While most of us land-based worksites hold on to our passports ever so dearly, seafarers and those who board local or international ships hold a different document called Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), commonly known as Seaman’s book.
With a similar purpose to that of a passport, a Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) or commonly known as Seaman’s book contains personal information about the holder such as full name, date of birth, and place of the registry. But it also has additional information not normally found in a passport: height, the color of eyes, and distinguishing marks.
Like any international traveler who needs a passport to enter another country, a seaman’s book is necessary for any seafarer. Here’s how Filipino seafarers can apply for SIRB or seaman’s book.
This can be accessed through Marina SID/SRB Online Appointment System
Table of Contents
Receive One-Time Password
If you wish to set an appointment, you will be prompted to enter your full name and email address, to which a one-time six-digit password (OTP) will be sent to.
Confirm OTP
Check the email account you entered on the previous screen and check the one-time password sent there. If you cannot find it in your inbox, you might find it in the spam folder. Otherwise, check the spelling of your entered email address in case you entered a typo error. You have five minutes to complete this step.
Type your full name and email address, and wait to receive the one-time password sent to the email address you entered. Check the spam folder in case you cannot immediately find the one-time password (OTP) in your inbox.
Set your Appointment Schedule
Once your OTP has been verified, you’ll be able to set the appointment date at your selected MARINA office. You will have one hour to fill out the form. You have the option to select another office location in case your first choice’s next available booking has a long waiting time.
On the calendar shown in the middle of the screen, select any date on green boxes; each box has further timeslots you can choose from.
Select Transaction Category and Seafarer Type
There are several seafarer categories you need to choose from:
- Apprentice
- Fishing
- Offshore
- Overseas
- Philippine Waters
There are also a number of seafarer types you need to select from the drop-down options:
- Officer
- Rating
- Cadet
- Ancillary
Click “Next” once you finish your selection. As you navigate through the steps, an appointment summary on the right will be updated accordingly.
Enter Personal Information
You need a bit of time to enter information in a lengthy list of forms from your name to birthday and from weight/height to distinguishing marks if any.
Also add your contact phone details, educational background, employment profile, and emergency contact.
Click “Next” once you are done filling in the form.
Submit your supporting documents
If you have your documents ready for uploading, you may do it in this section. Otherwise, you can also opt to submit the required documents on the day of your appointment. If you choose the latter option, tick the “No, I want to skip this step.” and click “Next”.
Below are the list of requirements applicants need to provide to process applicable transactions at MARINA. Please bring the original copies of the required documents on your date of appointment for prompt processing of applications.
Seafarer’s ID application
- Valid Seaman’s ID (SID) / Record Book (SRB)
Seafarer’s ID Renewal
- Valid Seaman’s ID / Record Book
- Duly notarized affidavit (for lost or damaged)
New Seafarer’s Record Book Application
- Birth certificate (SECPA) or Passport or identification certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration (for dual citizens)
- Marriage contract (for married women)
- Valid NBI clearance
- Certificate of Completion for Basic Training
- Duly notarized affidavit (for lost or damaged)
- Two documentary stamps
Seafarer’s Record Book Renewal
- Old SID / SRB
- Marriage contract (for married women)
- Valid NBI clearance
- Certificate of Completion for Basic Training
- Transcript of records or completed academic requirements for maritime courses as applicable
- Two documentary stamps
Seafarer’s ID Replacement (Lost/Damaged)
- Duly notarized affidavit (for lost or damaged)
- POEA Approved employment contract
- Crew list duly signed by the Master
- Clearance from Legal Service as to the monetary obligation
- Affidavit by Seafarer and confirmation by the Master
- Duly notarized Company Affidavit of Undertaking
Seafarer’s Record Replacement (Lost/Damaged)
- Letter request from Company / Agency
- POEA Approved employment contract
- Clearance of no pending case/obligation or unpaid penalty from Legal Service
- Affidavit by Seafarer and confirmation by the Master
- Duly notarized Company Affidavit of Undertaking
- Two documentary stamps
Check the Summary of Appointment
Once you click the ‘Next’ button, you’ll find a transaction summary as proof of your appointment.
Go to the designated office on your appointment day
- SIRB: MARINA SCDD office:
5th Level SM City Manila, Concepcion St. corner Arroceros St., Manila. - COP – Head Office:
STCW Processing Center, MARINA, 7th Floor Parkview Plaza, Taft Ave. corner Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila - LICENSURE – EXAMINATION:
STCW Processing Center, MARINA, 5th Floor Parkview Plaza, Taft Ave. corner Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila - LICENSURE – RELEASING:
Parkview Plaza 984 Taft Ave. corner T.M. Kalaw Ave., 1000 Ermita Manila Philippines
Be in the venue 30 minutes before the appointment time.
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- Present your printed application form to the appointment counter for verification and get your queue number.
- Ensure that you have the complete set of the applicable documents for SIRB, COP, or LICENSURE with photocopies before proceeding to the Evaluation Counter. This helps expedite the entire process.
- At the Evaluation Counter, wait for your queue number to appear on the monitor that indicates which window you will go to.
- After evaluation, proceed to the Cash Section and pay the applicable processing fees. See the table of fees below.
- After payment, proceed to the windows/counters for photo taking
- After your photo is taken, you have the option of:
a) claiming your Seaman’s Book or COP at the MARINA where it was applied: or
b) have it delivered by courier to your home. If availing of the delivery service, proceed to the Delivery Counter to pay for the delivery fee.
New/Re-Issuance
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- Regular: P800
- Expedite P1,500
Replacement of Lost SIRB*
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- 1st Time: P 1,500
- Succeeding issuance: 2x the cost of last issuance
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Onboard: P 1,500
On-site: P 1,500
What’s Next
Good luck! We hope you’ll have a successful career as a seafarer. However, not all have positive experiences.
Let this be a warning sign, but also serve as motivation to strive and succeed.
