1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE and ERIC G. YAP 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Philippines is known to be the top producer of seafarers around the world. Amongst 
the 1.6 million seafarers across the globe, 400,000 of them are Filipinos. Filipino 
seafarers also serve as the primary drivers of the country’s economy, accounting for 
6.14 billion USD or 19% of the overall remittances in 2018.  
Despite being a community with a significant contribution to the country, our 
Filipino seafarers remain underrepresented as there are still persisting repetitive 
drudgery and risk in working conditions, illegal recruitment, lack of onshore welfare 
services and social protection, and insufficient medical care in their field. 
Furthermore, absent is an enabling legislation that would codify the rights and 
privileges which shall be granted to the Filipino seafarers.  
Philippines is a state party to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), an 
international agreement which seeks to promote the protection of the seafarer’s 
rights to decent working conditions. Hence, as a state party in this international 
agreement and pursuant to Section 2, Article II of the 1987 Constitution which 
highlights the policy of the state to adopt generally accepted principles of 
international law as part of the law of the land, the country is set to uphold and 
abide to the said provisions. This bill seeks to adopt and strengthen the general 
provisions stated in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) in order to primarily 
guarantee the rights and welfare of the country’s Filipino seafarers.  
In addition, this proposed measure has received an overwhelming support upon its 
passage in the House in the recent 18th Congress. In view of the foregoing, approval 
of this bill is earnestly sought. 
PAOLO Z. DUTERTE 
ERIC G. YAP
July 11, 2022
11:45 am
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1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
1st Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
Introduced by Representatives PAOLO Z. DUTERTE and ERIC G. YAP 
AN ACT  
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as "Magna Carta of Filipino 
Seafarers."  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State: 
a. To afford Filipino seafarers full protection before, during, and after
employment by granting them certain rights as marine professionals, in
recognition of their unique role and contribution to national development;
b. To maintain and progressively develop a pool of competent and world-
class seafarers through a system of education, training, certification, and
licensing;
c.
To establish mechanisms for the enhancement of administrative,
adjudicative, social as well as welfare services for them and their families;
d. To enact laws that adopt and implement the standards set by international
conventions and agreements on working and living conditions, and
occupational safety and health, among others for seafarers particularly the
Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006);
e. To recognize shipowners, Maritime Higher Educational Institutions
(MHEIs), manning and recruitment entities as vital partners in promoting
the skills and competencies of Filipino seafarers; and
f.
To recognize that seafarers are a special category of key or essential
workers and, given the global nature of the shipping industry and the
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different jurisdictions that they may be brought into contact with, need 
special protection in relation to contracts with public authorities, and 
should be treated fairly at all times especially in the event of maritime 
accident, epidemic, pandemic, and other natural or man-made crises, in 
accordance with international law. 
Toward these ends, the State shall endeavor to improve the Filipino seafarers’ 
working conditions, terms of employment, career prospects and provide 
opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest. The State shall further 
promulgate policies and programs to uplift the socioeconomic well- being of the 
families of Filipino seafarers. 
SEC. 3. Applicability. – This Act shall cover Filipino seafarers engaged, 
employed, or working in any capacity on board Philippine-registered ships 
operating domestically or internationally, and those on board foreign-registered of 
ships. 
This Act shall not cover the following categories of ships: 
a. Warships and naval auxiliaries;
b. Government ships not engaged in commercial operations;
c.
Ships of traditional build, as may be defined under existing rules and
regulations; and
d. Fishing vessels.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
a. Cadet refers to a maritime student undertaking onboard training as a
requirement for certification under the international convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers
(STCW).
b. Domestic shipping refers to the transport of passenger or cargo, or both, by
ships duly registered and licensed under Philippine law to engage in trade
and commerce between Philippine ports and withing Philippine territorial
or internal waters, for hire or compensation, with general or limited
clientele, whether permanent, occasional or incidental, with or without
fixed routes, and undertaken for contractual or commercial purposes;
c.
Green lane refers to the process of facilitating crew changes among ships
and the seafarers during public health emergencies, man-made or natural,
as embodied, among others, in Joint Circular No. 01 Series of 2020 dated 2
July 2020, or the “Guidelines for the Establishment of the Philippine Green
Lane to Facilitate the Speedy and Safe Travel of Seafarers, Including their


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Safe and Swift Disembarkation, and Crew Change During the COVID-19 
Pandemic” and in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Circular 
Letter No. 4204/Add.14 dated 5 May 2020, or the “Coronavirus (COVID-
19) – Recommended Framework of Protocols for ensuring safe ship crew
changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) PANDEMIC”.
d. International maritime convention (IMC) or International convention refers to
any written treaty or agreement, or any protocol or amendment thereto,
affecting the maritime industry which has come into force and effect,
including the MLC, 2006;
e. License refers to the document issued by the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) authorizing any person or entity to engage in the
recruitment and placement of seafarers;
f.
Manning/Recruitment and placement agency refers to any Filipino person,
corporation, partnership, company, or other entity engaged in the
canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, hiring or
procuring whether for profit or not, of seafarers whether domestic or
international;
g. Maritime accident refers to any unforeseen occurrence or physical event
connected to the navigation, operations, maneuvering or handling of
ships, or the machinery, equipment, material, or cargo on board such ships
which may result in the detention of seafarers;
h. Maritime industry stakeholders refers to all private sector stakeholders
engaged in the business of owning, managing, chartering or operating
domestic and international ships of Philippine or foreign registry,
manning of ships, management of ports, stevedoring and arrastre services,
ship brokering and chartering, ship-building and ship repair, delivering
maritime services such as ship supplies and provisions, maritime
education and training, shipping agency, and other similar activities
This Term shall also include bona fide maritime labor organizations and
professional associations of seafarers;
i.
Maritime Higher Education Institution or MHEI refers to any institution of
higher learning which is authorized by the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) to offer college education through four (4) year or five
(5) year courses in the maritime field leading to the degree of, among
others, Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering, Bachelor of Science in
Naval Architecture.
j.
Maritime Labor Certificate refers to the document certifying that the
working and living conditions of the seafarers on the ship have been
inspected and are complaint with the requirements of Philippine laws and
regulations;


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k. Maritime Training Institute or MTI refers to private or state-operated
institutes that provide maritime trainings required pursuant to, among
others, STCW Convention, as amended in 2010, including courses geared
towards upgrading the skills of Filipino seafarers for enhanced
employment acceptability and competitiveness.
l.
Master refers to a person having command of a ship and acts as the
shipowner’s representative;
m. Ocean-going ship refers to a ship other that those which navigate
exclusively in inland water or water within or closely adjacent to sheltered
water, or areas where port regulations apply;
n. Philippine Seafarers’ One Stop Processing Center (PSOC) refers to the facility
created under DOLE Administrative Order No. 56, series of 2003, which
houses multiple offices or agencies involved in providing services to
seafarers, in one place;
o. Point of hire refers to the place where the employment contract between the
shipowner and the seafarer was executed;
p. Recognized organizations refer to organizations recognized by the DOLE to
carry out inspections or issue the Maritime Labor Certificate in accordance
with the scope of activities covered by their authorizations;
q.
Repatriation refers to the process of returning a seafarer to the point of
destination, as stipulated in the employment contract or the collective
bargaining agreement (CBA), at the option of the seafarer.
r.
Seafarer refers to a person who is employed or is engaged to work in any
capacity on board a ship to which this Act applies;
s.
Ship or Vessel refers to any kind, class or type of craft or artificial
contrivance capable of floating in water, whether publicly or privately
owned, ordinarily engaged in commercial activities and offshore
operations, except fixed platform;
t.
Shipowner refers to owner of the ship employing Filipino seafarers to work
on board domestic ships and ships engaged in international trade, or any
other organization or person, such as the manager, agent or bareboat
charterer, who has assumed the responsibilities, has agreed to take over all
the attendant duties and responsibilities of a shipowner under this Act,
regardless of whether any other organization or persons fulfill certain
duties or responsibilities on behalf of the shipowner.


 
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CHAPTER II 
SEAFARERS’ RIGHTS 
 
SEC. 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work. – Seafarers shall have 
the right to: 
 
a. Safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards; 
 
b. Decent working and living conditions on board a ship; 
 
c. Medical care, welfare measures and other forms of health and social 
protection; and 
 
d. Fair terms and conditions of employment including salary commensurate 
to their rank, hours of work, and other relevant basis for wage 
computation, minimum number of working hours, rest period consistent 
with Philippine laws or IMCs, when applicable. 
 
SEC. 6. Right to Self-organization, to Engage in Collective Bargaining and to 
Participate in Democratic Exercises. – Seafarers shall enjoy their right to self-
organization, to collective bargaining, and to participate in the deliberation of issues 
and in the formulation of policies that affect them, including the guarantee of 
representation in governing boards or appointment in government instrumentalities. 
 
SEC. 7. Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and 
affordable Costs. – Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement and 
training at reasonable and affordable costs. No fee or other charges shall be imposed 
on cadets, interns, apprentices, on-the-job-trainees or other persons similarly 
situated. Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall: 
 
a. Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering 
courses related to seafaring; 
 
b. Pursue grants and programs such as scholarships, subsidies, loan 
assistance and other measures that will harness the skills of Filipino 
seafarers toward greater competitiveness given the new demands in the 
industry; and 
 
c. Promote quality maritime education and training that respond to the 
needs of the industry and in accordance with minimum international 
maritime standards of competency. 
 
SEC. 8. Right to Relevant Information. – Shipowners, manning agencies, 
concerned government agencies and other organizations responsible for the 
recruitment and placement of Filipino seafarers shall be mandated to provide 
relevant information, including the terms and conditions of employment and 


 
6 
company policies affecting seafarers. This right shall include the access of seafarers’ 
organizations to relevant information affecting the terms and conditions of 
employment of their members. 
 
 
All ships covered by this Act shall have a copy of the MLC, 2006 and the 
grievance procedures observed on board. 
 
 
SEC. 9. Right to Information of Seafarer’s Family. – In case of accidents or 
death onboard and offshore, piracy and other similar incidents, the seafarer’s family 
shall be immediately informed of action taken and to be taken, including 
investigations 
conducted 
by 
the 
shipowner/manning 
agency. 
The 
shipowner/manning agency shall also have the duty to report the said incidents to 
the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas 
Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). 
 
 
SEC. 10. Right to Consultation. – Seafarers and maritime industry 
stakeholders shall be adequately consulted on matters affecting seafarers and their 
families before any maritime policy, executive issuance, rule or regulation is 
promulgated, or before any maritime law is enacted. 
 
 
SEC. 11. Right Against Discrimination. – Seafarers shall have the right not to 
be discriminated against by reason of race, sex, religion, age, and political opinion. 
Career opportunities shall be promoted and appropriate working and living 
conditions shall be guaranteed equally among male and female seafarers. 
 
 
SEC. 12. Right to Free Legal Representation. – Seafarers who are victims of 
violations of the provisions of this Act or of their employment contract and who 
cannot afford the services of a competent and independent counsel shall have the 
right to free legal assistance and protection at government’s expense, and to fair and 
speedy disposition of the case, including the expeditious settlement of any money 
claims, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
 
SEC. 13. Right to Access to Communication. – Seafarers, especially during 
their free time or when they are not on duty, shall have reasonable access to ship-to-
shore telephone communications, and internet or email facilities, where available. 
 
 
SEC. 14. Right to Fair Treatment in the Event of a Maritime Accident. – In the 
event of a maritime accident, seafarers shall be treated fairly and entitled to all the 
rights under ILO/IMO 2006 Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event 
of a Maritime Accident, Annex to IMO Resolution A. 1056 (27) of November 30, 
2011. 
 
 
SEC. 15. Right to a Fair Medical Assessment. – A seafarer shall have the right 
to seek a second opinion from other accredited clinics of the Department of Health 
(DOH) or from other competent and licensed physicians, in case of a doubt on the 
medical assessment of an examining physician or clinic which negatively affects the 
seafarer’s immediate employment. If the clinic or physician selected by the seafarer 
disagrees with the first assessment, a third doctor (from any DOH-accredited clinic 


 
7 
or from a DOH regional or provincial hospital), jointly-selected by the employer and 
the seafarer, may be hired by the shipowner/manning agency, at no expense to the 
seafarer, to make a third medical assessment. The findings of the third doctor shall 
be final and binding on both parties. 
 
CHAPTER III 
DUTIES OF SEAFARERS 
 
 
SEC. 16. Seafarers shall have the following duties: 
 
a. To comply with and observe the terms and conditions of the employment 
contract; 
 
b. To abide by lawful and reasonable company personnel policies; 
 
c. To be obedient to the lawful commands of the Master or Master’s lawful 
successor, and to comply with the shipowner’s or principal’s policy on 
safety and operational procedures and instructions given in connection 
therewith; 
 
d. To be diligent in the performance of duties relating to the ship, its stores, 
equipment and cargo, whether on board, in transit or ashore; 
 
e. To be, at all times, orderly and respectful to the shipmates, passengers, 
shippers, stevedores, port authorities, and other persons who have official 
business with the ship; and 
 
f. To be personally responsible for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 
 
CHAPTER IV 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEAFARERS 
 
 
SEC. 17. Minimum Age. – No person below eighteen (18) years old. Other that 
a cadet, shall be employed, engaged, or otherwise allowed to work on board 
Philippine registered ships operating domestically or internationally, as well as on 
board foreign registered ships. 
 
 
SEC. 18. Medical Certificate. – No seafarer shall be employed, engaged, or 
otherwise allowed to work on board a domestic or ocean-going ship unless a 
medical certificate has been issued declaring the seafarer to be fit to work.  
 
 
The seafarer shall hold a valid medical certificate issued by a medical facility 
duly accredited by the DOH in accordance with its existing rules and regulations. 
The medical certificate shall certify that the person is expected to meet the minimum 
requirements for performing the duty specific to the person’s post at sea safely and 
effectively during the period of the validity of the certificate. 
 


 
8 
 
For the purposes of this Section, a medical certificate issued in accordance 
with the requirements of STCW shall be accepted. 
 
 
No judgment or award resulting in the forfeiture of the seafarer’s claims shall 
be rendered solely on the basis of a defective or questionable fit-to-work 
certification. 
 
 
SEC. 19. Training and Qualifications. – Only seafarers certified by 
appropriate government agencies shall work, be employed or be engaged on board a 
ship. 
 
 
SEC. 
20. 
Recruitment 
and 
Placement. 
– 
Only 
duly-licensed 
manning/recruitment and placement agency shall be allowed to operate and engage 
in the recruitment and placement of seafarers, in accordance with the rules and 
regulations as may be issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment. 
 
 
No amount or fee shall be charged to the seafarer for their recruitment and 
placement. 
 
 
SEC. 21. Contracting or Subcontracting of Services. – The contracting or sub-
contracting of seafarers for work on board domestic ships shall be governed by 
existing rules and regulations issued by the DOLE. 
 
 
CHAPTER V 
CADETSHIP 
 
 
SEC. 22. Applicability. – The shipboard training of cadets shall be governed 
by this Chapter, Section 7-12 of Chapter II, Section 18 of Chapter IV, Chapter VII, 
Chapter IX, Chapter X, and Section 59 of Chapter XV hereof. 
 
 
SEC. 23. Shipboard Training Agreement for Cadets. – There shall be a written 
agreement between the shipowner on one hand, and the cadet and the maritime 
institution or school on the other, which shall include the following information, 
terms and conditions: 
 
a. Cadet’s full name, date of birth, birthplace and age, which should be at 
least 16 years old; 
 
b. Name and address of the maritime institution or school; 
 
c. Name and address of the shipowner, if applicable; 
 
d. Place and date when the cadet’s agreement is entered into; 
 
e. Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained; 
 


 
9 
f. Amount of the cadet’s allowance or stipend, 
 
g. Required number of hours of training and rest which would not be less 
than the prescribed hours of work and rest in Section 21 of this Act; 
 
h. Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company, MHEIs and cadets, 
as may be provided under the Standard Cadet Training Agreement on 
Ships Engaged in International and Domestic Voyage. 
 
i. Other benefits in accordance with Law, company policy or agreements. 
 
The agreement shall be written in a working language or in English, executed 
in three (3) original copies before the commencement of the shipboard training. The 
shipowner, cadet and the maritime institution/school shall each have a signed 
original copy of the agreement and an electronic copy thereof shall be submitted to 
the DOLE, through the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC). A signed original 
copy shall also be made available on board the ship.  
 
The MHEIs shall demonstrate that over the last three (3) years, an average of 
at least the minimum percentage of the target number of cadets, as required under 
current relevant CHED Memorandum Order, were able to secure berths in 
connection with their studies. The CHED, in coordination with the Maritime 
Industry Authority (MARINA), shall ensure that only Bachelor id Science in 
Maritime Transportation (BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering 
(BSMarE) programs in MHEIs that meet the above requirement are approved or 
accredited. 
 
 
CHAPTER VI 
TERMS AND CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 
 
 
SEC. 24. Standard Employment Contract for Seafarers. – There shall be a 
standard employment contract (SEC) in writing between the shipowner and the 
seafarer, which shall be approved by the POEA Governing Board. It shall be 
observed in the employment of seafarers on board ocean-going Philippine-registered 
ships or foreign-registered ships, and shall include the following information and 
terms: 
 
a. Seafarer’s full name, date of birth or age, and birthplace; 
 
b. Shipowner’s name and address; 
 
c. Place where and date when the seafarer’s employment agreement is 
entered into; 
  
d. Point of hire; 
 


 
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e. Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed; 
 
f. Amount of the seafarer’s salary, and the formula used for calculating the 
same; 
 
g. Hours of work and hours of rest; 
 
h. Wages and wage-related benefits, which include the following: overtime 
pay, holiday pay, premium pay, paid leaves, 13th month pay, if applicable; 
 
i. Social security and welfare benefits; 
 
j. Stipulation on repatriation or similar undertakings; 
 
k. Separation pay and retirement pay, if applicable; 
 
l. Reference to the collective bargaining agreement, if applicable, and; 
 
m. Other benefits in accordance with law, company policy or agreement; 
 
 
The SEC shall stipulate that Filipino seafarers shall be granted shore leave to 
benefit their health and well-being consistent with the operational requirements of 
their positions, and subject to proportionate and specifically-adopted measures by 
the port state on epidemics, pandemics and other public health emergencies, both 
man-made or natural. 
 
 
The SEC shall be in English or in a working language of the seafarer, executed 
in three (3) original copies before the commencement of the employment. The 
shipowner and the seafarer shall each have a signed original of the agreement. A 
signed original shall be made available on board the ship. 
 
 
When there is a collective bargaining agreement, a copy thereof must be 
maintained onboard the ship and readily accessible to the seafarers. 
 
 
The terms and conditions for employment to be provided in the SEC shall 
always be consistent and updated with the latest Maritime Labor Convention and 
other existing treaties and conventions governing seafarers duly entered into by the 
Philippines. 
 
 
SEC. 25. Wages. – Upon effectivity of this Act, the living wage rates of the 
seafarers on board ships engaged in domestic shipping, taking into account the 
peculiarities of the employment arrangement of seafarers, shall be based on the 
updated family income threshold determined by the National Economic 
Development Authority. Wages shall be paid at least once every two weeks or twice 
a month, at intervals not exceeding sixteen (16) days. 
 
 
Trainees, probationary crew members and others similarly situated shall be 
paid full minimum wage in accordance with the services rendered. 


 
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SEC. 26. Hours of Work and Hours of Rest. – The normal hours of work of 
seafarer shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day. If the seafarer is allowed to work 
beyond eight (8) hours, the maximum hours of work shall not exceed fourteen (14) 
hours in any 24-hour period, and seventy-two (72) hours in any 7-day period. 
 
 
The minimum hours of rest for every seafarer shall not be less than ten (10) 
hours. Hours of rest may be divided into no more than two (2) periods, one of which 
shall be at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods 
of rest shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours. 
 
 
In exceptional cases, seafarers in watchkeeping duties may be required to 
work beyond fourteen (14) hours provided that the rest period is not less than 
seventy (70) hours in any 7-day period. This exception shall not be allowed for more 
than two (2) consecutive weeks. The intervals between two (2) periods of exceptions 
shall not be less than twice the duration of the exception. 
 
 
SEC. 27. Paid Annual Leave. – Unless higher annual leave is provided under 
the CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or policy, or by the SEC, overseas 
seafarers shall be paid an annual leave to be calculated on the basis of a minimum of 
2.5 calendar days per month of employment. 
 
 
For ships licensed to engage in domestic shipping, the provisions on 
“Holidays, Service Incentive Leaves and Service Charges” of Presidential Decree No. 
442, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, shall continue to apply unless 
higher annual leave is already provided under the CBA or by the shipowner as 
company practice or policy. 
 
 
SEC. 28. Sickness Benefits During Public Health Emergencies. – Filipino 
seafarers who have contracted any illness due to an epidemic, pandemic or other 
public health emergencies, whether natural or man-made, or are under quarantine of 
self-isolation, shall be entitled to paid sick leave or sickness benefits as long as they 
are incapacitated or unable to work. 
 
 
SEC. 29. Payment of Wages to Abandoned Seafarer. – Filipino seafarers 
abandoned by shipowners shall be entitled to full payment of wages and other 
benefits provided under the SEC or the CBA. 
 
 
CHAPTER VII 
REPATRIATION 
 
 
SEC. 30. Repatriation. – Seafarers shall be entitled to repatriation. All costs 
related to the repatriation or transport of the personal effects of a seafarer shall be 
borne by or charged to the shipowner and the manning agency concerned. The 
expenses of repatriation shall include the transportation charges, pay and allowances 
from the moment the seafarers leave the ship until they reach the repatriation 
destination, the accommodation and the food of the seafarer during the journey and 


 
12 
transportation of at least thirty kilograms (30 kg) of the seafarer’s personal luggage 
to the repatriation destination. The primary responsibility to repatriate rests on the 
shipowner or manning agency and entails the obligation to advance the repatriation 
and other attendant costs, including plane fare, deployment cost of the principal and 
immigration fines and penalties, to immediately repatriate the seafarer should the 
need for it arise, without prior determination of the cause of the termination of the 
seafarer’s employment. However, after the worker has returned to the Philippines, 
the shipowner or manning agency may recover the cost of repatriation from the 
seafarer if the termination of the employment was due solely to the seafarer’s fault. 
 
 
SEC. 31. Emergency Repatriation for Seafarers Onboard Foreign Registered 
Ships. – In cases of war, epidemics, pandemics, abandonment of ship by 
shipowners, disasters, calamities, public health emergencies, whether natural or 
manmade, and other similar events, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in 
coordination with the POEA and the OWWA, shall undertake the repatriation of 
seafarers. The DFA shall draw from the Emergency Repatriation Fund, which shall 
be provided under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), to defray the expenses 
involved in the repatriation of undocumented seafarers, while the POEA shall 
require manning agencies to effect the repatriation of seafarers within forty-eight 
(48) hours or suffer the penalty of suspension. In case of failure of the manning 
agency to provide for the repatriation within the prescribed time, the POEA shall 
coordinate with the OWWA to advance the cost of repatriation of the seafarer 
without prejudice to reimbursement from the concerned manning agency. 
 
 
The seafarer shall also be entitled to emergency repatriation for 
compassionate or urgent reasons, such as when a family member has died, or when 
the seafarer has suffered from physical, emotional, psychological or financial abuse. 
 
 
SEC. 32. Quarantine and Medical Expenses in Repatriation Due to 
Epidemics, Pandemics or other Public Health Emergencies. – Before or During the 
process of repatriation of a seafarer in times of epidemics, pandemics or other public 
health emergencies, whether natural or man-made, the shipowner or manning 
agency shall cover the following expenses until the seafarer is considered duly 
repatriated to the point of hire: 
 
a. Medical care, board and lodging for periods spent by a seafarer in 
quarantine or self-isolation, whether or not the seafarer has symptoms or 
has been exposed to any infectious diseases, virus or bacteria – until 
declared as free of any infection, virus or ailment by the DOH Bureau of 
Quarantine or any DOH-accredited clinic; and 
 
b. Hospitalization and medical treatment when the seafarer is sick or 
infected – until declared as fully recovered. 
 
Thereafter, should the seafarer need further quarantine or medical care, the 
expenses shall be covered by the OWWA from funds to be appropriated for this 
purpose. 


 
13 
 
SEC. 33. Repatriation for Seafarers Onboard Domestic Ships. – The 
provisions on repatriation, as may be applicable, shall also apply to seafarers 
working on domestic ships. Seafarers onboard domestic ships shall be entitle to 
emergency repatriation in cases of war, epidemics, pandemics, abandonment of ship 
by shipowners, disasters or calamities, public health emergencies, whether natural 
or man-made, and other similar events. 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
MANNING REQUIREMENT 
 
SEC. 34. Manning Levels. – All ships of Philippine registry shall observe the 
required minimum manning levels in accordance with the requirements prescribed 
by MARINA. 
 
 
Every ship shall be manned by a crew that is adequate in terms of size and 
qualifications taking into account the need to operate the vessel safely and 
efficiently. In no case shall minimum manning levels on ships carrying Filipino 
seafarers be reduced to avoid fatigue of Filipino seafarers remaining on board. 
 
 
SEC. 35. Crew Competence. – The crew members of a ship of Philippine 
Registry shall possess the appropriate certificate of competency that sets forth their 
competence to serve and perform the functions of the position held, and 
corresponding to the aptitude and proficiency required relative to the type, tonnage, 
power, means of propulsion and trading patterns of the ships concerned. 
 
 
The certificate of competency shall attest to the fact that the seafarer to whom 
it is issued meets the requirements for service, age, qualification, and has 
successfully passed the examinations conducted to determine the seafarer’s 
proficiency and level of expertise for the position. 
 
 
SEC. 36. Registry of Seafarer. – To better respond to the manning 
requirements of ocean-going ships of foreign registry, and domestic and ocean-going 
ships of Philippine registry, the POEA and MANIRA, respectively, shall maintain a 
registry of all seafarers in the Philippines. The registry shall contain the relevant 
information or data to promote employment opportunities for seafarers, whether on 
board or ashore, and allow for the appropriate learning for and implementation of 
additional training, skill and competency development programs for seafarer. 
 
 
SEC. 37. Crew Change. – When national or international emergencies or 
circumstances warrant, the DFA, DOLE, DOH, Department of Justice (DOJ), 
Department 
of 
Interior 
and 
Local 
Government 
(DILG), 
Department 
of 
Transportation (DOTr) and other relevant agencies, shall activate a green lane for 
seafarers that shall exempt them from travel-related or health-related movement 
restrictions in order to facilitate their joining or leaving ships. 
 
 


 
14 
CHAPTER IX 
ACCOMODATION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, FOOD AND CATERING 
 
 
SEC. 38. Accommodation Facilities. – Unless otherwise exempted herein or 
by appropriate regulations, all ships of Philippine registry shall have safe, decent 
and adequate accommodations for seafarers taking into account the need to protect 
the health and safety of seafarers working or living on board. 
 
 
SEC. 39. Requirements for Sanitation. – All ships of Philippine registry shall 
have sanitation facilities that meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene 
and are accessible to seafarers on board. The sanitation facilities shall be located at 
convenient places, allowing for easy access to work stations. Separate facilities shall 
be provided for male and female crew. 
 
 
SEC. 40. Recreational Facilities. – Unless otherwise exempted herein or by 
appropriate regulations, all ships of Philippine registry shall have recreational 
facilities, amenities, and services that are appropriate and accessible to seafarers. 
 
 
Domestic ships shall be exempted from this requirement considering that 
their trading patterns and length of voyages allow their crew to go home or to make 
use of comparable facilities on land. 
 
 
SEC. 41. Food and Catering. – The shipowner shall ensure the protection and 
promotion of health of seafarers. Whenever applicable, a shipowner shall ensure that 
a ship serves free food and drinking water of appropriate quality, quantity and 
nutritional value that adequately cover the requirements of the ship and take into 
consideration the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of seafarers. All foods 
and drinks and the preparation thereof shall be in accordance with the standards of 
the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and pertinent laws, rules and regulations. 
 
 
SEC. 42. Application. – The requirement of this Chapter for crew 
accommodation and recreational facilities covering ships of Philippine Registry shall 
be applicable to the following: 
 
a. All ocean-going ships and domestic ships constructed on or after the date 
when the MLC, 2006 comes into force; 
 
b. All second-hand ships, whether ocean-going or domestic, acquired or 
leased, and entered in the Philippine Registry after the entry date into 
force of the said Convention unless provided exemption by the relevant 
Philippine government agency; and 
 
c. All ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006 which 
have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry 
into force of the Convention, unless provided exemption by the relevant 
Philippine government agency. 
 


 
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SEC. 43. Establishment of Shore-based Welfare Facilities. – There shall be 
established at least one (1) seafarer shore-based welfare facility in major crew-change 
ports each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao under the management of OWWA, 
which shall be easily accessible to all seafarers, irrespective of race, color, gender, 
religion, political opinion or social origin. 
 
The facility shall offer services which promote the welfare of and cater to the 
recreational, cultural, religious, and communication needs of seafarers. 
 
The OWWA, in consultation with relevant government agencies, shall 
annually review and develop the welfare facilities and services to ensure that they 
are appropriate in the light of changes in the needs of seafarers resulting from 
technical, operational and other developments in the shipping industry. 
 
 
CHAPTER X 
HEALTH PROTECTION AND MEDICAL CARE 
 
SEC. 44. Medical Care Onboard Ships and Ashore. – The shipowner shall 
provide adequate equipment, paraphernalia, medicines and medical supplies as well 
as the corresponding medical or trained personnel who shall provide first-aid 
medical care pursuant to be maritime occupational safety and health standards and 
other pertinent laws, rules and regulations on board, and shall ensure that seafarers 
receive the appropriate medical care on shore when the ship calls on a port. 
 
The shipowner shall ensure that seafarers have access to medical treatment 
for any illness or injury, hospitalization and dental treatment. 
 
A seafarer shall have the consult a qualified physician or dentist without 
delay in ports of call, where practicable. 
 
The health protection and medical care mandated under this section shall be 
provided at no cost to the seafarer. 
 
A seafarer shall have the right to material assistance and financial support 
from the shipowner with respect to the financial consequences resulting from 
sickness, injury or death while they are serving under a valid employment contract 
or those which arise from their employment, without prejudice to any other legal 
remedies that a seafarer may seek. 
 
In accordance with amendments to the code implementing regulations 2.5 
and 4.6 and appendices of the MLC, 2006 on financial security for vessels, the 
shipowner shall provide an expeditious and effective financial security system to 
assist seafarers in the event of their abandonment and to assure compensation for 
contractual claims in the event of death or long-term disability of seafarers due to an 
occupational injury, illness or hazard. 
 


 
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Sec. 45. Measures to Protect Seafarers from Epidemics, Pandemics or other 
Public Health Emergencies. – Filipino seafarers onboard ships should be covered by 
adequate measures for protection from epidemics, pandemics and man-made or 
natural public health emergencies, such as provision of personal protective 
equipment. They should also have access to prompt and adequate medical care 
while onboard, including medical advice and confidential helplines on physical and 
mental health by radio or satellite communication, free of charge, which shall be 
available 24-hours-a-day. 
 
Shipowners shall institute measures on prevention of contagion in accordance 
with flag state health regulation and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, 
including the necessary disinfection, decontamination, de-ratting or pest control, 
and other measures necessary to prevent the spread of infection or contamination. 
 
Filipino seafarers who manifest symptoms of any prevailing illness due to an 
epidemic, pandemic or any public health emergency, man-made or natural, shall be 
properly isolated and treated pursuant to established guidelines of the flag state, the 
WHO and the applicable provisions of this Act. 
 
 
In ports of call, Filipino seafarers in need of medical care shall have access to 
medical facilities on-shore. 
 
 
CHAPTER XI 
EMPOWERMENT OF FILIPINO WOMEN SEAFARERS 
 
SEC. 46. Enhanced Access to Educational Advancement and Training. – 
Women seafarers shall be given enhanced access to educational advancement and 
training. Government-owned MHEIs and MTIs shall equally provide scholarships to 
women students and trainees, utilizing their Gender and Development (GAD) 
budget. 
 
Ships registered in the Philippines shall accommodate women cadets for their 
shipboard training. 
 
Shipowners of Philippine-flag-registered vessels shall not practice gender 
discrimination in the choice of their cadets for shipboard training. 
 
SEC. 47. Conscientization. – Women seafarers shall be made aware of their 
condition and shall be informed about their human rights through gender-
awareness and women-empowerment courses in maritime schools and training 
centers. 
 
The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), the sole government-owned 
maritime training center, shall continue to develop, enhance, and increase 
accessibility of its Gender-Awareness Training for Seafarers (GATS) to the maritime 
industry offering the training course in e-learning format. 
 


 
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Shipping companies and crewing agencies shall be encouraged to formulate 
their GAD policies. 
 
A helpline for all victims of sexual-harassment and bullying shall be set up. 
 
SEC. 48. Self-organization. – Women seafarers shall be encouraged to 
organize, form associations, or join trade unions and link-up and form networks 
with women seafarers from different nationalities. 
 
SEC. 49. Seafarer’s Resource and Research Center. – The NMP shall 
strengthen its research capability to provide comprehensive resources for seafarers, 
including gender-related topics in aid of evidence-based decision-making in the 
maritime industry. 
 
SEC. 50. Creation of Inter-Agency Committee on Women Seafarers. – An 
Inter-Agency Committee on Women Seafarers shall be created to be composed of the 
following government agencies and maritime industry stakeholders: DOLE, POEA, 
MARINA, CHED, NMP and the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); trade 
unions and seafarers’ organizations; and associations of shipowners and manning 
agencies. The Committee shall ensure that the rights and welfare of women seafarers 
are protected. It shall assess the situation of women seafarers in maritime schools 
and in the industry, and shall serve as venue for continued dialogue among 
stakeholders on issues related to women seafarers, such as: gender discrimination, 
sexual-harassment, and bullying; women’s right to reproductive health, maternity 
benefits, and social security; and the right to work in a safe and harmonious 
environment. 
 
SEC. 51. Limitation on Deployment for Filipino Seafarers’ Protection. – 
Filipino seafarers shall only board ships with policies, plans and accessible 
procedures to eliminate and address harassment and bullying on board ships. 
 
 
CHAPTER XII 
SOCIAL SECURITY AND INSURANCE PROTECTION 
 
SEC. 52. Social Welfare Benefits. – Without prejudice to established policy, 
CBA or other applicable social agreement, all seafarers shall become members of the 
Social Security System, Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund, 
PhilHealth, Home Development Mutual Fund (or Pag-IBI Fund), and the OWWA, 
and shall enjoy the benefits afforded pursuant to membership thereof. 
 
SEC. 53. Insurance Coverage. – The provisions on compulsory insurance for 
agency-hired workers under Section 37-A of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by 
Republic Act No. 10022, shall continue to apply, at no cost, to seafarers: Provided, 
That the minimum insurance cover stated therein shall be issued by insurance 
companies duly accredited by the Insurance Commission – to ensure and facilitate 
claims of seafarers based on the section’s “no contest, no fault or negligence” clause. 
This insurance cover is without prejudice to the insurance policy to be issued by the 


 
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shipowners, over and above the minimum cover, as an added protection to the 
seafarers in accordance with international standards and practices. 
 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT 
 
 
SEC. 54. Compliance and Certification. – All ships of Philippine registry 
shall comply with the provisions of this Act. The shipowner or master shall ensure 
the compliance of the ship with the provisions of this Act and its Implementing 
Rules and Regulations (IRR). 
 
The shipowner and master, as acting shipowner’s representative, shall be 
made principally-liable for any violation of the provisions of this Act and its IRR. 
 
For this purpose, a Maritime Labor Certificate or a certificate of compliances, 
as applicable, shall be issued in accordance with the IRR. 
 
 
SEC. 55. Inspection and Enforcement. – The Secretary of Labor and 
Employment, or a duly-authorized representative, shall have the sole and exclusive 
authority to inspect all Philippine ships, domestic or ocean-going to ensure 
compliance with the provisions of this Act. The Duly authorized representative shall 
have the power to board ships and carry out any examination, test or inquiry in 
order to ensure that the standards established under this Act and its IRR are strictly 
observed. 
 
The Secretary of Labor and Employment may authorize other government 
agencies or duly-recognized organizations to conduct the inspection and issue 
certification in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its IRR. 
 
The Secretary of Labor Employment or the duly-authorized representative 
shall have the power to order immediate restitution of differences, and impose fines 
for violations of the provisions of this Act. 
 
If the violation or deficiency constitutes serious breach of the requirement of 
this Act and its IRR, or poses imminent danger to the ships or to the life or limb of 
the seafarer, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, or the duly-authorized 
representative, may immediately order the detention of the ship until the violation 
or deficiency is corrected. 
 
SEC. 56. Recognized Organizations. – Recognized organizations may be 
authorized by the Secretary of Labor and Employment to conduct the inspection of 
ship’s premises and issue the Maritime Labor Certificate or the Certificate of 
Compliance, as appropriate, in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its 
IRR. 
 


 
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A recognized organization must have the necessary knowledge of the 
requirements of this Act and its IRR, the MLC, 2006 and other relevant international 
treaties or conventions. 
 
Likewise, to be recognized and authorized to inspect a ship, an organization 
must also have the necessary and qualified professional and technical expertise to 
conduct the inspection and certify to the ship’s compliance with established 
standards. 
 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
TERMINATION AND EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT 
 
SEC. 57. Termination of Employment 
 
a. The employment of Filipino seafarers on board Philippines-registered 
ships operating internationally as well as those on board foreign-
registered ships shall cease when the seafarers complete their period of 
contractual service aboard the ship, sign off from the ship, and arrive at 
the point of hire. 
 
The employment is also terminated effective upon arrival at the point of 
hire for any of the following reasons: 
 
1. When the seafarer signs off and is disembarked for medical reasons in 
the event the seafarer is declared: (1) fit for repatriation; or (2) when 
after an illness the seafarer is declared fit-to-work, but the employer is 
unable to find employment for the seafarer on board the ship 
originally boarded or on another ship of the employer; 
 
2. When the seafarer signs off due to the sale of the ship, lay-up of ship, 
discontinuance of voyage or change of ship principal; 
 
3. When the seafarer voluntarily resigns in writing and signs off prior to 
the expiration of contract within a reasonable period, as may be 
prescribed in the IRR of this Act; or 
 
4. When the seafarer is discharged for just causes in accordance with the 
provisions of the POEA Standard Employment Contract. 
 
b. The termination of employment of a seafarer on board domestic ships 
shall be governed by the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 442, as 
amended, or the Labor Code of the Philippines, on domestic shipping. 
 
c. The termination of employment of a seafarer on board a foreign vessel or 
foreign registered ships shall be governed by the POEA SEC or applicable 
collective bargaining agreement (CBA). 
 


 
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SEC. 58. Extension of Employment. – The extension of a seafarer’s 
employment agreement beyond the original period must be adequately reviewed 
and freely-accepted by the Filipino seafarer prior to signing any such extension. The 
shipowner, or a duly-authorized representative of the shipowner, and the manning 
agency shall ensure that the Filipino seafarer has fully considered by the effect of 
such an extension on the repatriation and contract entitlements, and that there shall 
be no diminution of the seafarer’s salaries and benefits. 
 
The shipowners and the manning agencies shall submit periodic reports to 
the POEA on the welfare and well-being Filipino seafarers subjected to contract 
extensions. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES 
 
SEC. 59. Onboard and Onshore Grievance Machinery. – All ships of 
Philippine registry shall prescribe and observe fair, effective and expeditious 
onboard and on-shore methods and procedures to handle grievance at no cost to the 
seafarer. 
 
In cases where a seafarer is a member of a legitimate trade union 
organization, any grievance shall, as a condition precedent to conciliation-
mediation, undergo the grievance machinery with the involvement of the union as 
established in its CBA. Without prejudice to any existing law, any agreement 
reached by the parties during the grievance negotiation shall be final and binding. 
 
SEC. 60. Mandatory Conciliation-Mediation and Arbitration. – Seafarers, 
whether engaged, employed or working onboard ships of Philippine registry or 
other registries shall avail of the conciliation-mediation services of the DOLE 
pursuant to Republic Act 10396, otherwise known as “An Act Strengthening 
Conciliation-Mediation as a Voluntary Mode of Dispute Settlement for All Labor 
Cases, Amending for this purpose Article 228 of Presidential Decree No.422, as 
Amended, Otherwise Known as the Labor Code of The Philippines” and its IRR, by 
filing a request for assistance before the conciliation-mediation desks at the 
Regional/Field/Provincial Offices of the DOLE or its attached agencies. 
 
 
In case the conciliation-mediation process involving a seafarer covered by a 
CBA fails, the case shall be submitted for Voluntary Arbitration in accordance with 
Articles 261 and 262 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended. In cases 
where seafarers are not covered by the CBA, the seafarer shall have the option to 
submit the case to Compulsory Arbitration or Voluntary Arbitration. 
 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
REINTERGRATION FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO SEAFARERS 
 
Sec. 61. Reintegration. – Returning or unemployed overseas Filipino 
seafarers may avail of the of the livelihood development and training programs, 


 
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placements and other services of the DOLE and other concerned government 
agencies, including OWWA, National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NCRO), 
Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA), Cooperative 
Development Authority (CDA), NMP and CHED. 
 
These agencies shall formulate skills upgrading or retraining curricula to 
meet the need of returning or unemployed seafarers. The participation of the 
maritime sector, in particular, port and shipping industry, and maritime educational 
institutions shall be likewise solicited by the DOLE in devising the appropriate 
retraining and local job placement programs for unemployed seafarers. 
 
The NRCO shall develop a reintegration program for Filipino seafarers to be 
submitted within sixty (60) days from the date of effectivity of this Act. The center 
shall provide mechanisms for their reintegration into the Philippine society, serve as 
a promotion house for their local employment, and ensure that their skills and 
competencies are maximized in the development of the Philippine domestic and 
international maritime industry. The implementation of the reintegration program 
shall form part of the semi-annual report of the DOLE to Congress as required under 
Republic Act No. 8402, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, 
as amended. 
 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS GRANTED TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY 
 
SEC. 62. Incentives and Awards. – There shall be established an incentives 
and awards system for the maritime industry stakeholders which shall be developed 
and administered by the concerned government agency in consultation with the 
Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC). 
 
Under such rules and regulations that may be promulgated, deserving 
shipowners, seafarers, manning and other organizations or entities shall be 
commended or awarded for their outstanding performance in upholding the rights 
of seafarers and complying with this Act. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SEAFARERS 
 
 
SEC. 63. Credit Delivery. – Financial assistance for alternative sustainable 
livelihood programs, educational, career, and personal advancement, among others, 
shall be made available to seafarers upon the approval of this Act. The Land Bank of 
the Philippines (LBP), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Small Business 
Corporation (SBC), People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) and other 
government financial institutions as well as private banks and financial 
intermediaries shall set up a special credit windows with preferential or subsidized 
interest rates that will serve the financing needs of the seafarers consistent with the 
policies, rules and regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 


 
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SEC. 64. Annual Report of Financial Institutions. – The LBP, DBP, SBC and 
PCFC and other government financial institutions shall submit an annual report to 
the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs and the Senate Committee on 
Labor and Employment on the state of the implementation of this provision. 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 
 
 
SEC. 65. Role of Government Agencies. – The following government agencies 
shall perform the following functions to promote the welfare and protect the rights 
of Filipino seafarers: 
 
a. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – The DOLE shall exercise 
sole and exclusive jurisdiction in implementing the provisions of this Act 
and ensure that the standards set forth herein, under Presidential Decree 
No. 442, as amended, and other laws, the MLC, 2006 and other 
international treaties and conventions to which the Philippines is a 
signatory, are faithfully complied with and fairly applied to all Filipino 
seafarers; 
 
The DOLE shall likewise determine and set appropriate benchmarks 
consistent with the MLC, 2006, this Act, and other applicable laws on 
employment conditions and other labor standards and regulations; 
 
b. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – The DFA shall, through its home 
offices or foreign posts, give paramount importance to the safety and well-
being of Filipino seafarers, by providing adequate and timely intervention 
and assistance, such as representing their interests with foreign authorities 
concerned and facilitating their repatriation when they are distressed or 
beleaguered; 
 
c. Department of Health (DOH) – The DOH shall regulate the activities and 
operations of all clinics which conduct physical, optical, dental, 
psychological and other similar examinations, hereinafter referred to as 
health examinations, on Filipino seafarers; 
 
The DOH shall determine and prescribe the nature of the health 
examination that shall be required of a seafarer, ensuring that such 
examination will genuinely determine the seafarer’s state of health, 
considering the duties that the seafarer shall be to perform on board. The 
DOH shall likewise prescribe the contents of the medical certificate to 
ensure accuracy of the finding/s stated therein. 
 
The DOH shall also strictly comply with its tasks and mandate under 
Republic Act No. 8042, as amended. 
 


 
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d. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) – The POEA 
shall review the contracts of employment and the working conditions of 
the officers and crew of vessels of Philippine registry operating 
internationally, and of such officers and crew members who are Filipino 
citizens and employed by foreign vessels to ensure that these comply with 
the prescribed standards; 
 
e. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) – The OWWA shall, 
through its welfare officers or coordinating officers, provide the Filipino 
seafarers and their families all the assistance they may need in the 
enforcement of contractual obligations by agencies and their principals. 
 
f. The OWWA shall likewise formulate and implement welfare programs for 
overseas Filipino seafarers and their families while they are abroad and 
upon their return. It shall ensure the awareness by the overseas Filipino 
workers and their families of these programs and other related 
governmental programs. 
 
g. Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) – The MARINA shall ensure that 
all maritime education including the curricula and training programs are 
structured and delivered in accordance with written programs, methods 
and media of delivery, procedures and course materials, international 
standards as prescribed under the STCW Convention. The MARINA shall 
be tasked to ensure that the guidelines for the flag state on fair treatment 
of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident are observed at all times. 
 
h. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – The PCG, in line with its function to 
enforce applicable laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the 
Philippines, shall assist the DOLE in the enforcement of Department 
Orders and other issuances implementing the MLC 2006. In addition, the 
PCG shall be the agency tasked in ensuring that the guidelines for the port 
state/coastal state on fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime 
accident are observed at all times. 
 
i. National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) – The NMP shall enhance the 
employability and competitiveness of Filipino seafarers in the domestic 
and international labor market by offering specialization and upgrading 
courses for both licensed officers and ratings, and by conducting 
researches and studies on the latest maritime technologies and other 
related matters for the maritime industry. 
 
j. Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – The PIA shall disseminate 
information about government programs, projects, and services to the 
Filipino seafarers and their families and other stakeholders in the 
Philippine maritime industry, both local and overseas, with the final goal 
of seeing the quality of their lives improved and empowered to 
productively participate in the country’s development. 
 


 
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The PIA shall also ensure proper and adequate information dissemination 
of  the concerns and benefits of this Act to the general public especially to 
its  intended beneficiaries, specially at the barangay level. 
 
 
Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power and function of all 
existing departments, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including 
government-owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be 
recognized in accordance with the Law or order creating them. 
 
 
SEC. 66. Philippine Seafarers’ One Stop Processing Center (PSOC). – An 
integrated document processing center, to be known as the Philippine Seafarer One-
Stop Processing Center (PSOC), shall be established to assist seafarers and the 
general public. The agencies that are mandated to provide services in the PSOC are 
as follows: 
 
a. Department of Labor and Employment; 
 
b. Department of Foreign Affairs; 
 
c. Commission on Higher Education; 
 
d. Professional Regulation Commission; 
 
e. National Telecommunications Commission; 
 
f. Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; 
 
g. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; 
 
h. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; 
 
i. Maritime Industry Authority; 
 
j. National Bureau of Investigation; 
 
k. Social Security System; 
 
l. Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; 
 
m. Philippine Statistics Authority; 
 
n. Home Development Mutual Fund; 
 
o. Such other government agencies that the Secretary of DOLE may deem 
appropriate to be included in the PSOC 
 


 
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Further, the PSOC, for its initial operation, shall create pilot centers in 
strategic areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that are identified as having the 
highest concentration of seafarers. 
 The data gathered for the PSOC shall be made accessible to and utilized by the 
maritime sector and stakeholders. 
 
 
The local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to reduce the amount of 
local taxes, fees and charges imposed on transactions made by seafarers with the 
PSOC in connection with their profession. 
 
 
CHAPTER XX 
TRIPARTISM 
 
 
SEC. 67. Tripartism. -  In line with ILO’s principle of tripartism as embodied 
in the MLC, 2006, as amended, a Maritime Industry Tripartite Council (MITC) shall 
be established. The members of the MITC shall be composed of: 1) the competent 
authority represented by the DOLE; 2) a representative of shipowners’ organizations 
concerned; and 3) a representative of recognized seafarers’ unions. The MITC will 
serve as a body for tripartite consultation and discussion among government, 
management and labor, and shall work together to address maritime labor and 
employment concerns and come up with policies, guidelines and regulations 
affecting the Philippine maritime seafaring industry. The MITC shall protect the 
welfare of seafarers, and at the same time, ensure the continuous employment, 
marketability, cost-competitiveness and expansion of job opportunities for Filipino 
seafarers and shipowners. 
 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
 
SEC. 68. Administrative Fines and Penalties. – Any shipowner, master, their 
representative or other competent person who fails or refuses to present 
employment records, such as payrolls, daily time records, pay slip or other 
documents, when required by the Secretary of Labor and Employment or the duly 
authorized representative of the Secretary, or the duly authorized representative of a 
recognized organization, shall be liable for administrative fines and penalties in 
accordance with the IRR of this Act. 
 
 
SEC. 69. Penalties for Violations of Inspection and Enforcement. – Any 
person who, without proper authorization, exercises the Authority granted to the 
Secretary of Labor and Employment under Sections 55 and 56 of this Act, shall be 
punished with a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) nor 
more than Four hundred thousand pesos (P400,000.00), or imprisonment of not less 
than one (1) year nor more than four (4) years, or both at the discretion of the court. 
The foregoing offense shall prescribe after five (5) years from its commission, or 
upon discovery of the violation by competent authorities. 
 


 
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SEC. 70. Transitory Provision. – All rights, privileges and benefits previously 
enjoyed by Filipino seafarers before the effectivity of this Act, including those set 
forth in Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8042, as 
amended, shall continue to be recognized and shall not be diminished. 
 
 
SEC. 71. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DOLE, in coordination 
with the DFA, MARINA, PCG, and other concerned agencies, shall formulate the 
rules and regulations to implement this Act within ninety (90) days after its 
effectivity. 
 
 
SEC. 72. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any section, clause or term 
of this Act is held to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected 
by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
 
SEC. 73. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, issuances, 
executive orders, Letters of instruction, rules or regulations inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 74. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,