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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B.NO. 86
•22 JUL -7 P2 -14
RECEIVED B\';
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS
Filipino seafarers have always been one of the most in demand maritime industry 
workers all over the world -- owing to their skills, unparalleled work ethics, and their 
characteristic workplace personality. According to the Department of Labor, about a 
quarter of the seafarers in the world came from the Philippines - a testament to the value 
of our seafarers in the industry.
There is no doubt of the contribution that our Filipino seafarers have given our 
country. In 2019, Filipino seafarers remitted about $6.5 billion to the Philippines. Even, 
and especially when the world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, the maritime 
industry have kept the world economy afloat.
With all their hard work and sacrifice, it is only just that the state ensures that 
their welfare, safety and protection is of paramount concern.
This bill seeks to protect the welfare and safety of our seafarers by establishing 
their rights and responsibilities, and enumerate the duties and obligations of their 
employers and concerned government agencies. It provides for the standards for the 
training, accommodation, work facilities, education, repatriation, occupational safety and 
health of seafarers which shall ensure that the well-being, and security of our seafarers 
are protected at all times.
The bill also seeks to establish programs and projects that would help make the 
lives of our seafarers easier, such as the One-Stop-Shop Center for OFWs which would 
bring together in one place, multiple offices and agencies involved in providing services 
such as but not limited to the acquisition of relevant clearances and permits, validation 
of overseas job offers, availment of reintegration services and all pertinent seminars, and 
workshops to seafarers for easy and efficient access.
The bill also includes provisions that would protect the rights of our seafarers in 
the event of an epidemic, pandemic, and other public health emergencies whether natural 
or man-made.


As our seafarers continue to work hard to keep the economy of the world alive in 
the midst of this pandemic, it is only right that we provide them with the best protection 
and services that we could give. In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
«f the se-StrftEHJ'
■22 Jll-7 P2:14
SENATE 
S.B. No. 86
RECElVsBBS.
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
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
DECLARATION OF POLICY
Section 1, Short Title., - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
(a) 
To recognize the rights, contributions, and unique role of seafarers as essential 
maritime professionals, acknowledge their vulnerabilities, and afford them full 
protection before, during, and after their employment;
(b) 
To recognize that seafarers are a special category of key workers providing 
essential services, and given the global nature of the shipping industry and the 
different jurisdictions that seafarers may be brought into contact with, they are in 
need of special protection;
(c) 
To encourage the participation of women in the seafaring profession and 
contribute meaningfully to the achievement of national development goals as 
productive members of the community;
(d) 
To maintain and progressively develop a pool of competent and world-class 
seafarers through a system of education, training, certification, and licensing;
(e) 
To establish and enhance mechanisms of administrative, adjudicative, social, and 
welfare services for seafarers and their families;
(f) 
To enact laws that adopt and implement the standards set by international 
conventions and agreements regarding the working and living conditions and 
occupational safety and health, among others, of seafarers, particularly the 
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006); and


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(g) To recognize shipowners, maritime higher education institutions, and licensed 
manning agencies as vital partners in promoting the rights, welfare, skills, and 
competencies of seafarers.
Toward these ends, the State shall endeavor to improve the seafarers' working 
conditions, terms and conditions of employment, and career prospects, and to provide 
them opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest. The State shall also uplift the 
socio-economic well-being of the seafarers' families.
CHAPTER II 
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 3. Coverage, - This Act shall cover:
(a) 
All Filipino seafarers who are to be engaged, engaged, employed, or working in 
any capacity, on board Philippine or foreign-registered ships, except those to be 
engaged, engaged, employed, or working in the following categories of ships:
(1) Warships, naval auxiliaries, and Coast Guard vessels;
(2) Government ships not engaged in commercial operations;
(3) Ships of traditional built, as may be defined under existing rules and 
regulations; and
(4) Fishing vessels, as may be defined by appropriate rules and regulations to be 
issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in consultation 
with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other relevant 
stakeholders.
For the purpose of this Act, a seafarer is deemed "to be engaged" as such if the 
seafarer has been contracted for overseas employment but has yet to leave the 
Philippines.
(b) 
All Filipino seafarers on board Philippine registered domestic ships engaged in 
trade and commerce between Philippine ports and within Philippine territorial or 
internal waters shall be covered primarily by equivalent provisions of the Labor 
Code of the Philippines, as amended, and related social and welfare benefits laws. 
For this purpose, the DOLE shall issue the appropriate rules and regulations to 
govern the employment of domestic seafarers.
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall have 
the following meaning:
(a) Abandonment - refers to a situation where, in violation of the terms of the 
employment contract, the shipowner:
(i) Fails to cover the cost of the seafarer's repatriation;
(ii) Flas left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or


(b)
(c)
(d)
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(0
(g)
(h)
(i)
(iii) Has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer, including failure 
to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two (2) months;
Cadet - ro.fevs to a student of a maritime educational institution who is required to 
undergo training on board registered international or domestic ships to fulfill a 
maritime degree or technical course;
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 within 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 done for 
contractual or commercial purposes;
Internationai Maritime Convention or Internationai 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; 
Internationai Convention on Standards of Training^ Certification, and 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) - refers to the international convention that 
establishes the minimum standards relating to training, certification, and 
watchkeeping for seafarers, which the Philippines acceded to on May 22, 1984; 
Manning Agency - refers to a natural or juridical person duly licensed by the 
Secretary of the Department to engage in the recruitment and placement of 
seafarers;
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;
Maritime Industry Stakehoiders - refer to all private stakeholders engaged in the 
business of owning, managing, chartering, or operating domestic and international 
ship/s of Philippine or foreign registry, manning of ships, management ports, 
stevedoring and arrastre services, ship brokering and chartering, ship-building and 
ship repair, providing 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, professional 
associations of seafarers, associations promoting seafarers' welfare, and women's 
maritime organizations;
Maritime Labour Certificate - refers to the document that certifies that the working 
and living conditions of the seafarers on the ship have been inspected and are


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compliant with the requirements of the MLC, 2006 and of applicable Philippine laws 
and regulations;
Maritime Labour Convention/ 2006 (MLQ 2006) - refers to the consolidated 
Maritime Labour Convention approved by the International Labour Organization 
(ILO) in 2006 and ratified by the Philippines on August 20, 2012;
Master - refers to a person having command of a ship and acts as the shipowners' 
representative;
Ocean-Going Ship - refers to a ship other than those which navigate exclusively 
in inland water or in water within or closely adjacent to sheltered water, or areas 
where port regulations apply;
Officer - refers to a member of the crew other than the master who has been 
designated as such by national law or regulation, or, in the absence of such 
designation, by collective agreement or custom;
One-Stop-Shop Center for OFWs (OSSCO) - refers to the one-stop centers in 
various parts of the country established to ensure prompt, efficient, vital, and 
relevant services to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other overseas Filipinos 
and their families, including seafarers. The OSSCOs shall be the venue for the 
acquisition of relevant clearances and permits, validation of overseas job offers, 
availment of reintegration services and all pertinent seminars and workshops for 
all stakeholders, among others. In all cases and as far as practicable, the OSSCOs 
shall be co-located with POEA regional offices. Agencies at these centers shall, as 
far as practicable, include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment 
Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Professional 
Regulation Commission (PRC), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department 
of Flealth (DOH), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Home Development Mutual Fund 
(HDMF), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Social Security 
System (SSS), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau of Immigration (BI), 
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and such other 
government agencies as may be appropriate;
Point of Hire - refers to the place indicated in the contract of employment, and 
which shall be the basis in determining the commencement of the contract;


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Recognized Organizations -refer to organizations recognized by the DOLE to carry 
out inspections or issue the Maritime Labour Certificate in accordance with the 
scope of activities covered by their authorizations;
Repatriation - refers to the process of returning a seafarer to the point of 
destination, which shall be at the point of hire or the seafarer's place of domicile, 
at the option of the seafarer, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of 
his/her next-of-kin;
Standard Empioyment Contract (SEC) or Empioyment Contract - refers to a 
government-prescribed contract containing the minimum terms and conditions of 
employment;
Seafarer-refers to any Filipino who is to be employed, is employed, or is engaged 
to work in any capacity on board a ship covered under this Act;
Ship or l/e55e/- 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
Shipowner or Principai — refers to the 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 responsibility for the operation and 
management of the ship from the shipowner, and who, in assuming such 
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.
CHAPTER III 
SEAFARER'S RIGHTS
Sec. 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work, - Seafarers shall have 
right to:
A safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards;
Decent working and living conditions on board a ship;
Medical care and confirmatory tests, welfare measures, and other forms of health 
and social protection;
Fair terms and conditions of employment, including salary commensurate to their 
rank, hours of work, paid sick leave or sickness benefits, the maximum number of 
workers hours, and minimum hours of rest periods, consistent with Philippine laws 
or international maritime conventions; and


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(e) Compensation and benefits in the event of death or long-term disability for
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occupational injuries, illnesses, hazards.
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Sec. 6. Right to Self-Organization, to Engage in Collective Bargaining, 
and to Participate in Democratic Exercises. - Seafarers shall enjoy the right to self­
organization, to collectively bargain, to form or join international organization of seafarers 
or network with seafarers of different nationalities, 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.
Women seafarers shall also have the right, and be encouraged, to join, 
assist, or form labor unions or associations, or form networks with women seafarers of 
different nationalities.
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.
Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall:
(a) 
Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering courses 
related to seafaring;
(b) 
Pursue grant programs, such as scholarships, subsidies, loan assistance, and other 
measures that will harness the skills of seafarers toward greater competitiveness 
given the new and evolving demands in the industry;
(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; and
(d) 
Afford enhanced access to educational advancement and training of women in the 
seafaring industry.
CHED and MARINA shall work together to mainstream gender and development in the 
curricula of maritime institutions and training centers.
Sec. 8. Right to Information. - Shipowners, manning agencies, and other 
organizations responsible for the recruitment and placement of seafarers, shall provide 
seafarers relevant information, including the terms and conditions of employment, 
company policies affecting seafarers, obligations of seafarers, conditions and realities 
attending to their profession, and necessary laws and regulations of countries covered by


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their sojourn. In addition, the seafarers shall, at all times, be furnished a copy of the duly 
executed Standard Employment Contract, as well as the results of the medical 
examination conducted on him/her. This right shall also include the right 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, the grievance 
procedures available on-board, duly executed Standard Employment Contract of 
seafarers, and when there is a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a copy of such 
agreement, which shall be readily available to the seafarers.
Sec. 9. Right to Information of a Seafarer's Family or Next-of-Kin. - In 
critical incidents, such as accidents or deaths on board or offshore, piracy, abandonment 
of vessel, and other similar cases, the seafarer's family or next-of-kin shall be immediately 
informed of the incident, including investigation reports, action/s taken, and plans by the 
shipowner and the manning agency concerned.
In addition, it shall be the duty of the shipowner and the manning agency, within 
a reasonable period of time, to report to the POEA and the OWWA such incident and the 
details of the family or next-of-kin of the concerned seafarer/s.
Sec. 10. Right to Safe Passage and Safe Travel. - Seafarers shall be accorded 
the rights to safe passage and safe travel, including the right to embark and disembark 
in third countries when in transit, and the right to be repatriated and return home.
Sec. 11. Right to Consultation. - Seafarers and maritime stakeholders shall be 
adequately consulted before adopting any maritime policy, executive issuance, rules or 
regulations, or in the enactment of any maritime law that may directly affect the seafarers 
and/or their families and beneficiaries.
Sec. 12. Right Against Discrimination. - Seafarers shall have the right to be 
protected from discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, or political opinion, 
as well as on the basis of disablement, taking into consideration the inherent 
requirements of the particular job or undertaking. Career opportunities shall be promoted, 
and appropriate working and living conditions shall be guaranteed equally among male 
and female seafarers.
Sec. 13. Right to be Protected Against AH Forms of Harassment and 
Bullying. - Seafarers shall be protected against all forms of harassment and bullying 
while on board their ships. The shipowner shall put policies in place for the protection of 
all crew members. Maritime stakeholders and seafarers shall ensure that harassment and 
bullying do not take place.


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Shipowners and manning agencies shall also establish helplines and grievance
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mechanisms for all victims of harassment and bullying.
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Sec. 14. Right to Free Legal Representation. - Seafarers who are victims of
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violations of the provisions of this Act or whose contracts have been breached, who
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cannot afford the services of a competent and independent counsel, shall have the right
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to free legal assistance and protection at the government's expense, and to the fair and
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speedy disposition of the case, including the expeditious settlement of any money claims,
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subject to existing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 15. Right to Access to Communication. - Seafarers, especially during
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their free time or when they are not on duty, shall have reasonable access to ship-to-
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shore telephone communications, email, and internet facilities, where available.
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Sec. 16. Right to Record of Employment or Certificate of Employment. -
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At the expiration of the employment contract of the seafarer, the seafarer shall be given
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a record of his/her employment on board the ship, or a certificate of employment,
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specifying the length of service, the position the seafarer occupied, an account of his/her
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final wages, and such other relevant information.
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Sec. 17. Right to Fair Treatment in the Event of a Maritime Accident. - In
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the event of a maritime accident, seafarers shall be treated fairly. They shall be entitled
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to all the rights under the ILO/International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2006 Guidelines
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on Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident and its amendments.
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CHAPTER IV
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WOMEN IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
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Sec. 18. Discrimination Against Women Seafarers. - In addition to the right
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against discrimination on the basis of sex, women seafarers shall be protected from the
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following discriminatory acts:
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(a) Payment of a lesser compensation, including wage, salary or other form of
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remuneration and fringe benefits, to a male seafarer as against a female seafarer,
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for work of equal value; and
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(b) Favoring a male seafarer over a female seafarer with respect to promotion, training
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opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of their sexes.
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Sec. 19. Gender and Development. -Shipowners and manning agencies shall
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formulate gender and development policies. In addition, all maritime training institutions
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shall ensure that appropriate gender-sensitive policies are in place to promote the rights
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of women to adequate training and opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment
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and bullying.
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CHAPTER V
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SEAFARER'S DUTIES
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Sec. 20. Duties of a Seafarer. - Seafarers shall have the following duties:
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(a) To comply with and observe the terms and conditions of the Standard Employment
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Contract;
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(b) 
To abide by lawful and reasonable company personnel policies;
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(c) 
To follow and observe the chain and command of the vessel, and to comply with
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the relevant and reasonable policies and procedures on board the ship or while
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ashore, taking into consideration his/her religious freedom;
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(d) 
To be diligent in the performance of duties relating to the 
ship, its stores,
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equipment, and cargo, whether on board, in transit, or ashore;
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(e) To continually improve his/her professional competency by keeping up-to-date
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with the latest technological and scientific knowledge applied in the maritime
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fields, constant reading and diligent studies, and keen observation of shipboard
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activities;
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(f) To be, at all times, orderly and respectful to the shipmates, passengers, shippers,
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stevedores, port authorities, and other persons who have official business with the
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ship; and
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(g) To take personal responsibility for his/her health while on board by maintaining a
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healthy lifestyle and complying with medically prescribed instructions.
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CHAPTER VI
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEAFARERS
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Sec. 21. Minimum Age. - No person below eighteen (18) years old, other than
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a cadet, shall be employed, engaged, or otherwise allowed to work on board Philippine-
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registered ships operating domestically or internationally, as well as on board foreign-
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registered ships.
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Sec. 22. Medical Certificates. - No seafarer shall be employed, engaged, or
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otherwise allowed to work on board a domestic or ocean-going ship unless a medical
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certificate has been issued declaring the seafarer to be fit to work.
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For this purpose, the seafarer shall hold a valid medical certificate issued by a
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medical facility duly accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), in accordance with
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its rules and regulations.


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The medical certificate shall certify that the person is expected to meet the 
minimum requirements to perform the duty specific to the person's post safely and 
effectively during the validity of the certificate.
During the conduct of a medical examination, the seafarer shall have the 
responsibility of answering truthfully all questions relating to his/her medical condition 
and/or medical history, including previously known illness, injury, or medical treatment, 
and to make a complete inventory of medication prescribed to him/her by physicians; 
Provided, that the processing of the medical information of the seafarer shall at all times 
comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
For the purposes of this Section, a medical certificate issued in accordance with 
the requirements of STCW shall be accepted.
Sec. 23. Training and Quaiifications. -Only seafarers certified by appropriate 
government agencies in compliance with the STCW and other applicable international 
standards, shall work, be employed, or be engaged on board a ship.
Sec. 24, Recruitment and Piacement - Only duly licensed manning agencies 
shall be allowed to operate and engage in the recruitment and placement of seafarers, in 
accordance with rules and regulations as may be issued by the Secretary of Labor and 
Employment, or the Secretary in-charge of migration-related matters, including the 
deployment of seafarers.
In all cases, no amount or fee, including placement fees, shall be charged to the 
seafarer in relation to his/her recruitment and placement.
CHAPTER VII
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Sec. 25. Standard Empioyment Contract for Seafarers. - There shall be a 
Standard Employment Contract in writing between the shipowner and the seafarer, which 
shall include, but not be limited to, the following information and terms:
(a) 
Seafarer's full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent, and/or residential 
address;
(b) 
Seafarer's Record Book Number, Seafarer's Identity Document Number, and POEA 
Seafarer's Registration Number;
(c) 
Shipowner's name and address;
(d) 
Place where and date when the seafarer's employment agreement is entered into;
(e) 
Duration of the contract;
(f) 
Point of hire;
(g) 
Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
(h) 
Amount of the seafarer's salary, and the formula used for calculating the same;
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(i) Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
0) Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but is not limited to, 
overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves, and 
13th-month pay, if applicable;
(k) 
Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
(l) 
Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance coverage 
as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, 
otherwise known as The Migrant Workers Act;
(m) 
Stipulations on repatriation or similar undertakings;
(n) 
Separation pay and retirement pay, if applicable;
(o) 
Reference to the CBA, if applicable; and
(p) 
Other benefits in accordance with law, company policy, or CBA.
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The employment contract shall be in a working language or in the English 
language, executed in four (4) original copies before the commencement of the 
employment. The shipowner and the seafarer shall each have a signed original of the 
agreement. In addition, a signed original shall be made available on board the ship.
For ocean-going Philippine-registered ships or foreign-registered ships, the POEA 
shall issue a Standard Employment Contract containing the minimum standards to be 
observed in the employment of seafarers. The Standard Employment Contract shall be 
reviewed and updated regularly and must, at all times, be consistent with the MLC, 2006, 
and other existing treaties and conventions governing seafarers, which the Philippines 
has ratified or will ratify in the future.
Sec. 26. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest - The
normal hours of work of a seafarer shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day with one (1) 
rest day per week. If the seafarer is required 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 seven (7)-day period.
The minimum hours of rest for every seafarer shall not be less than ten (10) hours 
in a 24-hour period. The hours of rest may be divided into two periods, one of which shall 
be at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between the two 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 seven-day period; Provided, further, that such watchkeeping duties shall not
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be allowed for more than two (2) consecutive weeks; Provided, finally, that the intervals 
between the two (2) periods shall not be less than twice the duration of the exception.
Seafarers shall be granted reasonable periods of shore leaves while the vessel is 
docked for the benefit of their health and well-being, subject to proportionate and 
specifically adopted rules, regulations, and measures of the Port State.
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Sec. 27. Paid Annual Leave. - Unless a higher annual leave is already provided 
in the employment contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice 
or policy, the seafarers shall be paid an annual leave, to be calculated on the basis of a 
minimum of 4.5 calendar days per month of employment, without prejudice to any future 
increases as may be prescribed by laws, rules, or regulations; provided, that the following 
shall not be counted as part of the annual paid leave:
(a) 
Public and customary holidays of the Philippines, whether or not they fall during 
the paid annual leave;
(b) 
Periods of incapacity for work (i) resulting from illness or injury; (ii) due to 
maternity or paternity leave in accordance with law;
(c) 
Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while employed; or
(d) 
Compensatory leave of any kind.
Sec. 28. Wages. - Without prejudice to higher rates provided under the Standard 
Employment Contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or policy, 
the minimum wage applicable to seafarers on board ocean-going ships of Philippine or 
foreign registry shall be as provided in the Standard Employment Contract, which in no 
case be lower than the prevailing industry standard on ocean-going seafaring wage rates 
for officers and other members of the ship's crew, and regularly paid in full at least once 
a month.
Sec. 29. Remittance of Wages. - Shipowners shall provide the appropriate 
facilities and assistance to the seafarer to enable the seafarer to remit his/her wages to 
his/her designated allotee/s in the Philippines through any authorized Philippine bank or 
financial intermediary; Provided, that such allotment shall not be less than eighty percent 
(80%) of the seafarer's monthly basic salary.
Sec. 30. Limitations on Wage Deductions. - A deduction from the seafarer's 
wages shall not be made without his/her written consent unless the deduction is provided 
for in the contract of employment and/or is authorized by law.
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Sec. 31. Personal Effects. - A seafarer may bring a reasonable number of
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articles for personal use on board the ship; Provided, that this shall not inconvenience
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the ship or cargo or pose any risk on board the ship. If the seafarers' personal effects are
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lost or damaged as a result of shipwreck, loss or stranding, abandonment of the vessel,
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or as a result of fire, flooding, collision, or piracy, the shipowner shall reimburse him/her
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for said loss or damage, subject to limits prescribed by existing rules and regulations.
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unless a higher limit is provided under the existing CBA, but in no case lower than 
international standards.
Sec. 32. Social Welfare Benefits. - Without prejudice to established policy, 
CBA, or other applicable social agreement, all seafarers shall be members of, and receive 
the benefits conferred by, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social 
Security System (SSS), Employees' Compensation and State Insurance Fund, PhilHealth, 
HDMF, or Pag-IBIG Fund, and other applicable social protection laws, rules and 
regulations, as may now or hereafter be created in favor of Filipino workers and/or OFWs.
Sec. 33. Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits During Public Health 
Emergencies. - A seafarer who has contracted an illness or disease during public health 
emergencies, such as epidemics or pandemics, while in transit, or is under quarantine, 
shall be entitled to paid sick leave and sickness benefits until the seafarer joins the vessel.
Sec. 34. Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policies On Board Ships. - 
Shipowners shall ensure protection to seafarers with policies and accessible procedures 
to address harassment and bullying on board ships.
CHAPTER VIII
ACCOMMODATION, RECREATION FACILITIES,
FOOD AND CATERING IN SHIPS
Sec. 35. Application. - The requirements of this Chapter 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 come 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, insofar as they can be reasonably refitted, 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.
Sec. 36. Accommodation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by 
appropriate regulations, all ships shall have safe, decent, and adequate accommodations
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for seafarers, taking into account the need to protect the health and safety of seafarers 
working or living on board the ship. There shall be a basic shipboard facility for women, 
such as separate sleeping rooms.
Sec. 37. Requirements for Sanitation. - All ships shall have sanitation 
facilities that meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be 
accessible to seafarers on board. The sanitation facilities shall be located at convenient 
places, allowing for easy access to workstations. Separate sanitation facilities shall also 
be provided for male and female crew members of the ship.
Sec. 38. Recreation Faciiities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by 
appropriate regulations, ail ships shall have recreation facilities, amenities, and services 
that are appropriate and accessible to seafarers; Provided,, that 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 onshore.
Sec. 39. Food and Catering, - All ships shall ensure protection and promotion 
of the health of the seafarer. Toward this end, shipowners shall ensure that ships carry 
on-board and serve 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 the seafarers on board 
the ship. The food and drinks in the preparation thereof shall be in accordance with the 
standards of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and pertinent laws, rules, and 
regulations, and/or with international standards. In all cases, the ship's cooks shall be 
trained and qualified.
CHAPTER IX
MEDICAL CARE AND MARITIME OCCUPATIONAL 
SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
Sec. 40. Medicai Care On Board Ships and Ashore, -The shipowner shall 
provide adequate medical facility, equipment, paraphernalia, and medical supplies, 
including medicines on board, and shall ensure access to shore facilities for the health of 
seafarers, as well as the corresponding medicai or trained personnei who shail provide 
first-aid and medical care.
The medicine chest and its contents, the medical equipment, and the medical 
guide on board shail be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that labeling, expiry 
dates, and conditions of storage of all medicines and the directions for their use are 
checked, and all equipment are functioning properly.
The shipowner shall ensure that seafarers have access to medical treatment for 
any illness or injury, hospitalization, and dental treatment until the sick or injured seafarer
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has recovered or until the sickness or incapacity has been declared of a permanent 
character.
A seafarer shall have the right to consult a qualified physician or dentist without 
delay in ports of call, where practicable.
The health protection and medical care under this Section shall be provided at no 
cost to the seafarer, in accordance with rules and regulations issued for this purpose.
Sec. 41. Protection of Seafarers from Epidemics^ Pandemics, or Other 
Pubiic Heaith Emergencies. - Seafarers on ships should be covered by adequate 
measures for protection from health-related outbreaks, such as epidemics and 
pandemics, including the provision of personal protective supplies and equipment, as 
appropriate.
Seafarers shall have access to prompt and adequate medical care while on board, 
including medical advice and confidential helplines on physical and mental health, which 
shall be free of charge.
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Shipowners shall institute preventive measures in accordance with the health 
regulations of the Flag State and the appropriate guidelines issued by the World Health 
Organization (WHO), including the necessary disinfection, decontamination, de-ratting, 
or other measures necessary to prevent the spread of infection or contamination. Affected 
seafarers shall also be properly isolated and treated pursuant to established guidelines of 
the Flag State, the WHO, and applicable rules and regulations.
In ports of call, seafarers in need of medical care shall have access to medical 
facilities onshore.
The transit of seafarers who are medically fit to work shall be facilitated and 
exempted from travel-related, health-related, or movement restrictions until arrival at the 
point of destination.
Sec. 42. Financiai Security System to Assist Seafarers in case of 
Occupationai Injury and Other Causes. - In accordance with 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 sickness, injury, or death 
occurring while they are serving under a seafarer's employment contract, or arising from 
their employment under such agreement.
CHAPTER X
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT 
Sec. 43. Termination of Employment. -
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(a) 
The employment of seafarers on board Philippine-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, 
signs-off from the ship, and arrive at the destination as specified under this 
paragraph (b) of this Section.;
(b) 
The employment is also terminated effective upon arrival at the point of 
destination, which shall either be at the point of hire or the seafarer's place of 
domicile, at the option of the seafarer, or in case of the seafarer's incapacity or 
death, at the option of his/her next-of-kin, 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: (i) fit for repatriation; or (ii) when after an 
illness, the seafarer is declared fit to work, but the shipowner is unable to find 
employment for the seafarer on board the ship originally boarded or another 
ship of the shipowner;
(2) When the seafarer signs-off due to sale of the ship, lay-up of the ship, 
discontinuance of voyage or change of ship principal, shipwreck, grounding, or 
unseaworthiness;
(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 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act; or
(4) When the seafarer is discharged for just causes in accordance with the 
provisions of the Standard Employment Contract.
Sec. 44. Extension of Employment -In the event of the extension of the term 
of a seafarer's employment contract, the seafarer shall be furnished a copy of the new, 
or supplemental contract covering the extension of his employment, with adequate time 
to review and obtain expert advice regarding the terms and conditions of his/her extended 
employment, which shall in no case be lower than the terms of his/her original 
employment. In all cases, the shipowner, or a duly authorized representative or the 
manning agency shall ensure that the seafarer has considered the effect of such an 
extension to any accumulated entitlement and repatriation benefits, among others.
Manning agencies and shipowners shall submit periodic reports to the POEA on 
the welfare and well-being of seafarers subjected to such contract extensions.
CHAPTER XI
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
Sec. 45. On board and Onshore Grievance Machinery. - All ships of 
Philippine registry shall establish a grievance machinery and fair, effective, and
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expeditious on board and onshore procedures, at no cost to the seafarer, for the
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resolution of grievances or complaints.
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Any grievance or complaints shall first be referred to the appropriate grievance 
mechanism provided under this Section. In cases where a seafarer is a member of a 
legitimate trade union organization and covered by a CBA, he/she shall be assisted by a 
union-designated representative in the proceedings. Any agreements reached by the 
parties at the grievance proceedings shall be final and binding.
Sec. 46. Mandatory Conciliation - Mediation. - In the absence of an 
agreement or settlement at the grievance machinery level, the following rules shall apply:
(a) 
If there is a CBA, the matter shall be submitted for voluntary arbitration in 
accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;
(b) 
If there is no CBA, the parties shall have the option to submit the case to 
compulsory arbitration or voluntary arbitration, or conciliation-mediation services 
provided under Republic Act No. 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. 442, as 
amended. Otherwise Known as the 'Labor Code of the Philippines'" and its 
implementing rules and regulations.
Sec. 47. Maritime Industry Labor Arbitration. - There shall be a pool of 
trained maritime industry conciliators-mediators and experts with the appropriate 
competence, integrity, and knowledge of the Philippine and global maritime industry 
practices and standards, MLC, 2006, and related Philippine-ratified conventions and 
treaties, who shall handle the mediation or conciliation or arbitration of all issues relating 
to the employment of seafarers.
CHAPTER XII 
REPATRIATION
Sec. 48. Seafarers' Repatriation. - In all cases of repatriation, the affected 
seafarer shall be repatriated to the point of hire or the place of domicile of the seafarer, 
at his/her option, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of his/her next-of-kin, 
and ali costs related to the repatriation and/or transport of the personal effects and 
remains of seafarers, including the provision on financiai security in case of abandonment 
of seafarers, shail be borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency 
concerned to expedite the repatriation without prior determination of the cause of 
repatriation or termination of the seafarer's employment.
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Sec. 49. ^Repatriation Expenses; Advance and Recovery. -The repatriation 
expenses that shall be borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency 
concerned shall include:
(a) 
Basic pay and allowances from the moment the seafarers leave the ship until they 
reach the repatriation destination;
(b) 
Accommodation and food during the journey to the repatriation destination;
(c) 
Transportation charges, the normal mode of transport should be by air;
(d) 
Deployment cost of the principal; and
(e) 
Immigration fees, fines, and penalties.
However, in cases where the termination of employment is for Just cause or upon 
the request of the seafarer, the cost of repatriation shall be for the account of the seafarer 
in accordance with the employment agreement.
The responsibility to provide for the repatriation costs shall be without prejudice 
to the right to civil, criminal or other claims in accordance with law or otherwise, 
particularly in cases of maritime accident or death other than natural causes.
Sec. 50. Quarantine and Medicai Expenses in Repatriation Due to 
Infection, Epidemics or Pandemic. - Before or during the process of repatriation, the 
expenses of medical care and board and lodging for periods spent by seafarers in self­
isolation or quarantine, whether or not the seafarers have symptoms, have been exposed 
or are quarantined as a safety precaution for the community, shall be covered by the 
shipowner or manning agency until the seafarers have been duly repatriated to the 
repatriation destination. Thereafter, medical care and quarantine expenses after 
repatriation to the destination shall be borne by the Philippine government, following the 
whole-of-government approach in the management of epidemics/pandemics.
Sec. 51. Waiver of Entitiement to Repatriation. - Entitlement to repatriation 
may be waived by a seafarer; Provided, That the waiver shall be written, made freely and 
voluntarily, with full knowledge of its consequences; Provided, however, that no such 
waiver shall be allowed or presumed when a seafarers is abandoned, held captive on or 
off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against the ship, or are incapable 
of traveling due to illness, injury or incapacity, or other cases that affect the seafarer's 
safety and security.
CHAPTER XIII
REINTEGRATION OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO SEAFARERS 
Sec. 52. Reintegration. -There shall be developed and implemented a full-cycle 
and comprehensive national reintegration program for seafarers, which shall be
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embedded in all stages of migration for work beginning from pre-deployment, on-site 
during employment and upon return, whether voluntary or involuntary. The reintegration 
program shall cover the different dimensions of support needed by the seafarer, such as 
economic, social, psychosocial, and cultural, including skills certification and recognition 
of equivalency for effective employment services, and shall ensure contribution to 
national development through investments and transfer of technology from skilled or 
professional seafarers.
CHAPTER XIV
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DOMESTIC SEAFARERS
Sec. 53. Wagesf Holiday Pay, Service Incentive Leave, and other 
Statutory Benefits. -The minimum wage rate of seafarers on board ships engaged in 
domestic shipping shall be determined by the Regional Wages and Productivity Boards 
(RTWPB), taking into account the peculiarities of the employment arrangement of 
seafarers and the criteria for wage-fixing pursuant to Republic Act No. 6727, otherwise 
known as the "Wage Rationalization Act;" Provided/ that wages for actual work hours and 
days shall not be lower than the applicable minimum wage rates for actual work hours 
and days shall not be lower than the applicable minimum wage rates in the place where 
the ship is registered. Wages of domestic seafarers shall be paid in full and regularly at 
least twice a week in a month, or at intervals not greater than 16 days as provided in the 
Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.
In addition, the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, on 
"Prohibitions Regarding Wages," "Wage Studies, Wage Agreements, and Wage 
Determination," "Administration and Enforcement," "Holidays," "Service Incentive Leaves 
and Service Charges," shall continue to apply, unless higher annual leave is already 
provided under the CBA or by the shipowner as company practice or policy or seafarers' 
employment agreement. In addition, domestic seafarers shall also be entitled to (I) 13th 
month pay pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended, (ii) paid maternity leave 
under Republic Act No. 11210, otherwise known as the 105-Day Expanded Maternity 
Leave Law, (iii) paid paternity leave under Republic Act No. 8187, otherwise known as 
the Paternity Leave Act of 1996, (iv) Paid parental leave for solo parents under Republic 
Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000; (v) paid leave 
for victims of violence against women and their children under Republic Act No. 9262, 
otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, (vi) 
paid special leave due to surgery for any gynecological disorder, under Republic Act No. 
9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women, and retirement pay, pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 7641.
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Domestic seafarers shall also be entitled to SSS, PhilHealth, and Employee 
Compensation Commission (ECC) benefits, HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund, and other applicable 
social protection in accordance with law, regardless of the benefits already provided under 
a contract, CBA, or company practice or policy.
Sec. 54. Employment Contract - There shall be an agreement in writing 
between the shipowner and the seafarer, which shall include the following terms:
(a) 
Seafarer's full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent, and/or residential 
address;
(b) 
Seafarer's Record Book Number, Seafarer's Identity Document Number;
(c) 
Shipowner's name and address;
(d) 
Place where and date when the seafarer's employment agreement is entered into;
(e) 
Duration of the contract;
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Point of hire;
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Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
(h) 
Amount of the seafarer's salary, and the formula used for calculating the same;
(i) 
Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
0) Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but is not limited to, 
overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves, and 
13th-month pay, if applicable;
(k) 
Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
(l) 
Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance coverage 
as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, 
otherwise known as The Migrant Workers Act;
(m) 
Stipulations in case of rescues or other similar undertakings;
(n) 
Separation pay and retirement pay, if applicable;
(o) 
Reference to the CBA, if applicable; and
(p) 
Other benefits in accordance with the law, company policy, or CBA.
The foregoing employment agreement shall be executed by and between the 
shipowner and the seafarer before the commencement of employment, in a language or 
dialect understandable to both parties. The shipowner shall provide the domestic seafarer 
the signed original copy of the agreement and a certified true copy shall be made available 
on board the ship.
The DOLE shall keep a copy of the employment contract between the shipowner 
and the domestic seafarer.
Sec. 55. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest - The
provision of Section 26 shall also apply to domestic seafarers. In addition, waiting time
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shall not be considered as compensable working time if the seafarer is completely relieved 
from his/her duty and can use the time effectively for his/her own purpose.
Sec. 56. Termination of Empioyment of Domestic Seafarers. - The 
termination of employment of a seafarer on board domestic ships shall be governed by 
the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and applicable rules and 
regulations issued by DOLE. In case the termination of employment is initiated by the 
shipowner, the substantial and procedural aspects of due process shall be observed.
Sec. 57. Rescue of Seafarers On-Board Domestic Ships. — The provisions 
under this Act on repatriation, as may be applicable, shall also apply to seafarers working 
on domestic ships. Seafarers on board domestic ships shall be entitled to emergency 
rescues in cases of war, epidemics, abandonment of ships by shipowners, disasters or 
calamities, whether natural or man-made, and other similar events. The Philippine Coast 
Guard and MARINA shall undertake and assist in the rescue of seafarers on board 
domestic ships.
Sec. 58. Contracting or Subcontracting of Services. — The contracting or 
subcontracting of seafarers for work on-board domestic ships shall be governed by 
existing rules and regulations issued by the DOLE.
CHAPTER XV
MANNING LEVELS AND COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT 
OF SHIPS OF PHILIPPINE REGISTRY
Sec. 59. Manning Leveis. -All ships of Philippine registry shall have the required 
minimum manning levels as prescribed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). 
They shall, at all times, 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.
Sec. 60. Crew Competence. - Every member of the crew of a ship of Philippine 
Registry shall possess, in addition to the required medical certificate, the appropriate 
certificate of competency issued by the relevant government agency/ies, setting forth 
his/her competence to serve in the capacity, and perform the functions involved at the 
level of responsibility, for the position held, for the type, tonnage, power, means of 
propulsion, and trading patterns of the ships concerned.
The certificate of competency shall attest that the seafarer to whom it is issued 
meets the requirements for service, age, qualification, and examinations for the position 
held.
Sec. 61. Compliance and Certification. - All ships of Philippine registry shall 
comply with the provisions of this Act. The shipowner and master shall ensure the
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compliance of the ship with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, who shall 
be made principally liable for any violation thereof.
For this purpose, a Maritime Labour Certificate or a certificate of compliance, as 
applicable, shall be issued in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of 
this Act.
Sec. 62. Inspection and Enforcement -
(a) 
The Secretary of Labor or the appropriate Secretary in-charge of migration-related 
matters, or his/her duly authorized representative, shall have the authority to 
inspect all ships of Philippine registry, domestic or ocean-going, to ensure 
compliance with labor standards and occupational safety and health as provided 
under this Act.
The enforcement and compliance monitoring activities may be coordinated and 
conducted by the DOLE with the relevant government agencies, including MARINA 
and PCG, in conjunction with their schedules for inspection and certification.
The Secretary of Labor or the appropriate Secretary in-charge of migration-related 
matters, or his/her duly authorized representative shall have the power to order 
immediate correction of, and impose fines for, violations of the relevant provisions 
of this Act.
If the violation or deficiency constitutes a serious breach of the requirement of this 
Act and its implementing rules and regulations or poses an imminent danger to 
the ships, and/or to the life or limbs of the seafarer, the Secretary of Labor or the 
appropriate Secretary in-charge of migration-related matters, or his/her duly 
authorized representative shall coordinate with the PCG to order the detention of 
the ship immediately until the violation or deficiency is corrected or until a plan of 
action to rectify the non-conformities is shown to be implemented in an expeditious 
manner.
(b) 
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shall have the authority to conduct port state 
control inspections of vessels. Including all foreign-flagged vessels, calling at any 
port of the Philippines, for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, 
control and prevention of maritime pollution, and verification of compliance with 
the minimum standards of training and social condition of officers and crew on 
board the ships. The PCG shall assist relevant agencies in the enforcement of the 
provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, and the MLC, 
2006.
The conduct of port state controls shall be in accordance with international 
conventions and instruments ratified or to be ratified In the future.
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The PCG Commandant or his/her duly authorized representative shall have the 
power to order immediate correction of, and impose fines for, violations of the 
relevant provisions of this Act.
The PCG shall prohibit a ship from leaving port upon the order of the Secretary of 
Labor or the appropriate Secretary in-charge of migration-related matters, or in 
case of finding of non-compliance with the provisions of this Act and the MLC, 
2006 and/or its amendments and the conditions on board are clearly hazardous to 
the safety, health, or security of seafarers. In all cases, the prohibition to leave 
the port shall be in place until the same have been rectified or until a plan of action 
to rectify the non-conformities is shown to be implemented in an expeditious 
manner, and cleared by the Secretary of Labor or the appropriate Secretary in­
charge of migration-related matters.
Sec. 63. Recognized Organizations. - Recognized organizations may be 
authorized by the Secretary of Labor to conduct inspection and issue certification in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations.
A recognized organization shall have the necessary knowledge of the requirements 
of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, MLC, 2006, and other relevant 
international treaties or conventions.
A recognized organization shall also have the necessary and qualified professional, 
technical, and support expertise to carry out the conduct of inspection and issuance of 
certification.
CHAPTER XVI
SHIPBOARD TRAINING OF CADETS
Sec. 64. Applicability. -The provisions of Sections 5 to 17 (Seafarers' Rights), 
Sections 18 to 19 (Women in the Maritime Industry), Section 22 (Medical Certificate), 
Sections 35 to 39 (Accommodation, Recreation Facilities, Food and Catering in Ships), 
Section 40 (Medical Care On Board Ships and Ashore), Sections 45 to 47 (Settlement of 
Disputes), Sections 48 to 50 (Repatriation) shall apply with respect to the training of 
cadets.
Sec. 65. Shipboard Training Agreement for Cadets. - There shall be a 
written agreement among the shipowner, the cadet, and the maritime institution or 
school, which shall embody 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 maritime institution or school;
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(c) 
Name and address of shipowner and its manning and placement agency, if 
applicable;
(d) 
Place and date when the agreement is entered into;
(e) 
Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained;
(f) 
The amount of the cadet's allowance or stipend, if applicable;
(g) 
Required number of hours of training and rest which shall not be less than the 
prescribed hours of rest in Section 23 of this Act;
(h) 
Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company, the Maritime Higher 
Educational Institution (MHEIs), and cadets, as may be provided under the 
Standard Cadet Training Agreement on Ships Engaged in International Voyage of 
the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); and
(i) 
Other benefits in accordance with existing laws, company policy, or agreements. 
In no case shall cadets perform activities outside of the scope of the cadet
shipboard training program.
The foregoing agreement shall be in a language familiar to and understood by all 
parties or in English, executed in four (4) original copies before the commencement of 
the shipboard training. The shipowner, cadet and the maritime institution/school shall 
each have a signed original 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.
Sec. 66. No Discrimination of Women for Shipboard Training. - Women 
cadets shall be accorded equal access to training and shall not be discriminated against 
for shipboard training.
CHAPTER XVII
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS GRANTED TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY 
Sec. 67. 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 upon 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
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ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
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Sec. 68. Role of Government Agencies. -The following government agencies shall
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perform the following functions to promote the welfare and protect the rights of
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seafarers:
(a) 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). CHED shall set the standards and 
monitor the performance of maritime education programs and maritime higher 
education institutions, ensuring that quality maritime education, including curricula 
and training programs, are structured and delivered in accordance with the written 
programs, methods, and media of delivery, procedures, and course materials 
compliant with international standards prescribed under the STCW Convention and 
its amendments. For this purpose, CHED shall be in close coordination with the 
MARINA.
(b) 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). DOLE shall ensure that the 
standards set forth under this Act, Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, and 
other domestic 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 seafarers.
To this end, the DOLE shall establish an effective system for the inspection and 
certification to ensure that the working and living conditions of seafarers are met 
and continue to be met pursuant to the MLC, 2006.
(c) 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). DFA, through its consular offices or foreign 
service posts, in coordination with the appropriate government agency, shall take 
priority action or make representation with the foreign authority concerned to 
protect the rights of seafarers and extend immediate assistance, including the 
repatriation of distressed or beleaguered seafarers.
(d) 
Department of Health (DOH). DOH shall regulate the activities and operations of 
all clinics which conduct medical, physical, optical, dental, psychological, and other 
similar examinations, hereinafter referred to as health examinations, on seafarers. 
The DOH shall determine and prescribe the nature of the medical 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 he/she shall 
be required to perform on board. The DOH shall likewise prescribe the contents of 
the medical certificate to ensure that such certification will genuinely reflect the 
seafarer's state of health.
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(e) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). POEA shall review and
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improve on the working conditions and terms of employment of the officers and
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crew of vessels of Philippine registry, and of such officers and crew members who
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are Filipino citizens and employed by foreign vessels.
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(f) Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA). The OWWA, through its
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welfare officer or, in his absence, the coordinating officer, shall provide the
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seafarers and his/her family all the assistance they may need in the enforcement
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of contractual obligations by agencies and/or by their principals.
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The OWWA shall likewise formulate and implement welfare programs for overseas
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Filipino seafarers and their families while they are abroad and upon their return.
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It shall ensure the awareness by the overseas Filipino workers and their families
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of these programs and other related governmental programs.
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(g) Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The MARINA shall ensure that the
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examination, licensing, and certification system for seafarers are in accordance
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with the requirements prescribed under the STOW Convention, international
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agreements, other conventions relevant thereto, and other applicable laws, rules,
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and regulations.
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(h) National Maritime Polytechnic. The NMP shall strengthen its research capability to
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provide studies/resources for evidenced-based policy decision-making and
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program development, and continuously address gaps in the protection and
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welfare of the seafarers.
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The NMP shall also continue to develop, enhance, and increase the accessibility of
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its gender and women empowerment and training courses for seafarers to the
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maritime industry, which shall be made available in any format, including digital
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and/or e-learning format.
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(i) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG shall undertake port state control
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inspections of vessels calling at any port of the Philippines, in accordance with
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international conventions and standards, for the promotion of safety of life and
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properi?/ at sea, control and prevention of maritime pollution, and verification of
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compliance with the minimum standards of training and social condition of officers
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and crew on board the ships.
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The PCG shall likewise, in line with its function to assist in the enforcement of
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applicable laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, assist the DOLE
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in the enforcement of the rules and regulations issued for the purpose of
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implementing the MLC, 2006, including orders to detain vessels found in gross
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violation of pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
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Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power and function of all
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existing departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including
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government-owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be
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recognized in accordance with law or order creating them.
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Sec. 69. One-Stop Shop Center for OFWs (OSSCO). - There shall be
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established in each region a One Stop Shop Center for OFWs, which shall be co-located
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in the regional offices of the POEA, and shall have, as far as practicable, representatives
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from agencies that process the documents or issue the required licenses, permits and
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clearances required of seafarers.
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Sec. 70. Registry of Seafarers, -The POEA, for ocean-going ships of foreign
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registry, and MARINA, for domestic and ocean-going ships of Philippine registry, shall
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maintain a registry of all seafarers In the Philippines; Provided, that the registry of
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seafarers aboard ocean-going ships shall be integrated to the management information
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system established under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended.
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The registry shall contain updated and relevant information or data to promote
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employment opportunities for seafarers, whether on board or ashore, or to provide a list
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of available training and education to support skills development and competencies of
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seafarers, as well as a digitalized copy of the duly executed contract.
19 
POEA and MARINA shall ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise
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known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," and its implementing rules and regulations in
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handling the relevant information or data of seafarers in their respective registries.
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Sec. 71. Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Standards, -The DOLE,
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in consultation with the maritime industry stakeholders, shall formulate the Maritime
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Occupational Safety and Health Standards (MOSHS) pursuant to the provisions of
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Republic Act No. 11058, otherwise known as the "Occupational Safety and Health Law"
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and pertinent maritime conventions and treaties ratified by the Philippines.
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CHAPTER XIX
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FINAL PROVISIONS
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Sec. 72. Administrative Fines and Penalties, - Any shipowner, master, their
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representatives or other person who fails or refuses to present employment records, such
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as payrolls, daily time records, payslip, or other documents, such as medical records,
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when required by the individual seafarer, the Secretary of Labor or his duly authorized
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representative, or the duly authorized representative of a recognized organization, shall
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be subjected to administrative fines ranging from One Hundred Thousand Pesos
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(Phpl00,000) to One Million Pesos (Phpl,000,000), in accordance with the implementing
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rules and regulations of this Act.
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Sec. 73. Penalties for Violations of Section 68. - Any shipowner, master, 
their representatives who operate without, or fails to present, a valid Maritime Labour 
Certificate, or its equivalent, shall be punished with fines ranging from One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000) to One Million Pesos (Phpl,000,000.00), in accordance 
with the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
Sec. 74. Penalties for Violations of Sections 69 and 70. - Any person who, 
without proper authorization, exercises the authority granted to the Secretary of Labor 
and Employment under Sections 69 and 70 of this Act shall be punished with a fine of 
not less man Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php200,000.00) nor more than Two Million 
Pesos (Php2,000,000), 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.
Sec. 75. Transitory Provision. - All rights, privileges, and benefits previously 
enjoyed by seafarers before the effectivity of this Act, including those set forth in 
Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as 
amended, and Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant Workers and 
Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995," as amended, shall continue to be recognized and shall 
not be diminished after the effectivity of this Act.
Sec. 76. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, in coordination with DFA, MARINA, CHED, 
TESDA, PCG, POEA, OWWA, and other concerned agencies, and upon consultation with 
relevant stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act.
Sec. 77. 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. 78. Repealing Clause. -All laws, presidential decrees, issuances, executive 
orders, letters of instruction, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 79. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Appro ved^
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