Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our country is recognized as the world’s largest source of seafarers, with an estimated 
700,000 deployed on domestic or foreign-flagged seagoing vessels. In 2019, it was recorded 
that there were 380,000 Filipino seafarers overseas. More and more Filipinos are actively 
seeking seafaring jobs to provide for their families despite the pandemic. In turn, the Philippine 
economy benefits from their remittances. In 2019, Filipino seafarers contributed 6.5 Billion 
USD and in 2020, 6.3 Billion USD.1  
Unlike other Overseas Filipino Workers, Filipino seafarers face unique challenges attached to 
their movement from international waters to different ports of call in various countries. Hence, 
the laws protecting them can be vague and elusive. They are likewise prone to illegal 
recruitment and other forms of abuses.   
However, the Philippines ratified the 2006 Maritime Labor Convention. It is high time to enact 
legislation in addition to our existing labor laws and social legislation such as our Migrant 
Workers Act in order for us to adhere to internationally recognized instruments such as those 
from the International Labor Organization and International Maritime Organization. 
This proposed bill seeks the protection of rights and welfare of the Filipino seafarers in 
accordance with the Maritime Labor Convention. It shall serve as a guide from training and 
recruitment to the seafarer’s retirement. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is hereby earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
 MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 
1 https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2021ch5_en.pdf 
July 22, 2022
4:34 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 
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: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Filipino 
Seafarers." 
SECTION 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 maritime 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
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(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
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 a 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. 
SECTION 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 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.
SECTION 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 within Philippine territorial or
internal waters, for hire or compensation, with general or limited clientele,


 
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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 
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 BALC, 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; 
(e) 
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;  
(f) 
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 refer 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. 


5
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 Transportation, Bachelor of Science in
Marine 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 compliant with the requirements of Philippine laws and regulations;
(k)
Maritime Training Institute or MTI refers to private or and 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 than 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.


 
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(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 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 operation and 
management of the ship, 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 II 
SEAFARERS' RIGHTS 
SECTION 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 MCs, when applicable.  
 
SECTION 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. 
 


 
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SECTION 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 Il 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. 
 
SECTION 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 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. 
 
SECTION 9. Right to Information of Seafarer's Family. — In cases 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). 
 
SECTION 10. Right to Consultation. — Seafarers and maritime industry 
stakeholders shall be adequately consulted on matters affecting seafarers and their 


 
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families before any maritime policy, executive issuance, rule or regulation is 
promulgated, or before any maritime law is enacted. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 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. 


 
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CHAPTER III 
DUTIES OF SEAFARERS 
SECTION 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 the 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 
SECTION 17. Minimum Age. — No person below eighteen (18) years old, other than 
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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 


 
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For the purpose 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. 
 
SECTION 19. Training and Qualifications. — Only seafarers certified by appropriate 
government agencies shall work, be employed or be engaged on board a ship. 
 
SECTION 
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. 
 
SECTION 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 
SECTION 22. Applicability. — The shipboard training of cadets shall be governed by 
this Chapter, Sections 7-12 of Chapter II, Section 18 of Chapter IV, Chapter VII, 
Chapter IX, Chapter X, and Section 59 of Chapter XV hereof. 
 
SECTION 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; 


 
11
(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 of Science in Maritime Transportation 
(BSMT) or Bachelor of Science in Maritime Engineering (BSMT) programs in MHEIs 
that meet the above requirement are approved or accredited. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
TERMS AND CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT 
SECTION 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 agreements; 
 
The SEC shall stipulate that Filipino seafarer 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 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 


 
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Trainees, probationary crew members and others similarly situated shall be paid 
full minimum wage in accordance with the services rendered. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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 or 
self-isolation, shall be entitled to paid sick leave or sickness benefits as long as they 
are incapacitated or unable to work. 
 


 
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SECTION 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 
SECTION 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 
transportation of at least thirty kilograms (30 kg) of the seafarers' 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 a 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. 
 
SECTION 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 


 
15
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. 
The DFA shall take the lead in the repatriation of the affected seafarers in areas 
where there is no Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).  
 
SECTION 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.  
 
SECTION 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 entitled 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 
MANNNG REQUIREMENT 


 
16
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 36. Registry of Seafarers. — 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 MARINA, 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, skills and competency development programs for seafarers. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
CHAPTER IX 


 
17
ACCOMODATION, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, FOOD AND CATERING 
SECTION 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.  
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 42. Application. — The requirements 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 NILC, 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 


 
18
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. 
 
SECTION 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 
SECTION 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 and 
medical care pursuant to the 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 
right to 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, 


 
19
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. 
 
SECTION 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 the 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 regulations 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 Xl 
EMPOWERMENT OF FILIPINO WOMEN SEAFARERS 
SECTION 46. Enhanced Access to Educational Advancement and Training. — 
Women seafarers shall be given enhanced access to educational advancement and 


 
20
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. 
 
SECTION 47. Conscientization. — Women seafarers shall be made aware of their 
condition and shall be informed about their human rights through gender-awareness 
and women3 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. 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 49. Seafarers' 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  
 
SECTION 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 


 
21
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. 
 
         
SECTION 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 
SECTION 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-IBIG Fund), and the OWWA, and 
shall enjoy the benefits afforded pursuant to membership thereof. 
 
SECTION 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 
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 
SECTION 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. 


 
22
For this purpose, a Maritime Labor Certificate or a certificate of compliance, as 
applicable, shall be issued in accordance with the IRR. 
 
SECTION 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 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 and 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
A recognized organization must have the necessary knowledge of the 
requirements of this Act and its IRR, the ÄCC, 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 


 
23
SECTION 57. Termination of Employment. 
(a) 
The employment of Filipino 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, 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). 
 
SECTION 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 the effect of such 


 
24
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 of Filipino seafarers subjected to contract 
extensions. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 442, 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 
REINTEGRATION FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO SEAFARERS 


 
25
SECTION 61. Reintegration. — Returning or unemployed overseas Filipino seafarers 
may avail of the livelihood development and training programs, placements and other 
services of the DOLE and other concerned government agencies, including OWWA, 
National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), Technical Education and Skills 
Development Authority (TESDA), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), NMP 
and CHED. 
These agencies shall formulate skills upgrading or retraining curricula to meet 
the needs 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. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as 
amended. 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS GRANTED TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY 
SECTION 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 


 
26
SECTION 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 window 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. 
 
SECTION 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 
SECTION 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 


 
27
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 required 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. 
 
(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. 
 
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 


 
28
workers and their families of these programs and other related 
governmental programs 
 
(f) 
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. 
 
(g) 
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. 
 
(h) 
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. 
 
(i) 
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. 
 


 
29
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, specifically 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  
 
SECTION 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. 
 
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 


 
30
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 
SECTION 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 MTC 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 
SECTION 68. Administrative Fines and Penalties. — Any shipowner, master, their 
representative or other competent person who fans 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. 
 
SECTION 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 


 
31
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 (I) 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.  
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 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,