NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
s.B. No. 586
Ikh Senate
of tl;e ;g)ra r{arji>
■22 JUL 14 All fl4
RECEIVED BY;
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the Philippines deploying over 300,000 overseas Filipino seafarers (OFS) in 
international ocean-going vessels, the government's continuous efforts to ensure their 
protection and welfare has been strengthened through the ratification of the International 
Seafarer's Bill of Rights, making the Philippines the 30th member-state to sign the 
International Labor Organization's Maritime Labor Convention 2006.
Aimed towards better protection, before, during, and after deployment, increase 
in competency building, education and training, and increase in overall competency 
building, and increase in overall competitiveness and professional advantage of our 
Filipino overseas seafarers, this bill seeks to strengthen the rights of our OFS through 
stronger compensation benefits, clearer institutional accountabilities and more 
hardworking protective mechanisms that can empower the Philippine institutions in their 
protection of OFS within and beyond our borders. This bill seeks to forge clearer 
accountability of specific institutions when it comes to protection of OFS and to ensure 
just compensation of our OFS and relevant social protection.
The passage of this bill Is earnestly sought.
RISA HONTIVEROS V 
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of tl)c fc'i-a'ct<n7>
72 JULU All *04
SENATE
RECEIVED BY:
S.B. No.
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
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:
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CHAPTER I
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DECLARATION OF POLICY
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Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Magna Carta of Filipino
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Seafarers."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
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a) To recognize the rights, contributions and unique role of seafarers as
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essential maritime professionals, as v\^ell as their vulnerabilities, and afford
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them full protection before, during and after their employment;
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b) To recognize that seafarers are a special category of key workers
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providing essential services, and given the global nature of the shipping
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industr/ and the different jurisdictions that seafarers may be brought into
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contact with, they are in need of special protection;
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c) To encourage the participation of women in the seafaring profession and
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contribute meaningfully to the achievement of national development goals
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as productive members of the community;
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d) To maintain and progressively develop a pool of competent and world-
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class seafarers through a system of education, training, certification and
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licensing;
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e) To establish and enhance mechanisms of administrative, adjudicative,
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social and welfare services for seafarers and their families;
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f) To enact laws that adopt and implement the standards set by international
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conventions and agreements regarding the working and living conditions
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and occupational safety and health, among others, of seafarers
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particularly the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006; and


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


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inspected and are compliant with the requirements of the MLC, 2006 and 
of applicable Philippine laws and regulations;
j) Maritime Labour Convention^ 2006 (MLC, 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;
k) Master - refers to a person having command of a ship and acts as the 
shipowners' representative;
l) 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;
m) 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;
n) 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-Iocated 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 Health (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 (Bl), National Bureau of Investigation (NBl), Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of 
Internal Revenue (BIR), and such other government agencies as may be 
appropriate;
o) 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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p) 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;
q) 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;
r) Standard Empioyment Contract (SEC) or Employment Contract- refers to 
a government-prescribed contract containing the minimum terms and 
conditions of employment;
s) 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;
t) 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
u) Shipowner or Principal - 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 
irianager, 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 
SEAFARERS7 RIGHTS
Sec. 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work. - Seafarers shall have the
right to:
a) A safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards;
b) Decent working and living conditions on board a ship;
c) Medical care and confirmatory tests, Vv^elfare measures, and other forms of 
health and social protection;
d) 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
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Participate in Democratic Exercises. - Seafarers shall enjoy the right to self-organization,
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to collectively bargain, to form or join international organization of seafarers or network
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with seafarers of different nationalities, and to participate in the deliberation of issues
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and in the formulation of policies that affect them, including the guarantee of
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representation in governing boards or appointment in government instrumentalities.
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Women seafarers shall also have the right, and be encouraged, to join, assist, or form
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labor unions or associations, or form networks with women seafarers of different
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nationalities.
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Sec. 7. Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and
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Affordable Costs. - Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement and training
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at reasonable and affordable costs.
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Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall:
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a) Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering
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courses related to seafaring;
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b) Pursue grant programs such as scholarships, subsidies, loan assistance and
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other measures that will harness the skills of seafarers toward greater
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competitiveness given to new demands in the industry; and
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c) Promote quality maritime education and training that respond to the needs
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of the industry and in accordance with minimum international maritime
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standards of competency; and
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d) Afford enhanced access to educational advancement and training of women
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in the seafaring industry.
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CHED and MARINA shall work together to mainstream gender and development in the
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curricula of maritime institutions and training centers.
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Sec. 8. Right to Information. - Shipowners, manning agencies, and other
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organizations responsible for the recruitment and placement of seafarers, shall provide
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seafarers relevant information, including the terms and conditions of employment,
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company policies affecting seafarers, obligations of seafarers, conditions and realities
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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
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executed Standard Employment Contract, as well as the results of the medical
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examination conducted on him/her. This right shall also include the right of seafarers'
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organizations to relevant information affecting the terms and conditions of employment
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of their members.
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All ships covered by this Act shall have a copy of the MLC, 2006, the grievance procedures
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available on-board, duly executed Standard Employment Contract of seafarers, and when


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


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Sec. 16. Right to Record of Employment or Certificate of Employment - Ni the 
expiration of the employment contract of the seafarer, the seafarer shall be given a record 
of his/her employment on board the ship, or a certificate of employment, specif/ing the 
length of service, the position the seafarer occupied, an account of his/her final wages, 
and such other relevant information.
Sec. 17. Right to Fair Treatment in the Event of a Maritime Accident - In the event 
of a maritime accident, seafarers shall be treated fairly. They shall be entitled to all the 
rights under the ILO/International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2006 Guidelines on Fair 
Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident and its amendments.
CHAPTER IV
WOMEN IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
Sec. 18. Discrimination Against Women Seafarers. - In addition to the right against 
discrimination on the basis of sex, women seafarers shall be protected from the following 
discriminatory acts:
a) Payment of a lesser compensation, including wage, salary or other form of 
remuneration and fringe benefits, to a male seafarer as against a female 
seafarer, for work of equal value; and
b) Favoring a male seafarer over a female seafarer with respect to promotion, 
training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account of 
their sexes.
Sec. 19. Gender and Development - Shipowners and manning agencies shall 
formulate gender and development policies. In addition, all maritime training institutions 
shall ensure that appropriate gender-sensitive policies are in place to promote the rights 
of women to adequate training and opportunities, free from discrimination, harassment 
and bullying.
CHAPTER V 
SEAFARER'S DUTIES
Sec. 20. Duties of a Seafarer. - Seafarers shall have the following duties:
a) To comply with and observe the terms and conditions of the Standard 
Employment Contract;
b) To abide by lawful and reasonable company personnel policies;
c) To follow and observe the chain and command of the vessel, and to 
comply with the relevant and reasonable policies and procedures on board 
the ship or while ashore, taking into consideration his/her religious 
freedom;
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;


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e) To continually improve his/her professional competency by keeping up-
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to-date with the latest technological and scientific knowledge applied In
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the maritime fields, constant reading and diligent studies, and keen
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observation of shipboard activities;
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f) To be, at all times, orderly and respectful to the shipmates, passengers,
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shippers, stevedores, port authorities, and other persons who have official
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business with the ship; and
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g) To take personal responsibility for his/her health while on board by
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maintaining a healthy lifestyle and complying with medically prescribed
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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 a
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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
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minimum requirements to perform the duty specific to the person's post safely and
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effectively during the validity of the certificate.
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During the conduct of a medical examination, the seafarer shall have the
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responsibility of answering truthfully all questions relating to his/her medical condition
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and/or medical history, including previously known illness, injury, or medical treatment,
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and to make a complete inventory of medication prescribed to him/her by physicians;
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Provided, that the processing of the medical information of the seafarer shall at all times
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comply with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
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For the purposes of this Section, a medical certificate issued in accordance with
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the requirements of STCW shall be accepted.
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Sec. 23. Training and Qualifications. - Only seafarers certified by appropriate
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government agencies in compliance with the STCW and other applicable international
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standards, shall work, be employed, or be engaged on board a ship.
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Sec. 24. Recruitment and Placement - Only duly licensed manning agencies shall
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be allowed to operate and engage in the recruitment and placement of seafarers, in


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accordance with rules and regulations as may be issued by the Secretary of Labor and
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Employment, or the Secretary in-charge of migration-related matters, including the
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deployment of seafarers.
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In all cases, no amount or fee, including placement fees, shall be charged to
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the seafarer in relation to his/her recruitment and placement.
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CHAPTER VII
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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Sec. 25. Standard Employment Contract for Seafarers. - There shall be a Standard
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Employment Contract in writing between the shipowner and the seafarer, which shall
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include, but not be limited to, the folioing information and terms:
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a) Seafarer's full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent, and/or
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residential address;
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b) Seafarer's Record Book Number, Seafarer's Identity Document Number, and
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POEA Seafarer's Registration Number;
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c) Shipowner's name and address;
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d) Place where and date when the seafarer's employment agreement is
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entered into;
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e) Duration of the contract;
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f) Point of hire;
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g) Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
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h) Amount of the seafarer's salary, and the formula used for calculating the
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same;
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I) Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
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j) Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but is not limited to,
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overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves,
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and 13th-month pay, if applicable;
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k) Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
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I) Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance
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coverage as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic
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Act No. 10022, otherwise known as The Migrant Workers Act;
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m) Stipulations on repatriation or similar undertakings;
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n) Separation pay and retirement pay, if applicable;
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0) Reference to the CBA, if applicable; and
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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,
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executed in four (4) oiiginal copies before the commencement of the employment. The
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shipowner and the seafarer shall each have a signed original of the agreement. In
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addition, a signed original shall be made available on board the ship.
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For ocean-going Philippine-registered ships or foreign-registered ships, the POEA shall
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issue a Standard Employment Contract containing the minimum standards to be observed
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in the employment of seafarers. The Standard Employment Contract shall be reviewed
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and updated regularly and must, at all times, be consistent with the MLC, 2006, and other
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existing treaties and conventions governing seafarers, which the Philippines has ratified
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or will ratify in the future.
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Sec. 26. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest- The normal hours
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of work of a seafarer shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day with one (1) rest day per
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week. If the seafarer is required to work beyond eight (8) hours, the maximum hours of
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work shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours in any 24-hour period, and seventy- two (72)
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hours in any seven (7)-day period.
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The minimum hours of rest for every seafarer shall not be less than ten (10) hours in a
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24-hour period. The hours of rest may be divided into two periods, one of which shall be
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at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between the two periods of rest shall not
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exceed fourteen (14) hours.
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In exceptional cases, seafarers in watchkeeping duties may be required to work beyond
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fourteen (14) hours: Provided, that the rest period is not less than seventy (70) hours in
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any seven-day period; Provided, further, that such watchkeeping duties shall not be
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allowed for more than two (2) consecutive weeks; Provided, finally that the intervals
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between the two (2) periods shall not be less than twice the duration of the exception.
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Seafarers shall be granted reasonable periods of shore leaves while the vessel is docked
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for the benefit of their health and well-being, subject to proportionate and specifically
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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 provide in
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the employment contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or
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policy, the seafarers shall be paid an annual leave, to be calculated on the basis of a
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minimum of 4.5 calendar days per month of employment, without prejudice to any future
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increases as may be prescribed by laws, rules, or regulations; provided, that the following
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shall not be counted as part of the annual paid leave:
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a) Public and customary holidays of the Philippines, whether or not they fail
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during the paid annual leave;
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b) Periods of incapacity for work (i) resulting from illness or injury; (ii) due to
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maternity or paternity leave in accordance with law;
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c) Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while employed; or
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d) Compensatory leave of any kind.
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Sec. 28. Wages - Without prejudice to higher rates provided under the Standard
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Employment Contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or policy,
38 
the minimum wage applicable to seafarers on board ocean-going ships of Philippine or
39 
foreign registry shall be as provided in the Standard Employment Contract, which in no
40 
case be lower than the prevailing industry standard on ocean- going seafaring wage rates
11


1 
for officers and other members of the ship's crew, and regularly paid in full at least once
2 
a month.
3 
Sec. 29. Remittance of Wages. - Shipowners shall provide the appropriate facilities
4 
and assistance to the seafarer to enable the seafarer to remit his/her wage to his/her
5 
designated allotee/s in the Philippines through any authorized Philippine bank or financial
6 
intermediary; Provided, that such allotment shall not be less than eighty percent (80%)
7 
of the seafarer's monthly basic salary.
8 
Sec. 30. Limitations on Wage Deductions. - A deduction from the seafarer's wages
9 
shall not be made without his/her written consent unless the deduction is provided for in
10 
the contract of employment and/or is authorized by law.
11 
Sec. 31. Personal Effects. - A seaferer may bring a reasonable number of articles
12 
for personal use on board the ship; Provided, that this shall not inconvenience the ship
13 
or cargo or pose any risk on board the ship. If the seafarers' personal effects are lost or
14 
damaged as a result of shipwreck, loss or stranding, abandonment of the vessel, or as a
15 
result of fire, flooding, collision, or piracy, the shipowner shall reimburse him/her for said
16 
loss or damage, subject to limits prescribed by existing rules and regulations, unless a
17 
higher limit is provided under the existing CBA, but in no case lower than international
18 
standards.
19 
Sec. 32. Social Welfare Benefits. - Without prejudice to established policy, CBA, or
20 
other applicable social agreement, all seafarers shall be members of, and receive the
21 
benefits conferred by, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Social
22 
Security System (SSS), Employees' Compensation and State Insurance Fund, PhilHealth,
23 
HDMF, or Pag-IBIG Fund, and other applicable social protection laws, rules and
24 
regulations, as may now or hereafter be created in favor of Filipino workers and/or OFWs.
25 
Sec. 33. Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits During Public Health Emergencies. - A
26 
seafarer who has contracted an illness or disease during public health emergencies, such
27 
as epidemics or pandemics, while in transit, or is under quarantine, shall be entitled to
28 
paid sick leave and sickness benefits until the seafarer joins the vessel.
29 
Sec. 34. AnthHarassment and Bullying Policies On Board Ships - Shipowners shall
30 
ensure protection to seafarers with policies and accessible procedures to address
31 
harassment and bullying on board ships.
32
33 
CHAPTER VIII
34 
ACCOMMODATION, RECREATION FACILITIES,
35 
FOOD AND CATERING IN SHIPS
36
37 
Sec. 35. Application. - The requirements of this Chapter covering ships of
38 
Philippine Registry shall be applicable to the following:
39 
a) All ocean-going ships and domestic ships constructed on or after the date
40 
when the MLC, 2006 come into force;
12


1 
b) All second-hand ships, whether ocean-going or domestic, acquired or
2 
leased, and entered in the Philippine Registry after the entry date into
3 
force of the said Convention, insofar as they can be reasonably refitted,
4 
unless provided exemption by the relevant Philippine government
5 
agency; and
6 
c) All ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006, which
7 
have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry
8 
into force of the Convention, unless provided exemption by the relevant
9 
Philippine government agency.
10 
Sec. 36. Accommodation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by
11 
appropriate regulations, all ships shall have safe, decent, and adequate accommodations
12 
for seafarers, taking into account the need to protect the health and safety of seafarers
13 
working or living on board the ship. There shall be a basic shipboard facility for women,
14 
such as separate sleeping rooms.
15 
Sec. 37. Requirements for Sanitation. - All ships shall have sanitation facilities that
16 
meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be accessible to
17 
seafarers on board. The sanitation facilities shall be located at convenient places, allowing
18 
for easy access to workstations. Separate sanitation facilities shall also be provided for
19 
male and female crew members of the ship.
20 
Sec. 38. Recreation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by
21 
appropriate regulations, all ships shall have recreation facilities, amenities, and services
22 
that are appropriate and accessible to seafarers; Provided, that domestic ships shall be
23 
exempted from this requirement considering that their trading patterns and length of
24 
voyages allow their crew to go home or to make use of comparable facilities onshore.
25 
Sec. 39. Food and Catering. - All ships shall ensure protection and promotion of
26 
the health of the seafarer. Toward this end, shipowners shall ensure that ships carry on-
27 
board and serve free food and drinking water of appropriate quality, quantity, and
28 
nutritional value that adequately cover the requirements of the ship and take into
29 
consideration the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of the seafarers on board
30 
the ship. The food and drinks in the preparation thereof shall be in accordance with the
31 
standards of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and pertinent laws, rules, and
32 
regulations, and/or with international standards. In all cases, the ship’s cooks shall be
33 
trained and qualified.
34
35 
CHAPTER IX
36 
MEDICAL CARE AND MARITIME OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
37 
AND HEALTH STANDARDS
38
39 
Sec. 40. Medical Care On Board Ships and Ashore. - The shipowner shall provide
40 
adequate medical facility, equipment, paraphernalia, and medical supplies. Including
13


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medicines on board, and shall ensure access to shore facilities for the health of seafarers, 
as well as the corresponding medical or trained personnel who shall provide first-aid and 
medical care.
The medicine chest and its contents, the medical equipment, and the medical guide on 
board shall 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 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 Public Health 
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.
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. Financial Security System to Assist Seafarers in case of Occupational 
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.
14


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CHAPTER X
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Sec. 43. Termination of Employment-
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
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3
4
5
6 
7
Sec. 45. 0/7 board and Onshore Gnevance Machinery. - All ships of Philippine 
registry shall establish a grievance machinery and fair, effective, and expeditious on board 
and onshore procedures, at no cost to the seafarer, for the resolution of grievances or 
complaints.
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
8 
legitimate trade union organization and covered by a CBA, he/she shall be assisted by a
9 
union-designated representative in the proceedings. Any agreements reached by the
10 
parties at the grievance proceedings shall be final and binding.
11 
Sec. 46. Mandatory Conciliation - Mediation. - In the absence of an agreement or
12 
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.
13
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25
26
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28
29
30
31
32
33
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
34 
option, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of his/her next-of- kin, and ail costs
35 
related to the repatriation and/or transport of the personal effects and remains of
36 
seafarers, including the provision on financial security in case of abandonment of
37 
seafarers, shall be borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency
38 
concerned to expedite the repatriation without prior determination of the cause of
39 
repatriation or termination of the seafarer’s employment.
16


1 
Sec. 49. Repatriation Expenses; Advance and Recovery. - The repatriation
2 
expenses that shali be borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency
3 
concerned shall include:
4 
a) Basic pay and allowances from the moment the seafarers leave the ship
5 
until they reach the repatriation destination;
6 
b) Accommodation and food during the journey to the repatriation destination;
7 
c) Transportation charges, the normal mode of transport should be by air;
8 
d) Deployment cost of the principal; and
9 
e) Immigration fees, fines, and penalties.
10 
However, in cases where the termination of employment is for just cause or upon the
11 
request of the seafarer, the cost of repatriation shall be for the account of the seafarer
12 
in accordance with the employment agreement.
13 
The responsibility to provide for the repatriation costs shall be without prejudice to the
14 
right to civil, criminal or other claims in accordance with law or otherwise, particularly in
15 
cases of maritime accident or death other than natural causes.
16 
Sec. 50. Quarantine and Medicai Expenses in Repatriation Due to Infection,
17 
Epidemics or Pandemic. - Before or during the process of repatriation, the expenses of
18 
medicai care and board and lodging for periods spent by seaferers in self-isolation or
19 
quarantine, whether or not the seafarers have symptoms, have been exposed or are
20 
quarantined as a safety precaution for the community, shall be covered by the shipowner
21 
or manning agency until the seafarers have been duly repatriated to the repatriation
22 
destination. Thereafter, medical care and quarantine expenses after repatriation to the
23 
destination shall be borne by the Philippine government, following the whole-of-
24 
government approach In the management of epidemics/pandemics.
25 
Sec. 51. Waiver of Entitlement to Repatnation. - Entitlement to repatriation may
26 
be waived by a seafarer; Provided, That the waiver shall be written, made freely and
27 
voluntarily, with full knowledge of its consequences; Provided, however, that no such
28 
waiver shall be allowed or presumed when a seafarers is abandoned, held captive on or
29 
off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against the ship, or are Incapable
30 
of traveling due to illness, injury or incapacity, or other cases that affect the seafarer’s
31 
safety and security.
32
33 
CHAPTER XIII
34 
REINTEGRATION OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO SEAFARERS
35
36 
Sec. 52. Reintegration. - There shall be developed and implemented a full-cycle
37 
and comprehensive national reintegration program for seafarers, which shall be
38 
embedded in all stages of migration for work beginning from pre-deployment, on-site
39 
during employment and upon return, whether voluntary or involuntar/. The reintegration
40 
program shall cover the different dimensions of support needed by the seafarer, such as
17


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
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Sec. 53. Wages, Holiday Pay, Service Incentive Leave, and other Statutory
10 
Benefits. - The minimum wage rate of seafarers on board ships engaged in domestic
11 
shipping shall be determined by the Regional Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB),
12 
taking into account the peculiarities of the employment arrangement of seafarers and the
13 
criteria for wage-fixing pursuant to Republic Act No. 6727, otherwise known as the "Wage
14 
Rationalization Act;" Provided, that wages for actual work hours and days shall not be
15 
lower than the applicable minimum wage rates for actual work hours and days shall not
16 
be lower than the applicable minimum wage rates in the place where the ship is
17 
registered. Wages of domestic seafarers shall be paid in full and regularly at least twice
18 
a week in a month, or at intervals not greater than 16 days as provided in the Labor Code
19 
of the Philippines, as amended.
20 
In addition, the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, on
21 
"Prohibitions Regarding Wages," "Wage Studies, Wage Agreements, and Wage
22 
Determination," "Administration and Enforcement," "Holidays," "Service Incentive Leaves
23 
and Service Charges," shall continue to apply, unless higher annual leave is already
24 
provided under the CBA or by the shipowner as company practice or policy or seafarers'
25 
employment agreement. In addition, domestic seafarers shall also be entitled to (i) 13th
26 
month pay pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended, (ii) paid maternity leave
27 
under Republic Act No. 11210, otherwise known as the 105- Day Expanded Maternity
28 
Leave Law, (iii) paid paternity leave under Republic Act No. 8187, otherwise known as
29 
the Paternity Leave Act of 1996, (iv) Paid parental leave for solo parents under Republic
30 
Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000; (v) paid leave
31 
for victims of violence against women and their children under Republic Act No. 9262,
32 
otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, (vi)
33 
paid special leave due to surgery for any gynecological disorder, under Republic Act No.
34 
9710, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Women, and retirement pay, pursuant to
35 
Republic Act No. 7641.
36 
Domestic seafarers shall also be entitled to SSS, PhilHealth, and Employee Compensation
37 
Commission (ECC) benefits, HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund, and other applicable social
38 
protection in accordance with law, regardless of the benefits already provided under a
39 
contract, CBA, or company practice or policy.
18


1 
Sec. 54. Employment Contract- There shall be an agreement in writing between
2 
the shipowner and the seafarer, which shall include the following terms:
3 
a) Seafarer's full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent, and/or
4 
residential address;
5 
b) Seafarer's Record Book Number, Seafarer's Identity Document Number;
6 
c) Shipowner's name and address;
7 
d) Place where and date when the seafarer's employment agreement is
8 
entered into;
9 
e) Duration of the contract;
10 
f) Point of hire;
11 
g) Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
12 
h) Amount of the seafarer's salary, and the formula used for calculating the
13 
same;
14 
i) Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
15 
j) Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but is not limited
16 
to, overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid
17 
leaves, and 13th-month pay. If applicable;
18 
k) Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
19 
I) Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance
20 
coverage as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by
21 
Republic Act No. 10022, otherwise known as The Migrant Workers Act;
22 
m) Stipulations in case of rescues or other similar undertakings;
23 
n) Separation pay and retirement pay, if applicable;
24 
o) Reference to the CBA, if applicable; and
25 
p) Other benefits in accordance with the law, company policy, or CBA.
26 
The foregoing employment agreement shall be executed by and between the shipowner
27 
and the seafarer before the commencement of employment, in a language or dialect
28 
understandable to both parties. The shipowner shall provide the domestic seafarer the
29 
signed original copy of the agreement and a certified true copy shall be made available
30 
on board the ship.
31 
The DOLE shall keep a copy of the employment contract between the shipowner and the
32 
domestic seafarer.
33 
Sec. 55. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest- The provision of
34 
Section 26 shall also apply to domestic seafarers. In addition, waiting time shall not be
35 
considered as compensable working time if the seafarer is completely relieved from
36 
his/her duty and can use the time effectively for his/her own purpose.
37 
Sec. 56. Termination of Employment of Domestic Seafarers. - The termination of
38 
employment of a seafarer on board domestic ships shall be governed by the provisions
39 
of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and applicable rules and regulations
19


1 
issued by DOLE. In case the termination of employment is initiated by the shipowner, the
2 
substantial and procedural aspects of due process shall be observed.
3 
Sec. 57. Rescue of Seafarers On-Board Domestic Ships. -The provisions under
4 
this Act on repatriation, as may be applicable, shaii also apply to seafarers working on
5 
domestic ships. Seafarers on board domestic ships shall be entitled to emergency rescues
6 
In cases of war, epidemics, abandonment of ships by shipowners, disasters or calamities,
7 
whether natural or man-made, and other similar events. The Philippine Coast Guard and
8 
MARINA shall undertake and assist in the rescue of seafarers on board domestic ships.
9 
Sec. 58. Contacting or Subcontracting of Services. - The contracting or
10 
subcontracting of seafarers for work on-board domestic ships shall be governed by
11 
existing rules and regulations issued by the DOLE.
12
13 
CHAPTER XV
14 
MANNING LEVELS AND COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF SHIPS OF
15 
PHILIPPINE REGISTRY
16
17 
Sec. 59. Manning Leveis. - All ships of Philippine registry shall have the required
18 
minimum manning levels as prescribed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
19 
They shall, at all times, be manned by a crew that is adequate in terms of size and
20 
qualifications taking into account the need to operate the vessel safely and efficiently.
21 
Sec. 60. Crew Competence. - Every member of the crew of a ship of Philippine
22 
Registry shall possess, in addition to the required medical certificate, the appropriate
23 
certificate of competency issued by the relevant government agency/ies, setting forth
24 
his/her competence to serve in the capacity, and perform the functions involved at the
25 
level of responsibility, for the position held, for the type, tonnage, power, means of
26 
propulsion, and trading patterns of the ships concerned.
27 
The certificate of competency shall attest that the seafarer to whom it is issued meets
28 
the requirements for service, age, qualification, and examinations for the position held.
29 
Sec. 61. Compiiance and Certification. - All ships of Philippine registry shall comply
30 
with the provisions of this Act. The shipowner and master shall ensure the compliance of
31 
the ship with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, who shall be made
32 
principally liable for any violation thereof.
33 
For this purpose, a Maritime Labour Certificate or a certificate of compliance, as
34 
applicable, shall be issued in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of
35 
this Act.
36 
Sec. 62. Inspection and Enforcement -
37 
a) The Secretary of Labor or the appropriate Secretary in-charge of migration-
38 
related matters, or his/her duly authorized representative, shall have the
39 
authority to inspect ail ships of Philippine registry, domestic or ocean-
40 
going, to ensure compliance with labor standards and occupational safety
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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. 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.
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Sec. 63. Recognized Organizations. - Recognized organizations may be authorized
2 
by the Secretary of Labor to conduct inspection and issue certification in accordance with
3 
the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations.
4 
A recognized organization shall have the necessary knowledge of the requirements of this
5 
Act and its implementing rules and regulations, MLC, 2006, and other relevant
6 
international treaties or conventions.
7 
A recognized organization shall also have the necessary and qualified professional,
8 
technical, and support expertise to carry out the conduct of inspection and issuance of
9 
certification.
10
11 
CHAPTER XVI
12 
SHIPBOARD TRAINING OF CADETS
13
14 
Sec. 64. Appiicability. - The provisions of Sections 5 to 17 (Seafarers' Rights),
15 
Sections 18 to 19 (Women in the Maritime Industry), Section 22 (Medical Certificate),
16 
Sections 35 to 39 (Accommodation, Recreation Facilities, Food and Catering in Ships),
17 
Section 40 (Medical Care On Board Ships and Ashore), Sections 45 to 47 (Settlement of
18 
Disputes), Sections 48 to 50 (Repatriation) shall apply with respect to the training of
19 
cadets.
20 
Sec. 65. Shipboard Training Agreement for Cadets. - There shall be a written
21 
agreement among the shipowner, the cadet, and the maritime institution or school, which
22 
shall embody the following information, terms, and conditions;
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a) Cadet's full name, date of birth, birthplace, and age, which should be at
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least 16 years old;
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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,
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if applicable;
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d) Place and date when the agreement is entered into;
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e) Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained;
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f) The amount of the cadet's allowance or stipend, if applicable;
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g) Required number of hours of training and rest which shall not be less than
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the prescribed hours of rest in Section 23 of this Act;
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h) Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company, the Maritime Higher
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Educational Institution (MHEIs), and cadets, as may be provided under the
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Standard Cadet Training Agreement on Ships Engaged 
in International
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Voyage of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 
(POEA);
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and
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i) Other benefits in accordance with existing laws, company policy, or
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agreements.
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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 incentive 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
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Sec. 68. Roie of Government Agencies. - The following government agencies shall 
perform the following functions to promote the welfare and protect the rights of 
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
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treaties and conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory are 
faithfully complied wit 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 Flealth (DOFI). 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.
e) Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). POEA shall review 
and Improve on the working conditions and terms of employment of the 
officers and crew of vessels of Philippine registry, and of such officers and 
crew members who are Filipino citizens and employed by foreign vessels.
f) Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA). The OWWA, through 
Its welfare officer or, in his absence, the coordinating officer, shall provide 
the seafarers and his/her family all the assistance they may need in the 
enforcement of contractual obligations by agencies and/or by 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 
workers and their families of these programs and other related 
governmental programs.
g) Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The MARINA shall ensure that the 
examination, licensing, and certification system for seafarers are in 
accordance with the requirements prescribed under the STOW Convention,
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international agreements, other conventions relevant thereto, and other
2 
applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
3 
h) National Maritime Polytechnic. The NMP shall strengthen its research
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capability to provide studies/resources for evidenced-based policy
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decision-making and program development, and continuously address
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gaps in the protection and welfare of the seafarers. The NMP shall also
7 
continue to develop, enhance, and increase the accessibility of its gender
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and women empowerment and training courses for seafarers to the
9 
maritime industry, which shall be made available in any format, including
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digital 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
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with international conventions and standards, for the promotion of safety
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of life and property at sea, control and prevention of maritime pollution,
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and verification of compliance with the minimum standards of training and
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social condition of officers and crew on board the ships. The PCG shall
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likewise, in line with its function to assist in the enforcement of applicable
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laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, assist the IX)LE in
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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
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gross violation of pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
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Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power and function of all existing
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departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including government-
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owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be recognized in
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accordance with law or order creating them.
26 
Sec. 69. One-Stop Shop Center for OFWs (OSSCO). - There shall be established
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in each region a One Stop Shop Center for OFWs, which shall be co-located in the regional
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offices of the POEA, and shall have, as far as practicable, representatives from agencies
29 
that process the documents or issue the required licenses, permits and clearances
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required of seafarers.
31 
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.
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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, in
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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 lecords, 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
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representatives who operate without, or fails to present, a valid Maritime Labour
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Certificate, or its equivalent, shall be punished with fines ranging from One Hundred
24 
Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000) to One Million Pesos (Phpl,000,000.00), in accordance with
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the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
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Sec. 74. Penalties for Violations of Sections 69 and 70. - Any person who, without
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proper authorization, exercises the authority granted to the Secretary of Labor and
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Employment under Sections 69 and 70 of this Act shall be punished with a fine of not less
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than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php200,000.00) nor more than Two Million Pesos
30 
(Php2,000,000), or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than four (4)
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years, or both at the discretion of the court. The foregoing offense shall prescribe after
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five (5) years from its commission.
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Sec. 75. Transitory Provision. - All rights, privileges, and benefits previously
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enjoyed by seafarers before the effectivity of this Act, including those set forth In
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Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as
36 
amended, and Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant Workers and
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Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995," as amended, shall continue to be recognized and shall
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not be diminished after the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 76. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the
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effectivity of this Act, the DOLE, in coordination with DFA, MARINA, CHED, TESDA, PCG,
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POEA, OWWA, and other concerned agencies, and upon consultation with relevant
2 
stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation
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of this Act.
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Sec. 77. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section, clause or term of
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this Act is held to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such
6 
declaration shall remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 78. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, issuances, executive
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orders, letters of instruction, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this
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Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 79, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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