for example, offer loans to both sea-based and land-based OFWs. For this article, however, we will focus on the OFW Reintegration Program .

The OFW Reintegration Program is actually a tie-up between OWWA and LANDBANK. It provides credit assistance to returning OFWs who plan to start their own business in the Philippines. Those who are active members of OWWA and have attended a capacity building program may apply for this program.

As for the loanable amount, it starts at PHP 100,000 up to PHP 2,000,000 for single proprietorship businesses, and up to PHP 5,000,000 for groups of OFWs ( i.e. partnerships, cooperatives, or corporations). The interest rate is fixed at 7.5 percent per annum for the duration of the loan, which may be short term (maximum of one year) or a term loan (based on cash flow, but not exceeding seven years).

To apply for this loan, simply follow these steps:

• Go to the nearest OWWA office for orientation, screening, processing, and training.
• Obtain OWWA certification, for submission to LANDBANK.
• Go to the nearest LANDBANK Lending Center for more information and further evaluation of your business proposal.

To learn more about the OFW Reintegration Program, please visit the official website of LANDBANK.

National Maritime Polytechnic

Continuing education is an important part of any profession, including seafarers. There are many schools and training centers that offer basic and advanced training to Filipino seafarers. Notably, the Philippine government has also set up a training center for Pinoy seamen: National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP).

National Maritime Polytechnic falls under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its main office is located in Cabalawan, Tacloban City, though it also has an office in Makati City, Metro Manila.

Among the training center’s courses are as follows:

Deck Courses

• Trim and Stability
• Vessel Crane Operator
• Safe Mooring Practices
• Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
• Ship Simulator and Bridge Teamwork
• Safe Navigation and Collision Regulation
• Operational Use of Electronic Chart Display Information System

Engineering Courses

• Basic Control Engineering
• Auxiliary Machinery System
• Marine Electrical System
• Marine Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Updating Training for OIC of an Engineering Watch

Moreover, NMP provides free online courses that are open for all aspiring and experienced seafarers. These courses include:

• Gender Sensitivity Training for Seafarers
• Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Maritime Sector
• STD/HIV/AIDS Prevention in the Maritime Sector

For more information about these course and trainings, please visit the official website and Facebook page of NMP.

Tips in Applying for a Seaman Job

In order to boost your chances of getting hired for a seaman’s job, we recommend that you consider following these tips:

• Make sure that your passport and other documents are valid and complete.
• Keep all your papers clean, organized, and always ready for use.
• Check to ensure that you are applying through a duly accredited shipping agency.
• Before signing a contract, be sure to read and understand everything.
• Don’t give up! If you don’t get hired right away, keep trying!

5 Must-Have Traits of Seafarers

So far, we’ve talked about the requirements, procedures, and other things related to applying for a seaman job. But are you truly ready for it? Keep in mind that a seafarer’s job is not easy, and it is certainly not for everybody. Here are some traits that you must have as a seaman:

1. Good communication skills.  On the ship, you will interact with people of different ranks and personalities. And while there may be many Filipinos aboard, other nationalities may be part of the crew, too. Hence, you need to have basic proficiency in English, and should be able to communicate well.

2. Physical fitness.  You must be physically fit for the job. There are also times when you may have to work a 12-hour shift, with no day-offs, for up to weeks at a time. Keeping fit and healthy is a must!

3. A team-player.  As part of the crew, you must know your tasks and responsibilities at all times. You should also learn how to get along with other crewmembers.

4. A problem-solver.  A seaman’s job involves risk; you can never be too complacent while you are on the job. And so, you need to be able to think fast and clearly, especially in cases of problems and emergencies.

5. Emotionally strong.  Depending on the contract, you will be away from your loved ones for months at a time. Given the changing weather and locations, there are times when you may not be able to contact your family easily. Be ready to endure bouts of loneliness and homesickness!

Being a seafarer is not easy. The industry may offer some of the highest-paying jobs around, but take note that it involves risk, hard work, sacrifice, and continuous training. If you are keen on becoming a seaman, we hope that the above guide has been helpful. Meanwhile, if you are interested in working overseas, here is our article on how to become an OFW .

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Application Letters for Fresh Graduates: See Two Samples That Work

If you’re a fresh grad looking for a job, then you know very well the challenge of writing an application letter. Together with your resume, an application letter is one of the two main documents you need to finally get a job and join the workforce.

But with no job experience, what should you include? Read these sample application letters for fresh graduates, and use them as a starting point to write yours.

Application Letters: Some Basics

What’s the difference between an application letter and a cover letter.

A cover letter is literally a cover sheet for your resume: “Here is my resume, please consider me for XXX job.” An application letter is longer and more detailed, because it can be sent on its own, without a resume or a specific job in mind: “Hello, I am XXX, interested in a job at your company. Here are my qualifications.”

That’s in theory. Here in the Philippines though, the terms are interchangeable. In this article, your “application letter” is a one-pager that introduces your resume for a specific role. It describes your skills and markets your abilities. It’s your brief, formal way to introduce yourself – and make HR teams notice your resume and offer you an interview.

Why do I need an application letter, when the information is in my resume?

Your resume follows a strict format, including keywords that you’ve pulled from the job listing. In contrast, an application letter gives you some room to express yourself, and highlight why you’re different from all your batchmates applying for the same job.

Most important, a letter identifies the job you’re applying for. Have you ever seen a resume headlined “[NAME], HR Associate”?  No.

Read more: Want To Get Hired? Follow These Sample Resume Formats For Fresh Graduates

Do resume scanning systems even read application letters?

Some job ads specify “No cover letter”, but this is rare. If the listing doesn’t mention a cover letter, or says “Cover letter optional”, then you should write one. As with your resume, you should use keywords from the job ad in your letter to raise your application’s place in the rankings.

Read about keywords and automated resume systems here: How to customize your resume and cover letter for any job

Once you’re ready to write your letter, use these samples to get started.

Application Letter Sample 1 (Hard Copy)

Use this format for a letter you will submit as a printed copy. Even if you applied online, always bring extra copies of your letter and resume to your interview. For emailed application letters, see Sample 2 below.

22 H Venture St., Diliman, Quezon City Philippines

June 15, 2021

Mr. Vincent Chua Hiring Manager Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) 12/F Ayala Life-FGU Center, Ayala Ave. Makati City 1226

Dear Mr. Chua,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Recruitment Assistant in your company.

Having obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in [XXXX]  major in Human Resources in [XXX] University, I hope to bring my knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence to BPI.

With my major in HR management, I am familiar with standard processes for recruitment, workforce organization, training, and compensation, as well as legal provisions and labor concerns.

My internship at San Miguel Corporation gave me the chance to work with top professionals in recruitment and HR. Being a trainee there developed my enthusiasm for human resources, and convinced me that HR management is my true calling.

For more details of my qualifications and expertise, please review my attached resume.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this application. I look forward to hearing from you.

(signature)

Jessica Cenadoza (email address / phone number)

Application Letter Tip: When submitting a hard copy, always follow the business letter format. Your letter and resume do not need expensive paper or flowery words, but they do need to be error-free and professional. Use an online program to check grammar, spelling and punctuation. Before printing, proofread again, then ask a friend to do so too.

Application Letter Sample 2 (Email)

This application letter sample below is tailored for email. Note the subject line and the absence of mailing addresses.

Email Subject: Alvin Marfal, Marketing Associate Position [Keep your subject line brief and straightforward.]

Dear Ms. Castañeda,

I would like to apply for your company’s recently announced position of Marketing Associate.

I am a recent graduate of [XXX], major in Marketing, from [XXX] University. My studies there have given me the skills to develop marketing campaigns and drive strategies, especially through the efficient use of social media.

During my internship at XXX Corporation’s Marketing Department, I learned how companies decide what products to sell, how to reach target customers, and how to react to competition. I also had the opportunity to work with seasoned professionals. They taught me how marketing concepts apply outside the classroom, how to blend with a group’s culture, and strive for common goals despite setbacks.

Finally, through active involvement in academics and extracurriculars, I developed communication and leadership skills that make me a valued member of any marketing team.

I attach my resume for your consideration. Thank you for taking time to review my application. I look forward to your reply so that we can further discuss it.

Yours sincerely,

Alvin C. Marfal (email address / mobile number)

Application Letter Tip: Check your subject line before pressing “Send.” A typo error in your email subject won’t reflect positively on you – and could result in your mail being ignored by the resume software. Our email subject above follows the usual format (name, position). However, some recruiters require a specific subject line or number code. Check the job ad to be sure.

Include your contact details on the email signature, so the recruiter can respond to you immediately.

To create a cover letter that stands out, customize.

Finally, remember that these are just samples to help you get started. Templates are guide that you can certainly customize. You have to change the name, position and company anyway, and of course the content of the letter as befits the job you are eyeing.

So when you follow these formats,  take time to write simply and clearly about yourself. Skip the legalese (“Attached herewith”) and the cliches (“out of the box”, “passionate”). In addition, be specific (see Alvin’s three marketing skills above) and consider the norms of your industry. Finally, don’t forget to proofread!

Your letter should prove that you’ve done your homework, understand the job requirements, and are the best person for the role. For example, this witty sample application letter for a fresh graduate is great for a content manager, but not for a technical or administrative job.

Now that you can write a good application letter, don’t let your new skills go to waste. #LetsGetToWork by finding out which companies are looking for fresh grads like you.

Sign up for or update your Jobstreet profile then search for jobs; or download the Jobstreet app via App Store or GooglePlay .  Need help writing your resume or practicing for an interview?

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How to Become a World-Class Filipino Seafarer

Are you dreaming of becoming a seafarer ? Working as a seafarer is one of the highest-paying jobs available to Filipinos , both domestically and internationally. 

Filipino seafarers are highly sought after due to their skills, diligence, and commitment. Approximately one-fourth of the world’s seafarers are Filipinos, making the Philippines a leading source of maritime professionals.

Table of Contents

What is a Seafarer?

A seafarer, or seaman, is a person employed on a ship, performing various tasks related to sailing, navigation, maintenance, and more. 

In the Philippines, this term is often used to refer to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who work at sea. 

There are different roles within the seafaring profession, including “able-bodied seaman” (AB) and “ordinary seaman” (OS), each with specific duties and requirements.

Roles of Seafarers

Able-Bodied Seaman (AB) : An AB is an experienced seafarer with at least two years of sea service. 

They perform tasks such as lookout, helmsman duties, maintenance, repair, and emergency tasks.

Ordinary Seaman (OS) : An OS is typically an apprentice seafarer, responsible for general maintenance and sanitation duties. 

They work under the supervision of officers and gain experience to eventually become an AB.

Opportunities for Women

Although the maritime industry has traditionally been male-dominated, there are growing opportunities for women. 

Filipino women have successfully pursued careers as seafarers, proving that the industry is open to all genders.

4 Steps to Becoming a World-Class Pinoy Seafarer

• Complete Required Training : Aspiring seafarers must complete the Basic Safety Training (BST) course, which includes sea survival techniques, personal safety, fire fighting, and first aid.
• Prepare Necessary Documents : Obtain a BST certificate, a Seaman’s Book, and a Philippine Passport.
• Apply Through Accredited Agencies : Use only agencies accredited by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) / Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to ensure legitimacy.
• Continue Education : Pursue further training and education to advance in your career. Opportunities for growth and promotion are abundant in the maritime industry.

Seaman Training Courses

For high school graduates interested in becoming seafarers, enrolling in a maritime course is a great start. 

Courses like Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) are offered by many maritime schools in the Philippines. 

These courses provide essential skills and knowledge for a successful seafaring career.

Top Maritime Schools in the Philippines

Here are some of the top maritime schools based on their graduates’ passing rates :

• Asian Institute of Maritime Studies
• Baliwag Maritime Academy
• John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University
• Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific
• Philippine Maritime Institute – Bohol
• Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
• Philippine Merchant Marine School
• University of Cebu
• University of Perpetual Help – Las Piñas

Job Requirements

To apply for a seafaring job, you need the following documents:

• Valid Passport
• Updated Resume
• Seaman’s Book
• Medical Certificate
• Transit Visa
• Training Certificates (e.g., BST, STCW)

How to Apply for a Seaman’s Book

The Seaman’s Book, also known as the Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB), is essential for every seafarer. 

To apply, submit the following to MARINA :

• High school diploma or Transcript of Records
• Birth Certificate
• NBI Clearance
• Certificate of Authentication/Verification from CHED or DepEd
• Passport-sized photos
• Accomplished MARINA application form

Finding a Job

Seafarers can find job opportunities through various platforms:

• Online Job Sites : Indeed.com, Jobstreet.com, Pinoy Seaman, Seaman Jobsite, Seaman Jobs Philippines
• Manning Agencies : Bahia Shipping Services, Inc., CF Sharp Crew Management, Inc., Jebsens Maritime, Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, and more

Ranks on a Ship

Understanding the hierarchy on a ship is essential:

• Captain/Master : The highest-ranking officer in charge of the ship, cargo, and crew.
• Deck Department : Includes Chief Mate, Second Mate, Third Mate, Deck Cadets, Boatswains, and ABs.
• Engineering Department : Led by the Chief Engineer, includes Second, Third, and Fourth Engineers, and Engineering Cadets.
• Steward Department : Handles food preparation and maintenance, led by the Chief Cook and Chief Steward.

Salary and Benefits

Seafarers’ salaries vary based on their rank and the type of vessel. 

Entry-level positions can earn around USD 850 (Php 49,500++) per month, while higher ranks and those on tanker vessels can earn significantly more. 

Additionally, seafarers receive medical benefits, pension plans, and opportunities for travel.

OWWA Programs for Seafarers

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers several programs to support Filipino seafarers:

• Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) : Provides training assistance up to PHP 7,500 for short-term courses.
• Mariner’s Dugtong Aral (MDA) Program : Offers grants for graduates of BS Electrical or Mechanical Engineering to pursue BS Marine Engineering.
• Marine Educational Development Loan Program (MEDLOP) : A “study now, pay later” program for marine officers and engineers.
• Incentive Program for Top 200 Maritime Cadets : Provides PHP 30,000 for document processing for the top maritime cadets.

Applying for a Seaman Loan

Filipino seafarers can apply for loans through programs like the OFW Reintegration Program , a collaboration between OWWA and LANDBANK, offering credit assistance to returning OFWs who plan to start businesses.

Continuing Education: National Maritime Polytechnic

National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) offers various training courses for seafarers, including deck courses, engineering courses, and free online courses. 

NMP is a government training center under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Tips for Applying for a Seaman Job

To increase your chances of getting hired:

1. Ensure Your Documents are Valid and Complete

Having valid and complete documents is important because shipping companies and agencies require specific paperwork to verify your qualifications and eligibility to work on a ship.

Incomplete or expired documents can delay your application process or even lead to disqualification.

2. Organize and Maintain Your Paperwork

Keeping your paperwork organized and ready helps you respond quickly to job openings.

It shows potential employers that you are prepared and professional, which can make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting hired.

3. Apply Through Accredited Agencies

Applying through POEA-accredited agencies ensures that you are dealing with legitimate recruiters.

This protects you from scams and guarantees that the job offers are genuine and comply with legal standards.

4. Read and Understand Contracts Before Signing

Understanding your contract is important to know your rights, responsibilities, and the terms of your employment.

This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that you agree to the conditions of your job, including salary, working hours, and benefits.

5. Persevere and Keep Applying if You Don’t Get Hired Immediately

The maritime industry is competitive, and it may take time to land a job.

Staying persistent and continuously applying shows determination and resilience, qualities that are valued in seafarers.

Don’t be discouraged by initial rejections; each application brings you closer to your goal.

Must-Have Traits of Seafarers

To succeed as a seafarer, you need:

Good Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential on a ship, where you will interact with a diverse crew.

Clear communication helps ensure safety, coordination, and efficient operations.

Physical Fitness

Seafaring is physically demanding, requiring strength and endurance.

Being in good shape allows you to handle heavy equipment, perform emergency tasks, and endure long working hours.

Team-Player Attitude

Working on a ship involves collaboration with others.

Being a team player ensures smooth operations and helps maintain a positive work environment.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Seafarers often face unexpected challenges at sea.

Quick and effective problem-solving skills are essential to address emergencies and technical issues.

Emotional Strength

Life at sea can be isolating and stressful.

Emotional strength helps you cope with long periods away from family, homesickness, and the demanding nature of the job.

Becoming a seafarer offers excellent opportunities but comes with its challenges. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and perseverance. 

If you are committed to this career path, the rewards are significant, including competitive salaries, career advancement, and the chance to see the world.

Seafaring is a noble profession that plays an important part in global trade, and Filipino seafarers are among the best in the world. 

If you’re ready to embark on this journey, the steps and tips outlined in this guide will help you navigate the path to becoming a world-class Filipino seafarer.

How to Write a Great Seafarer Resume & Cover Letter

Jul 17, 2019 · 36 mins read ·

Unless you’re just starting out in the world of work, chances are you’ve already written a seafarer resume for the maritime industry. But if you really want to stand out from the crowd you need to do more than include your name, email address and the dates of contracts you’ve had or the positions you’ve held.

If you want to land the best maritime jobs, you need to make sure that your resume for a seaman and cover letter really show you in your very best light.

There are often two problems facing all job hunters when they sit down to write, or update, their maritime resume:

1) you have too much information to include, or 2) you don’t have enough.

So in a crowded marketplace such as the maritime industry, how do you make sure you rise head and shoulders above your fellow seamen and get the seafarer jobs that you really want?

How to write a seafarer resume & cover letter that makes you stand out

No matter which camp you fall into it’s a conundrum. So how can you make sure your resume for a seafarer highlights all those years of work experience without running to five pages long?

Or how can you show you’re the right seafarer for the job if you’re fresh out of marine academy?

Whether you’re sending your resume to a shipping company, manning agency or maritime recruitment agency, one thing is certain: that the person dealing with hiring crew is busy and sees dozens of applications a day. 

In fact, research has shown that recruitment agencies, HR personnel or the managers in charge of hiring new people only give a resume somewhere between five and thirty seconds of their attention.

That means you’re looking at an average of around 15 seconds of time to impress someone and make them want to contact you with  a view to interviewing you!

So how do you make sure yours is one of the resumes that makes the “potential" pile and not the “only call as a last resort” folder - or worse - the "under no circumstances" category!?  

The key is to understand the point of your maritime resume. And that is to sum up why an employer - who hasn’t yet met or spoken to you - should consider you for the position and want to invite you for an interview .

Common sense seafarer resume advice

Whether you have years of experience under your belt or you’re a fresh faced cadet there are a number of rules that you should stick to if you want your resume for a seafarer to be taken seriously by a potential employer or a maritime recruitment agency.

(We’ll take a closer look at what to do if you have too much, or too little, to say further on in this post!)

Pay attention to detail

Your  resume for a seafarer  is the first contact a potential employer or maritime recruitment agent has with you. If you send them a careless, mistake-strewn or scruffy looking resume, chances are you’re not going to get a call or email back.

In the maritime industry, attention to detail is everything, so what does it say about you if you don’t even bother to make sure your first introduction to a company shows that same due care and attention?

Make sure your seafarer CV is easy to read

Keep your layout simple, clean and concise so it’s easy for crew managers or manning agents to read.

Yes, you want to stand out from the crowd but leave the fancy graphics to those applying for jobs as a web designer. You’re applying for shipping jobs and as such you want your qualifications and experience to do the talking for you.

There are plenty of basic templates that are free to download online and there’s nothing wrong with using one of those - including Martide's!

The last thing you want is to submit a resume that no one can read either because the formatting doesn’t work when they open it on their device, or because you’ve gone wild with fancy fonts!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re applying for  maritime jobs in seaports , entry level cargo ship jobs such as a Deck cadet job on a container ship, for an Ordinary Seaman jobs on a cargo ship, or for a Chief Engineer job on a bulk carrier.

Check that the font type and its size is consistent throughout the document and steer clear of fancy formatting or words all in capital letters.

Make sure your dates match up and that spelling mistakes are non-existent. Think about whether or not you’d want to read your resume for a seafarer if it landed in your email inbox.

If it looks like it’s too much hard work, then a potential employer will no doubt be thinking the same thing.

It's a seafarer resume - not a book!

You might be pretty proud of your list of achievements but remember that five to thirty second time limit we spoke of earlier.

To put it brutally, busy maritime recruitment agencies and shipping companies who are hiring for their seafarer jobs don’t have the time (or the inclination!) to read pages of text.

Having said that, you need to add enough detail to make sure you’re sparking enough interest to give the person reading your resume a reason to get in touch with you: a list of job titles and no information about your achievements isn’t going to cut it either.

The ideal length for a resume for a seafarer? Make it concise yet informative and keep it to two sides of A4 paper.

Give the clichés a miss

We’ve no doubt that you’re hard-working and a team player. We’re sure you can work just as well on your own as you do with co-workers and that you’re a dynamic go-getter.

The problem is,  so is everybody else . Let’s face it, no one is going to put that they like taking it easy on their maritime resume or that they hate working with other people. You need to find a way to stand out.

Open your resume with  a snappy summary  of who you are and what you’ve achieved.

Stick to the facts and resist the temptation to use words like ambitious and hard worker etc. Then, when it comes to listing your work experience, go into a little more detail and tell the employer what you did, how you did it and why you’re great at it!

Who knows, you might even land one of those coveted  top paying maritime jobs !

Don't be modest - or at least TOO modest!

No one likes a big head  but the point of your seaman resume is to sell yourself. Most of us find it hard to write about ourselves, but unfortunately writing a resume for a seafarer is one of those times that you’re just going to have to suck it up and get on with it!

If you’ve achieved something, tell your potential employer about it.

They’re not a mind reader and being able to demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate for that seafarer job could mean the difference between landing the position or being completely overlooked.

Keep it factual and, most importantly,  be able to back up your claims!

Don't forget to include your contact details on your CV for a seaman

You’ve put all that hard work into writing a seafarer resume that perfectly sums up your experience in the maritime industry, or the qualifications you gained at marine academy.

You’re expecting a call or an email...but, disappointingly, you hear nothing back.

You’d be surprised at the amount of job applicants who go the extra mile to create an outstanding resume then neglect to include their contact details.

We can’t say this clearly enough: make sure the shipping company or recruiter knows how to get in touch with you. That means including a telephone number and email address, and your Skype or Zoom ID too if you have one as they might want to  arrange a Skype or Zoom interview with you .  

Employers in the maritime industry understand that you might not be able to get to the phone right there and then, or that you might be away working at sea and likely to be in a different time zone.

But make sure you state that in your cover letter. (We'll get to cover letters in a moment...)

After all, even the most determined of maritime recruitment agencies, shipowners or ship managers is going to give up and move on to the next suitable candidate if they can’t get hold of you for no apparent reason.

Things to include on your resume for a seaman

The points above are all basic things you should (or shouldn't) do on your maritime CV. But what should you actually include on your resume? Let's take a look. 

Create a personal statement 

Open your maritime resume with a personal statement and make sure you tailor it to the job you’re applying for. And yes, this means changing it if you’re applying for a number of different sea careers!

Think of your personal statement as a short (2 to 3 sentences max) introduction to you. Remember - this is potentially your one shot at making the employer decide whether to keep reading. Include your current situation, career goals and the seafaring level you are certified to.

Next a short section - bullet points are fine - highlighting your stand out skills is a good way of showing an employer, at-a-glance, whether you’re suitable for the vacancy.

List your work experience and education

Next you need to detail your work experience and your education and qualifications.

Most job applicants will put information about their current and previous jobs first but it’s up to you which you go for, and it really depends on what you feel is more relevant for the position you’re applying for. For example, recent graduates may want to lead with their degree and qualifications. Which brings us to:

Cadets with little to no work experience

Let’s say you’ve just completed your Bachelor of Science degree and are now searching for your first job in a shipping company. Don’t worry about your seafarer resume not being jam packed full of previous job roles: no employer will expect it to be if you’ve just left maritime college or university.

Instead, it’s more useful for them to see what you’ve studied and what qualifications you’ve gained before embarking on one of the many opportunities sea careers hold.

To flesh out your resume for a seafarer further, list any projects you have undertaken, and work experience or work shadowing you have completed. You should also include any volunteering you've done.

The rule of thumb is, if it’s relevant to the maritime industry, to your personal growth or to the seafaring job you’re applying for, it all counts!

Seafarers with plenty of work experience

If you’ve had several, or indeed many, jobs in the shipping industry and are looking for your next seafaring position or contract, a shipowner, ship manager, or a maritime recruitment agency is going to be more interested in your employment history, particularly your most recent roles.  

This is where you need to be careful not to let your resume run away with you. Potential employers won’t sit and read through four, or even three, pages of information about the sea careers you've had so be selective with what you include.

The older and more experienced you are, the more likely it is you can omit those shipping jobs that you took right at the beginning of your career as a seafarer. If you’re 47 years old and applying for a position as a Chief Engineer you really don’t need to include that voluntary work you did at your local shipyard when you were a teenager.

Still not sure what to leave out?

Make sure the experience you include is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Reverse chronological order only please!

When it comes to your work experience, shipping companies and maritime recruitment agencies want to know what you’re doing at the moment, or what you’ve done most recently. Therefore to make your seafarer resume easier for them to read you should list jobs (and education) in reverse chronological order to make sure your most recent role/degree is at the top.

What employment info to include in a resume for a seafarer?

Again, starting with your most recent job role, list:

• Your job title
• The employer/company
• The name and type of vessel sailed
• The dates of your employment or contract
• Your main responsibilities there and your skills and strengths

When applying for a job in the maritime industry you need to make sure you include any relevant qualifications and documentation you hold on your seafarer resume. For example, this could be STCW or a Ship's Cook Certificate.

What educational information to include in a seaman resume?

Starting with the most recent academy or university you attended, list:

• The name of the academy/university/school/college
• The subjects you studied there
• The qualifications you gained
• The dates you attended
• Any knowledge you developed, positions you held or other achievements

Round off your resume by giving your potential employer a little glimpse into you as a person by listing your hobbies and interests. Keep it brief but include any activities, sports, special areas of interest or goals you are working towards such as learning another language.

Read more: 5 Ways to Make Your Search for Jobs at Sea Easier

Last of all you should complete your maritime resume by including two referees who your potential employer can contact if they wish to find out more about you. These should be related to employment, or if you have no previous working experience in the maritime industry, to education.  

Final tips for creating a seafarer resume

• Check, check and check again to make sure spelling and grammar is correct. Ask a trusted friend, coworker, lecturer or family member to help. In seafaring, attention to detail is everything!
• Ensure the dates of employment and learning make sense and there are no gaps or overlaps - employers and maritime recruitment agencies WILL spot them.
• Leave out previous salaries, expected salary and reasons why you left your former company/role: these can all be covered if you progress to the next stages of the recruitment process.
• Make sure your contact email address is professional. That email you’ve had since your teens, [email protected] doesn’t really cut it in a working environment!

One last piece of advice, while we can all be a little guilty of overstretching the truth in order to impress a potential employer and get our foot in the door, make sure that at the very core, you are being honest in your resume for a seafarer.

Not only will you be wasting an employer’s time if you include claims that you can’t back up , but you’ll be wasting yours too.

And let’s face it, there’s nothing more embarrassing than being caught out in a lie so make sure you can talk with truthful conviction about the things you’ve included in your resume.

On a similar note, ensure you also hold the documents and certifications that you say you do too. 

How to write a cover letter for your seafarer resume

We're afraid we're not done just yet, because if you're sending a CV or seaman resume to an employer, manning agent or maritime recruitment agency, you're going to need to say something to introduce yourself.

The likelihood is you won't be sending a company your maritime resume in the mail therefore you won't need a 'physical' letter. But sending a blank email with your resume attached is only going to get your message fast tracked to the receiver's trash or junk folder!

Would you open an email and click on attachments with no other information? It screams spam and would send most people's cyber security senses into overdrive!

And besides, it's just not very polite to send someone an email and not introduce yourself or explain why you're contacting them!

Your seafarer resume may be impressive but you won't win any Brownie points for your professionalism!

The good news is, a cover letter (or cover email) doesn't have to be pages long. In fact, it's better if it isn't! We're back to that employer's or agent's lack of time to sit and read everything they're sent.

What to include in a seafarer cover letter

Start by addressing the person you're emailing. Having an actual person's name is best, for example; Dear Mr. Reyes, or Dear Miss. Kravets. If you're forwarding your email and resume for a seaman to a general crewing or recruitment department email address using Dear Sir or Madam will be fine.

Next state which seafarer job you are applying for and include a brief summary of the skills and work history that are relevant to that position. This only needs to be a short paragraph.  

Finally, finish with another short paragraph about how you're confident you have the skills and aptitude for the job and how you're looking forward to hearing back from the employer or manning agency.

This is where you should also mention if you're going to be away at sea so the employer knows they might not be able to get hold of you immediately.

It's fine to show some enthusiasm and even some personality here.

Trust us, as a maritime recruitment platform we receive many copy and paste, uninspiring cover emails and the ones that definitely stand out are the ones that have been written with some passion and dedication.

And...as with your seaman resume...don't forget to include your contact details!

Build your online seafarer resume with Martide

If all of the above sounds like a real chore, the good news is, it doesn't have to be. Not if you create your online resume for a seaman with Martide.

That's because all you need to do to apply for any of our seafarer jobs is to  create an account  with Martide. You can then fill in your personal info, your education and your work experience and then upload copies of your seafarer documents.

It's like having your very own  online seafarer resume!

Then when you want to apply for one of our jobs at sea, all you need to do is click the apply button on the seafarer job ad and your application will be automatically sent to the employer.

Best of all, you only have to do this once and you can hit that apply button as many times for as many jobs as you like. No seaman resume to sit down and write, no boring cover letters to draft, and no emails to send over and over again.

Just easy (and free) access to your next seafarer job!

Which brings us on to...

Find seafarer jobs with Martide

Martide are currently recruiting for a wide range of seafarer jobs in the shipping industry and we’d love to hear from you.

You’re just a couple of clicks away from applying for your next seafaring position , so to get started, check out our maritime job vacancies here!

Then apply for the shipping jobs you're interested in by registering your account . It's easy and free and means that all of our job at sea are open to you! Plus it's like having your own online seafarer resume .

Don't forget to download our mobile app for seafarers too!

That way you'll have all of our seafarer jobs and your messages in the palm of your hand.

The app is available for download for free from Google Play and the App Store now!

This blog post was originally published on July 17th 2019 and updated on September13th 2023.

Eve is Martide's content writer, publishing regular posts on everything from our maritime recruitment and crew planning software to life at sea. Eve has been writing professionally for more than two decades, crafting everything from SEO-focused blog posts and website landing pages to magazine articles and corporate whitepapers.

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Sesinando Herradura III

Unang una po sa lahat nagpapasalamat po ako sa admin ng Seamanjobsite.com. Napakalaki po ng naitulong nyo sakin dahil nagmula po sa nyo kung paano ako na-hire ng bago kong manning agency. Kasalukuyan po akong nagbabakasyon ngyon. Maraming salamat din po at naging member ako ng Seamanjobsite.com, sa mga nais mag apply sa ibang manning agency, mag-sign up lang po kayo sa seamanjobsite.com, nung una nababasa ko rin ung mga story ng bago nilang agency. Sabi ko sa sarili ko pag may bago na ako agency ay magpopost din ako pag nagkaron na ko ng bagong agency. Kaya eto ako ngyon. Maraming salamat po sa bumubuo ng Seamanjobsite.com

Unang una po sa lahat nagpapasalamat po ako sa admin ng Seamanjobsite.com

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Try your luck here at SeamanJobsite!

Raul Rayray Abunan

Gumawa ako ng online resume sa Seamanjobsite.com at nag apply ako sa iba't-ibang manning agencies. Di natagalan ay maraming tumawag sa aking mga agencies. After three days, I received a job offer from Philippine Transmarine Carriers. Naka-schedule na din ang flight ko sa first week ng January 2014! Sana ay mas marami pang tulad ko na Pinoy seaman ang matulungan ng SeamanJobSite.com!

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Antonio K. Borneo Jr.

I am so grateful to SeamanJobSite.com for being a great help in my job application. When I discovered this site on October 10, 2012, I explored all the benefits I can get from it as a jobseeker. I registered for free, posted my online resume and started browsing the available jobs and the POEA licensed manning agencies in its directory.  I wasted no time and submitted an application to one of the agencies listed in the site’s directory. Less than a month passed and I already received a job offer! I can’t believe how easy and fast the job application process is. I will definitely inform my friends and colleagues about SeamanJobsite.com.

This Site is a Great Help to Seaman Jobseekers!

Richard R. Santos

I send my application online through SeamanJobsite.com, then after 3 days the company called me... that was last year, I finished my contract and I'm in vacation right now.... thanks to SeamanJobsite.com!

Thanks to SeamanJobsite.com!

Randy U Tinga

I found here in seaman job site that Wagenborg is need of Chief Engineer position,and I applied it here and I am lucky that they accept me even its my first time to act in this position, until now I'm still on board as C/E... Thanks to Seaman Job site...

Thanks to Seamanjobsite!

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Clinical psychology

Psychotherapy, personality, cover letter for able seaman (5 samples).

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

How to write a cover letter for an able seaman

When writing an able seaman cover letter, these are some of the important things to include in your letter:

I am writing to apply for the Able Seaman position at your company. I am a certified Able Seaman with more than five years of experience in the maritime industry. I am excited at the prospect of joining your team and helping to contribute to your company’s success.

I have worked on a variety of vessels, including container ships, tankers, and passenger ferries. I have experience in both deck and engine departments, and I am comfortable working in all weather conditions. I am also familiar with the use of safety and survival equipment, as well as with the operation of deck machinery.

sincerely,”

I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[email protected]

United States

Subject- Able bodied seaman cover letter. 

I’m getting in touch with you about the (Mention the job post) position that you have open. With my extensive expertise, strong work ethic, and capacity for teamwork, I think I could be a tremendous benefit to you and your crew. I’ve held a variety of professions that fall under the category of an able-bodied seaman, as demonstrated in my resume, giving me a fairly diverse set of abilities.

James Brown

[Handwriting signature]

[Mention here, if there is any post note to be given]”

XYZ Company

Subject- Able-bodied seaman cover letter. 

I’ve learned everything I need to know about running and maintaining gear and equipment on a fleet of fishing vessels from my (Mention the numbers) seasons as an able sailor in a crabbing fleet. After moving to (Mention the country name), I realized that lobster fishing is just as difficult as it was when I first started working in the (Mention the sea name).

The structure of a ship and coordination with the other crew members will stay the same, regardless of the equipment and procedures used. Whatever the circumstance, I’m constantly looking for a workable and constructive answer.

My previous boat was outfitted with the newest technology, and I was the crew member tasked with visiting exhibitions in the off-season to understand how else we might improve our operation. I have unparalleled knowledge of modern rigs. I proposed a new sonar system, which contributed to a season-wide volume increase of (Mention the numbers)%, and new safety gear resulted in (Mention the numbers)% fewer minor mishaps and injuries.

I have expertise navigating and driving a (Mention the numbers) foot fishing vessel, and I hold all necessary licenses, so I can assist the ship’s captain. I frequently handled the navigation in the later hours because it is crucial to stay vigilant and make well-balanced decisions on a congested shipping route. 

I think a team needs people who mesh well together, therefore in addition to an interview, I’d be willing to hang out with your crew for a day or two to see how we get along.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best greeting for a cover letter, how do you start an introduction for a cover letter.

“Dear [First Name], I was excited to come across the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Current Job Title] with [# of Years] years of experience, I have become competent in [Relevant Skills & Job-Related Abilities].”

https://www.livecareer.com/cover-letter/examples/military/able-bodied-seaman

https://www.cvowl.com/cover-letter-sample/able-seaman

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Shining a Light

A Guide to Filipino Seafarer Job Market

• February 11, 2021
• Current News , guide , Maritime News , Philippines , Seafarers
• By Stanley Buenafe Gajete

The job market for seafarers is picking up in 2021 as the Filipino economy is restarting after months of lockdown last year.  By Stanley Buenafe Gajete, Philippine correspondent, Maritime Fairtrade

As the world’s largest supplier of seafarers to the international fleet, the Philippines continues to deploy manpower to different countries even as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on amid lockdowns, travel bans and risk of getting infected.

Country Manager Philip Gioca of Jobstreet Philippines, one of the leading job-seeking online site in the country, said in an interview with Maritime Fairtrade that the seafaring job market is bullish, and opportunities are becoming abundant.  There will be more job offerings in 2021 but within the confines of the pandemic. 

The job market for other industries is not doing as well, including land-based overseas jobs, which is traditionally a strong market.  Gioca said “the maritime industry is slowly but surely progressing”.

“So far for 2021, we’re averaging around 50,000 jobs (in total) but we need to take into account that hiring budgets for the year are still being approved, and also the progressive roll-outs of vaccination in the cities and provinces.  So, the eventual numbers may be higher.” 

Right now, there are about 10,600 jobs for seafarers as listed in WorkAbroad.ph. WorkAbroad is another job portal owned by the SEEK Group (JobStreet’s sister company) focusing on overseas opportunities and seafaring works. 

“Application numbers increased two to three times compared to pre-pandemic levels,” Gioca said.

Top countries for seafarer jobs 

As of 5 January, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) deployed a total of 217,223 Filipino seafarers across the globe. 

The top countries where Filipino seafarers are deployed includes Panama (32,732), Marshall Islands (25,293), Liberia (24,789), Bahamas (22,221), Malta (17,942), and Singapore (13,674). 

Cyprus, Netherlands, Italy, and Hong Kong are also top countries for Filipino seafarers and there is a high demand there for seafarers. 

Top 10 vessel-types with Filipino seafarers onboard

• Bulk carrier (56,256)
• Passenger vessel (30,898)
• Container vessel (27,116)
• Oil/product tanker (20,431)
• Chemical tanker (15,085)
• Other tanker (10,730)
• General cargo (10,030)
• Gas tanker (6,661)
• Pure car carrier (6,258)
• LNG carrier (4,396)

Not enough applicants to fill demand

In Kalaw, Manila, the most popular area to look for maritime jobs, a lot of seafarers are sending applications to the recruitment companies there. But compared to thousands of applicants received every day before the pandemic, only hundreds are now willing to apply because of the very real risk of infection.

One of these is Virgilio Alupit, 39 years old from Central Philippines. He is patiently waiting for a response from an agency where he has applied for sea-based jobs after finishing a previous job and coming back to the Philippines. 

He arrived back in the country from Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he had worked as a Chief Officer on tankers, on 20 September last year. Previously, Alupit used to earn an average of US$5,200 per month. 

“I am applying now despite the threat of COVID-19 because I don’t have enough money to support my family. I don’t have any source of income now,” Alupit said to Maritime Fairtrade, explaining that he applied since 5 January. 

The former Chief Officer has three kids who are still studying, through distance learning. That’s why he said he “really needs to push myself in finding a job for the sake of my family.”

“I am still hopeful that I can find a sea-based job. I have completed and submitted all requirements. I can’t say when I will be employed, but some positions are a bit urgent according to the agency,” said Alupit.

No money for application fees  

24-year-old Nino Torrefiel is working as a “walking recruiter” in Kalaw. He has worked as a domestic seafarer before but since he does not have any money now to pay the application fee that is necessary to apply for a job, he is working as a utility recruiter. 

A utility recruiter works for free for a recruitment agency in exchange for a seafaring job offer. Utility recruiters are people who are willing to assist the manning agency without having to spend any money during the entire course of application. 

“I am working as a recruiter for four months now,” Torrefiel told Maritime Fairtrade. He reckons if he works for one year, he can have a sea-based job in exchange. 

“Many people from the provinces are taking their chances of working abroad despite the COVID-19 threat.  As long as they satisfy the requirements, I think they can still find jobs here,” he said. 

“Compare to before, fewer people are applying now for seafaring jobs for fear of COVID-19,” Torrefiel added, however, some are also “taking chances despite the risk because of money problems”.

Top 4 seafaring jobs in hot demand

• Deck officer
• Engine room officer
• Engine rater

Other in-demand non-marine jobs

• Administrative personnel
• Electrical and electronic technician
• Communications officer
• Food and beverage personnel
• Catering personnel
• Hotel staff
• Seismic personnel

“We now have an average of only four or five applicants per day,” Arman Mayor, a recruiter in a recruitment agency, said to Maritime Fairtrade. “But before, oh my god, I have more than 10 applicants per day.” 

“So now it’s almost a year since the pandemic started, and we can see there’s job market growth coming in,” Gioca said. 

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Marine Engineer Cover Letter / Job Application Letter

Cover letter to potential employer, marine engineer sample cover letter in response to job ad, marine engineer sample cover letter when you know the company or person, marine engineer sample cover letter to recruitment agency, marine engineer sample cover letter - general purpose, marine engineer sample cover letter - checking for vacancy.

Schengen Visa Application Guide for Filipino Seafarers

by Gibi | Last updated Nov 24, 2023 | Important Documents , Travel & Immigration , Visa Applications | 1 comment

Fortunately, it’s not so hard for seafarers to apply for a Schengen Visa. Most of the paperwork will be handled by your manning agency. There are some forms that need to be completed which are all found in the office.

The only challenging part is to wake up early for your appearance in VFS Global Philippines which takes less than half a day.

Contents Overview

1. Requirements

When your company asks you to process your visa, all you have to do is report to them and fill up some forms which you can find below.

Present also your Philippine Passport  and Seaman’s Book as these are included in the requirements. These documents will be taken care of by your shipping agency since they already have a checklist in hand.

Remember that we are Filipino seafarers and our visa application process is far more different (and simpler too) than others who want to go to any Schengen states for vacation.

• Visa Application Form – Completed and personally signed.
• Recent Photograph – Not older than 3 months. The photo size is 35×45 colored and white background. Can be obtained in VFS Global.
• Passport – validity of not less than 3 months with at least two blank pages.
• Previous Passport(if applicable) – especially if you have a valid Schengen Visa here.
• Valid Seaman’s Book
• Visa Fee – Php4,460.00 or EUR80.00
• Guarantee Letter – from your local manning agency
• Letter from Principal/ Shipping Agency
• Overseas Employment Contract (OEC)

2. Briefing

After signing the necessary documents and double-checking all your requirements, your manning agency will give you specific instructions regarding your visa application process. You can ask him the address of VFS Global and how to get there.

At this moment, your appointment is also booked so you better take note of the date and time. Pay close attention and ask questions if you don’t understand something.

Your office will also give you the Application Fee together with all the requirements mentioned above inside a brown envelope.

You may notice that a passport-size photograph is required. But you really don’t need to bring one since you can have it for free during your Biometrics.

3. Appearance

VFS Global Philippines is located on the Mezzanine Floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines.

Going there by taxi or your own private vehicle is easy. For other commuters, here’s how to get there including the landmarks that you should be aware of.

The first is to get to Magallanes LRT Station. From there, walk to Chino Roces Avenue which is just in front of Southgate Mall.

Second, you should find vehicles lining up there and ask them to drop you off at the EcoPlaza Building.

Lastly, once you are at the Ecoplaza building, proceed to the second floor on the left near the entrance.

You have to be at least 15 minutes earlier than your appointed schedule. The guard will call all applicants ahead of time so you must always be attentive.

Don’t worry if you can’t have breakfast at home since there is a cafeteria on the ground floor where you can eat while waiting.

Once your schedule is called out, follow the guard’s instructions. They can be very strict at times so it’s very helpful if you just remain obedient to them.

In the Reception Area, your documents will be checked to ensure that you have all the necessary requirements. They used to be very strict with your ID picture.

However, it is no longer needed today since a camera is already provided and you don’t have to pay for your shots.

Tip : If you are going there alone without a chaperone, it would be helpful if you only bring the requirements inside a brown envelope and an extra pen in your pocket. Your backpack or other carry-on items will not be allowed inside You have to put it in a locker which costs Php75.00.

4. Schengen Visa Application Center

Here, you only need to wait for your number to flash on the monitor. In the meantime, take your seats and just relax. I remember we filled another short form but I don’t exactly know what it is.

Anyway, it would be very easy once you’re there. You will submit the requirements including the payment of your visa. Pass or fail, your fee will not be refunded.

An SMS tracking service will be offered for Php150.00. You will receive an automated feedback message at various stages of your visa process.

Important: If you have an old or expired Passport containing a valid Schengen Visa, the application center will require you to submit this too together with your other requirements. For less hassle, always keep your old passport with you during the entire visa processing.

They will ask you if you want to personally collect your passport, have someone fetch it on your behalf, or opt for a delivery service which requires a fee of Php400.

In this case, our company usually decides to send someone to collect our Schengen Visa on our behalf. This too will also be highlighted during the Briefing Session .

Premium Lounge

There is another option called Premium Lounge where you will be in a different room. Applicants who opted for this is treated like a VIP. They will have their own assistant helping them with their application.

Only your office can book your application for the Premium Lounge experience. However, it costs more than the ordinary visa process.

By the end of your application, your assistant will give you a donut and a can of beverage.

Premium Lounge costs an additional Php3,401.00. Add this to your normal visa fee and you will pay a total of Php7,861.00.

5. Biometrics

After submitting your documents, you need to wait again for biometrics which is just in the same room. Proceed directly once your name is called. They will scan your fingerprints which will be stored in the EU’s database.

Caution: Using your mobile phone and taking pictures inside the facility is strictly prohibited. I managed to take some photos before they told me so.

And that’s basically it. Your visa application is done after your Biometrics.

6. Updating Your Office

During the entire period, it would also be very important to give an update to whoever is in charge of your visa application in the office.

This includes the time of your arrival at VFS Global and upon completion of your appointment.

If any problems arise, inform them immediately either through call or text.

Additionally, if you finish your application, you also need to report to the office and give them back some of the documents that VFS Global returned to you.

7. Tracking Your Application

Legal processing time is 15 calendar days. Sometimes, it could take more than 30 days. You can track your application through VFS’s website .

You only need to enter your reference number and last name to do this. Alternatively, an SMS will also be sent to you if you opted for it during your application.

8. Releasing and Collecting

This won’t be much of a problem since your company will take care of it once VFS Global sends you a message regarding the collection of your passport.

Once you receive a confirmation message, inform them that your Schengen visa is ready for pickup. That’s most about it. Your company will do the preparation and your task is for appearance only.

But do you know that your Schengen visa has some interesting facts most seamen are not aware of?

May the winds be in your favor.

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Home » Government Services » How to Apply for Seaman’s Book: 2024 Guide

How to Apply for Seaman’s Book: 2024 Guide

The Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB), popularly known as the Seaman’s Book , is a major requirement for all aspiring seafarers before they can be considered eligible to work on shipping vessels. Instead of a visa or a passport, you need the Seaman’s Book before going onboard a ship or vessel. The sole agency that issues the Seaman’s Book is the Maritime Industry Authority, or MARINA.

In the past, getting or renewing your Seaman’s Book was a nightmare because you had to endure long lines and processes. Thanks to the internet, MARINA has found a way to reduce the pain and hassles of doing transactions with them. Nowadays, getting a seaman’s book for the first time or applying for a seaman’s book renewal is now fast and simple using the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online ( MISMO ) System. With it, Filipino seafarers can now schedule a convenient time and date to process their seaman’s book.

Who May Apply for a Seaman’s Book?

To qualify for the Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB), one must satisfy the following standards set by MARINA:

• He/she is a Filipino citizen and engaged in any capacity on board a Philippine-registered ship (35 GT and above);
• Any Filipino seafarer who intends to be engaged in any capacity onboard any foreign-flagged ship.
• 18 years of age, except for cadets applying for issuance of SIRB for shipboard apprenticeship training who must be at least 16 years of age;

Those who are on board warships, naval vessels, or naval auxiliaries and fishermen onboard fishing vessels, regardless of the tonnage engaged in the domestic fishing operation, are exemp t from the SIRB requirement. In the case of personnel onboard ships not engaged in commercial activity, the SIRB shall be optional.

Seaman’s Book Requirements

Just like a passport or a visa, getting your seaman’s book needs documentary requirements and you have to prepare them before getting an appointment. Doing so will ensure faster and hassle-free processing. Here are the documents needed for new SIRB applications and renewal of the Philippine Seaman’s Book:

For new applicants

Regular seafarers who want to apply for the Seaman’s Book must prepare a photocopy of the following documents:

• Birth Certificate on Security Paper issued by Philippine Statistics Authority or Passport issued by the DFA;
• If you are female and applying for a change of surname, bring a Marriage Contract;
• NBI Clearance (Purpose: VISA SEAMAN)
• Valid Basic Training (If BST, include BT-Upgrading and BT-Refresher)
• Documentary stamp

If you are a cadet applying for issuance of SIRB for a shipboard apprenticeship, prepare the photocopy of the following documents:

• Birth Certificate on SECPA issued by Philippine Statistics Authority or Passport
• Transcript of Records from MARINA-accredited Maritime Higher Education Institution or MHEI;

For SIRB Renewal

Regular seafarers who are renewing their Seaman’s Book must submit a photocopy of the following documentary requirements:

• Expired or Expiring SIRB;
• If you are a female and applying for a change in name, please present a marriage certificate;
• Valid NBI Clearance (Purpose: VISA SEAMAN);
• MARINA Computerized photograph; and
• Documentary stamp;

If you are a licensed officer, bring these additional documents and the requirements mentioned above during your scheduled date and time.

• Certificate of Proficiency
• Certificate of Endorsement
• You can bring your uniform for picture taking or you may opt to rent one in MARINA for a fee.

Do not forget to bring the original documents (for verification purposes) when you apply or renew for the SIRB. The MARINA Computerized photograph is strictly availed inside the MARINA office only. You can buy the documentary stamp inside the MARINA Office for about 20 Php.

How to Setup an Appointment using MARINA MISMO System

Before you set a schedule for SIRB new application or renewal using the MISMO system, you have to create an account first. Creating an account needs a valid email address. You can use either a Gmail or Yahoo email as the MARINA disclosed that they only cater to these email addresses.

Create an Account

1. On a computer with a good internet connection, choose your preferred browser and go to the MISMO website through this link . If you have an SCS account, you can sign in to the system using your SCS username and password or you may opt to sign in via SIRB. Otherwise, click the sign-up button and then register a new account.

2. Fill out the required information, accept the terms and conditions, and click the register button.

3. Verify your email account to complete your registration.

4. Congratulations! You can now book an appointment for your SIRB application or renewal.

Update Profile Information

1. Go back to the MARINA MISMO home page through this link . Click the Sign-in button and fill out the log-in details. Tick the reCAPTCHA box to confirm that you are actually a human and not a bot.

2. Fill out the needed information and upload a valid profile picture.

3. After checking if all the information is correct, click the Save Changes button at the upper-left side of the screen.

4. Click the Select Transaction button then choose the SIRB tab. After that, choose your preferred processing time (regular or expedited), your preferred MARINA Office, and your transaction (new SIRB application, renewal, etc). 5. Tick the box declaring that your profile and service records are updated then click the Proceed button. MARINA will send you a text message reminding you to bring the original copies of your uploaded documents and bring your own marine uniform on your appointment date and time.

6. You will be redirected to the Application Information window showing the details of your application including the requirements. Scroll down to the lower portion of the page to see all the required documents.

7. Upload the scanned copies of all the listed documents. Remember to keep the file size under 1MB or less. Hit the Submit button once finished.

After clicking the submit button, your profile including the documents you uploaded will be checked and verified by the MARINA Online Evaluator team. It may take up to 24 hours to complete the online evaluation. You will receive a text message informing you that your application was approved for the online appointment. In the event that your application was rejected, go back to your MISMO profile, select the Application tab then click View Details. You can see the status of your documents in there.

Set your SIRB Appointment

1. Log in to the MISMO system then click the Application tab. After that, click the For Appointment button/link.

2. You will be redirected to the Slot Locator tab. Here, you can choose your desired time and date for your final evaluation. Select the MARINA Branch nearest your place.

3. After picking your preferred time and date of your appointment, click Proceed. A confirmation will appear that says: Appointment Set Successfully!

Pay the Fee

1. After clicking the Proceed button, you will be redirected to the payment page. Read the guidelines on how to pay for your transaction.

2. Next, click the Proceed button again then click Confirm. After the confirmation. MARINA will send you a text message informing you of the payment reference number.

3. Pay the fee in select MARINA partner payment centers across the country. You only have 24 hours to pay in the payment centers. After that time period, your transaction will expire and you have to set your appointment again.

Final Evaluation

After setting up an appointment and paying your transaction, go to the appointment date you set in MISMO. Do not forget to bring all original documents for verification. Your Seaman’s Book will be released after everything has been checked and verified.

Congratulations! You now have your Seaman’s Book! Your passport to the world of seafaring!

ask lang ako po paano kumoha seaman book kong pwde mayroon training center sa davao

Ask lang po pwede po bA kumuha ng sirb thru online? If yes anong site po?

Sa AOS boss

hi tanong lang kung ano yung Documentary stamp na kelangan sa seamansbook? 

Hi. Bakit hindi ko po maclick yung SIRB sa transaction? Naka black out po sya.

merun na akong SRN account sa MISMO po ngamit ko na sa pagkuhA NG BT COP,ngaun magpapa appoinment muli ako sa SIRB naka block ung icon hnd ako makapagpa appointnment.

hi tulad ng sayo yung sakin, “merun na akong SRN account sa MISMO po ngamit ko na sa pagkuhA NG BT COP,ngaun magpapa appoinment muli ako sa SIRB naka block ung icon hnd ako makapagpa appointnment.”

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Cadet Apprenticeship Application Letter Template

This free apprenticeship letter template is perfect for maritime cadets who are looking to apply for a shipping company for their apprenticeship. This application letter should be together with the Seafarer’s Resume/CV.  It also includes a section where it is written about your interest in the apprenticeship program and why you would be a good fit. The template is easy to edit and customize, so you can make it your own. Simply download the template, fill it out, and send it to your prospective employer.

Click here to download

Back to Downloadable Files Page

Fresh Graduate Application Letter For Seaman In Philippines : Application Letter For Seaman Fresh Graduate : Seaman ... : Letters of application inform your prospective employer about your interest in the position, what makes you a worthy contender, and.

Fresh Graduate Application Letter For Seaman In Philippines : Application Letter For Seaman Fresh Graduate : Seaman ... : Letters of application inform your prospective employer about your interest in the position, what makes you a worthy contender, and. . Having these requirements ready will give you an edge with of course, in every application, you need to put in your details, educational, and work experiences so i hope this article will help you as you are applying for a cruise or seaman jobs in the philippines. Here is a formal application. Example for the application letter for seaman. Applicant resume sample filipino download new resume sample pdf. You can do this by going to one of the many sss branches located in the philippines.

It may be for business purposes, applying to different jobs, applying for a scholarship, etc. Write a formal application letter as fresh graduate for any position using the sample letter. Seafaring course or being a seaman in the philippines has become one of the most attractive profession among the filipino youth. Sample application letter for seaman. Letters of application inform your prospective employer about your interest in the position, what makes you a worthy contender, and.

I have no time and desire to fill all this forms and applications.

All these 20 departments are under the executive branch that. Instead of a visa or a passport, you need the seaman's book before going onboard a ship or vessel. The position of an able seaman is one step higher than an ordinary seaman. An able seaman performs all day to day activities on a boat. Resume sample for ojt students. .graduate jobs in philippines on careerjet.ph, the search engine for jobs in the philippines. Tags resume example for fresh graduate philippines, resume examples fresh graduate philippines. Application letters should be drafted carefully and should convey the meaning of the letter in a positive manner. Searching for free seaman application letters samples? Seafaring course or being a seaman in the philippines has become one of the most attractive profession among the filipino youth. So that by the time the cadet will graduate, he or she has required certificates for basic safety trainings, etc. Sample letters are among the numerous articles online. Left all this boring things for seamensway.

Write a formal application letter as fresh graduate for any position using the sample letter. Example for the application letter for seaman. On previous seaman's book application, it was allowed to upload documents via image capture using smart phones. This application letter sample shows the correct format you should use when sending out your application letter in print form. The position of an able seaman is one step higher than an ordinary seaman.

The requirements you will need are:

Resume samples for fresh graduates. I would like to write a loan application letter to my. You can view, download and print out the samples from the website. Here is a formal application. On previous seaman's book application, it was allowed to upload documents via image capture using smart phones. I haven't confirmed it if its still possible but i think they're okay as the teller will call out your name and hand down your fresh sid and/ or srb. This application letter sample shows the correct format you should use when sending out your application letter in print form. Select download format application letter sample for seaman. The seaman's book is just one of the primary requirements for you to become a registered seaman in the i am 45 years old and i am a graduate of two year marine transportation twnety years ago and nawala po kasi seamansbook ko. The position of an able seaman is one step higher than an ordinary seaman. Letters of application inform your prospective employer about your interest in the position, what makes you a worthy contender, and. Example for the application letter for seaman. Sss online application is easy for fresh graduates!

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Income from your letter should hire orientation.

Having these requirements ready will give you an edge with of course, in every application, you need to put in your details, educational, and work experiences so i hope this article will help you as you are applying for a cruise or seaman jobs in the philippines. Police officer cover letter example resume genius. So that by the time the cadet will graduate, he or she has required certificates for basic safety trainings, etc. Verify if all the details written there are correct. Searching for free seaman application letters samples? Applicant resume sample filipino download new resume sample pdf. Documents similar to application letter sample for fresh graduates _ jobstreet philippines. Sample letter of cancellation of visa application to norway and refund application fee from norwegian embassy manila, philippines? As of 2013, in order to renew your philippines seaman you have to do it person, which means it can not be done through the mail or online. .graduate jobs in philippines on careerjet.ph, the search engine for jobs in the philippines. The requirements you will need are: Biodata form for seaman sample customer service resume. Cruise or seaman jobs requirements:

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