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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
•22 JUL-7 P3 *08
RlXEiVLD BY;
SENATE
i S. B. NO. 137
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the State 
shall afford full protection to labor, local, and overseas. One category of these overseas 
workers are the seafarers whose numbers have steadily increased throughout the years.
Citing the BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping Seafarer Workforce 
Report for 2021, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development noted that 
around the world, there are 1,892,720 seafarers, of whom 857,540 are officers and 
1,035,180 are ratings.1 Of these numbers, the report revealed that the largest supplier for 
both officers and ratings is the Philippines, followed by Russia, Indonesia, China, and 
India.2 These countries constitute 44% of the seafarer workforce around the world.3 By 
the end of 2021, data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration shows 
that the total number of deployed sea-based Overseas Filipino Workers was 345,517.4
Furthermore, the seafarers’ contribution, through their remittances, to the 
Philippine economy is undeniable. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), 
Filipino seafarers have remitted over USD6.545 billion in 2021 alone.5 Despite their 
significant contributions, however, they are often overshadowed by the country’s land- 
based overseas workers. 'V '•
U:.# '
1 United Nations Conference on Trade -and Development, Review of Maritime 
https://unctad.orq/svstem/files/official-document/rilTt2Q21 en O.odf (last accessed July 3, 2022).
3 Id. 
.-;i
4 Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration as of December 2021.
5 
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,.; Overseas Filipinos’ Cash 
https://www.bso.Qov.Dh/Statistics/External/Table%2^11 .Pdf (last accessed My 3, 2022).
f
Transport 2021, available at
Remittances, available -at


D 
fd.d^0n;ihe country’s current laws protecting migrant workers, particularly
Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, also known as the Overseas Filipinos and Migrant 
Workers Act, do not adequately address the needs of seafarers, especially considering 
peculiar circumstances that they are facing while working aboard ocean-going ships. 
For example Filipino seafarers face the risk of abuse, exploitation and contract violations 
by their employers in the open seas with limited access to welfare services from Philippine
e^,]uaSr^ieS adr0ad‘ 
Congress, we filed and successfully Sponsored the creation
of the Department of Migrant Workers, which was eventually signed into law through the 
passage of Republic Act No. 11641.6 
’ y
Nonetheless, there is still a need to continue prioritizing and promoting the welfare 
and the protection of the rights of Filipino seafarers. This bill, aiTlong others, seeks to 
establish the rights of seafarers on board Philippine- and foreign-registered ships 
undertaking international voyages; enumerate the duties of employers, seafarers and 
Philippine government agencies; and setting minimum standards for the training, 
accommodation, work facilities, education, repatriation, and occupational safety and 
health of seafarers, among others.
This bill likewise prioritizes the empowerment of women in,-the mantime industry 
through requiring the formulation of gender-sensitive policies to prbmote women’s rights 
to adequate training opportunities and to freedom from discrimination, harassment and 
bullying, among others.
In 2020, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) called on the Member 
States to recognize seafarers as key workers - and to provide them with the support, 
assistance and travel options open to all key workers during the pandemic.”7
This bill is an answer to IMO’s call.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is highly recommended.
SENATOR JO^ VILLANUEVAjb.
6 https.7/www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2021/12/30/republic-act-no-11641/.
7 International Maritime Organization, UN Day of the Seafarer highlights the sacrifice of key workers at sea during the pandemic 
accessible at httP_s7/www.imo,prfl/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefinqs/Paaes/20-DOTS-2Q2Q.asf)x. (last accessed July 3, 2022).


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
)
o( lije
•22 JUL-7 P3:08
SENATE 
S.B. No. 137
RECEIVt'O BY:
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
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
DECLARATION OF POLICY
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers.”
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - it is hereby declared the policy of the State;
(a) 
To recognize the rights, contributions, and unique role of seafarers as essential 
maritime professionals, acknowledge their vulnerabilities, and afford them full 
protection before, during, and after their employment;
(b) 
To recognize that seafarers are a special category of key workers providing 
essential services, and given the global nature of the shipping industry and the 
different jurisdictions that seafarers may be brought into contact with, they are in 
need of special protection;
(c) 
To encourage the participation of women in the seafaring profession and contribute 
meaningfully to the achievement of national development goals as productive 
members of the community;
(d) 
To maintain and progressively develop a pool of competent and world-class 
seafarers through a system of education, training, certification, and licensing;
(e) 
To enact laws that adopt and implement the standards set by international 
conventions and agreements regarding the working and living conditions and 
occupational safety and health, among others, of seafarers, particularly the 
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006); and


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(f) To recognize shipowners, maritime higher education institutions, and licensed 
manning agencies as vital partners in promoting the rights, welfare skills and 
competencies of seafarers.
Toward these ends, the State shall endeavor to improve the seafarers’ working conditions, 
terms and conditions of employment, and career prospects, and to provide them' 
opportunities to harness their potentials to the fullest. The State shall also uplift the socio­
economic well-being of the seafarers’ families.
CHAPTER II
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover:
(a) All Filipino seafarers who are to be engaged, engaged, employed, or working in 
any capacity, on board Philippine ships that undertake international voyages or 
foreign-registered ships, except those to be engaged, engaged, employed, or 
working in the following categories of ships;
(1) Warships, naval auxiliaries, and Coast Guard vessels;
(2) Government ships not engaged in commercial operations;
(3) Ships of traditional built, as may be defined under existing rules and regulations;
(4) Fishing vessels, as may be defined by appropriate rules and regulations to be 
issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in consultation 
with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other relevant 
stakeholders.
For the purpose of this Act, a seafarer is deemed “to be engaged” as such if the seafarer 
has been contracted for overseas employment but has yet to leave the Philippines.
All Filipino seafarers on board Philippine registered domestic ships engaged in trade and 
commerce navigating exclusively between Philippine ports and within Philippine territorial 
or internal waters shall be covered primarily by the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 
442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, Republic Act 
No. 11058, entitled “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and 
Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” and other related labor, 
social and welfare benefits laws. For this purpose, the DOLE shall issue the appropriate 
rules and regulations to govern the employment of domestic seafarers.
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall have the 
following meaning;
(a) Abandonment refers to a situation where, in violation of the terms of the 
employment contract, the shipowner;
(1) Fails to cover the cost of the seafarer’s repatriation;
(2) Has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or


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(b)
(C)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
G)
(k)
(3) Has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer, including failure to 
pay contractual wages for a period of at least two (2) months;
Cadet refers to a student of a maritime educational institution who is required to 
undergo training on board registered international or domestic ships to fulfill a 
maritime degree or technical course;
International Maritime Convention or International Convention refers to any 
written treaty or agreement, or any protocol or amendment thereto, affecting the 
maritime industry, which has come into force and effect, including the MLC, 2006;
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers or STCW refers to the international convention that 
establishes the minimum standards relating to training, certification, and 
watchkeeping for seafarers, which the Philippines acceded to on May 22, 1984;
Manning Agency refers to a natural or juridical person duly licensed by the 
Secretary of the Department to engage in the recruitment and placement of 
seafarers;
Maritime Accident refers to any unforeseen occurrence or physical event 
connected to the navigation, operations, maneuvering, or handling of ships, or the 
machinery, equipment, material, or cargo on board such ships which may result in 
the detention of seafarers;
Maritime Industry Stakeholders refer to all private stakeholders engaged in the 
business of owning, managing, chartering, or operating domestic and international 
ship/s of Philippine or foreign registry, manning of ships, management ports, 
stevedoring and arrastre services, ship brokering and chartering, ship-building and 
ship repair, providing maritime services, such as ship supplies and provisions, 
maritime education and training, shipping agency, and other similar activities.
This term shall also include bona fide maritime labor organizations, professional 
associations of seafarers, associations promoting seafarers’ welfare, and women’s 
maritime organizations;
Maritime Labour Certificate refers to the document that certifies that the working 
and living conditions of the seafarers on the ship have been inspected and are 
compliant with the requirements of the MLC, 2006 and of applicable Philippine laws 
and regulations;
Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 or 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;
Master refers to a person having command of a ship and acts as the shipowners’ 
representative;
Ocean-Going Ship refers to a ship other than those which navigate exclusively in 
inland water or in water within or closely adjacent to sheltered water, or areas 
where port regulations apply;


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(l) 
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;
(m) 
One-Stop-Shop Center refers to the one-stop shop 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, and shall be the venue for the acquisition of relevant 
clearances and permits, validation of overseas job offers, availmentof reintegration 
services and all pertinent seminars and workshops for all stakeholders, among 
others, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11641, entitled “An Act Creating the 
Department of Migrant Workers, Defining its Powers and Functions, Rationalizing 
the Organization and Functions of Government Agencies related to Overseas 
Employment and Labor Migration, Appropriating Funds Therefor and For Other 
Purposes”;
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;
Recognized Organizations refer to organizations recognized by the DOLE to 
carry out inspections or issue the Maritime Labour Certificate in accordance with 
the scope of activities covered by their authorizations;
Repatriation refers to the process of returning a seafarer to the point of 
destination, which shall be at the point of hire or the seafarer’s place of domicile, 
at the option of the seafarer, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of 
his/her next-of-kin;
(q) 
Standard Employment Contract or Employment Contract or SEC refers to a 
government-prescribed contract containing the minimum terms and conditions of 
employment;
(r) 
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;
(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
(t) 
Shipowner or Principal refers to the owner of the ship employing Filipino 
seafarers to work on board Philippine ships that undertake international voyages 
and foreign-registered ships engaged in international trade, or any other 
organization or person, such as the manager, agent, or bareboat charterer, who 
has assumed the responsibility for the operation and management of the ship from 
the shipowner, and who, in assuming such responsibilities, has agreed to take over 
all the attendant duties and responsibilities of a shipowner under this Act, 
regardless of whether any other organization or persons fulfill certain duties or 
responsibilities on behalf of the shipowner.
(n)
(o)
(P)


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CHAPTER III 
SEAFARER’S RIGHTS
SEC. 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work. - Seafarers 
to:
shall have the right
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
A safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards;
Decent working and living conditions on board a ship;
Medical care and confirmatory tests, welfare measures, and other forms of health 
and social protection:
Fair terms and conditions of employment, including salary commensurate to their 
rank, hours of work, paid sick leave or sickness benefits, the maximum number of 
hours of work, and minimum hours of rest periods, consistent with Philippine laws 
or international maritime conventions; and
Compensation and benefits in the event of death or long-term disability for 
occupational injuries, illnesses, hazards.
bE£' -6' flght Self-Organization, to Engage in Collective Bargaining, and to 
Partrcipate in Democratic Exercises. - Seafarers shall enjoy the right to self- 
organization to collectively bargain, to form or join international organization of seafarers 
or network w/ith seafarers of different nationalities, and to participate in the deliberation of 
issues and in the formulation of policies that affect them, including, as far as practicable
Instru^entanties"1 9°Verr"n9 boards or appointment in government agencies or
Women seafarers shall also have the right, and be encouraged, to join, assist, or form 
labor unions or associations, or form networks with women seafarers of different 
nationalities.
A«CU7L.Ri?.ht *° Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and 
Affordable Costs. - Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement and 
training at reasonable and affordable costs.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall;
Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering courses 
related to seafaring;
Pursue grant programs, such as scholarships, subsidies, loan assistance, and 
other measures that will harness the skills of seafarers toward greater 
competitiveness given the new and evolving demands in the industry:
Promote quality maritime education and training that respond to the needs of the 
industry and in accordance with minimum international maritime standards of 
competency; and
Afford enhanced access to educational advancement and training of women in the 
seafaring industry.


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CHED and MARINA shall work together to mainstream gender and development in the 
curricula of maritime institutions and training centers.
SEC. 8. Right to Information. - Shipowners, manning agencies, and other organizations 
responsible for the recruitment and placement of seafarers, shall provide seafarers 
relevant mformation, including the terms and conditions of employment, company policies 
affecting seafarers, obligations of seafarers, conditions and realities attending to their 
profess'on, and necessary laws and regulations of countries covered by their sojourn. In 
add'tion the seafarers shall, at all times, be furnished a copy of the duly executed 
Standard Employment Contract, as well as the results of the medical examination 
conducted on him/her. This right shall also include the right of seafarers’ organizations to 
relevant information affecting the terms and conditions oi employment of their members 
of 2012t0 pr0Visi0nS 0f RePublic Act No- 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act
All ships covered by this Act shall have a copy of the MLC, 2006, the grievance 
procedures available on board, duly executed Standard Employment Contract of 
seafarers, and when there is a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a copy of such 
agreement, which shall be readily accessible and available to the seafarers.
SEC. 9. Right to Information of a Seafarer's Family or Next-of-Kin. - In critical 
incidents, such as accidents or deaths on board or offshore, piracy, abandonment of 
vessel, and other similar cases, the seafarer’s family or next-of-kin shall be immediately 
informed of the incident, including investigation reports, action/s taken, and plans by the 
shipowner and the manning agency concerned.
In addition, it shall be the duty of the shipowner and the manning agency, within a 
reasonable period of time, to report to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the 
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act (OWWA) such incident and the details of 
the family or next-of-kin of the concerned seafarer/s, which shall subsequently provide the 
appropriate assistance.
SEC. 10. Right to Safe Passage and Safe Travel. - Seafarers shall be accorded the 
rights to safe passage and safe travel, including the right to embark and disembark in third 
countries when in transit, and the right to be repatriated and return home.
SEC. 11. Right to Consultation. - Seafarers and maritime stakeholders shall be 
adequately consulted before adopting any maritime policy, executive issuance, rules or 
regulations, or in the enactment of any maritime law that may directly affect the k^afarers 
and/or their families and beneficiaries.
SEC. 12. Right against Discrimination. - Seafarers shall have the right to be protected 
from discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, or political opinion, as well as 
on the basis of disablement, taking into consideration the inherent requirements of the 
particular job or undertaking. Career opportunities shall be promoted, and appropriate 
working and living conditions shall be guaranteed equally among male and female 
seafarers.
SEC. 13. Right to be Protected Against All Forms of Harassment and Bullying. —
Seafarers shall be protected against all forms of harassment and bullying while on board 
their ships. The shipowner shall put policies in place for the protection of all crew members. 
Maritime stakeholders and seafarers shall ensure that harassment and bullying do not 
take place.


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Shipowners and manning agencies shaii aiso estabiish heipiines and grievance 
mechanisms for all victims of harassment and bullying.
SEC. 14. Right to Free Legal Representation. - Seafarers who are victims of violations 
of the provisions of this Act or whose contracts have been breached, who cannot afford 
the services of a competent and independent counsel, shall have the right to free legal 
assistance and protection at the government’s expense, and to the fair and speedy 
disposition of the case, including the expeditious settlement of any money claims subject 
to existing rules and regulations.
SEC. 15. Right to Access to Communication. - Seafarers, especially during their free 
time or when they are not on duty, shall have reasonable access to chip-to-shore 
telephone communications, email, and internet facilities, where available.
SEC. 16. Right to Record of Employment or Certificate of Employment. - The
seafarer shall have a right to the record of his/her employment on board the ship, or a 
certificate of employment, specifying 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;


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(c) 
To follow and observe the chain of 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;
(e) 
To continually improve his/her professional competency by keeping up-to-date with 
the latest technological and scientific knowledge applied in the maritime fields, 
constant reading and diligent studies, and keen observation of shipboard activities;
(f) 
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
(g) 
To take personal responsibility for his/her health while on board by maintaining a 
healthy lifestyle and complying with medically prescribed instructions.
CHAPTER VI
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEAFARERS
SEC. 21. 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 navigating international waters, as well as on board foreign-registered ships.
SEC. 22. Medicai Certificates. - No seafarer shall be employed, engaged, or otherwise 
allowed to work on board Philippine-registered ships navigating international waters or 
ocean-going ship unless a medical certificate has been issued declaring the seafarer to 
be fit to work.
For this purpose, the seafarer shall hold a valid medical certificate issued by a medical 
facility duly accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), in accordance with its rules 
and regulations.
The medicai certificate shall certify that the person is expected to meet the minimum 
requirements to perform the duty specific to the person’s post safely and effectively during 
the validity of the certificate.
During the conduct of a medical examination, the seafarer shall have the responsibility of 
answering truthfully all questions relating to his/her medical condition and/or medical 
history, including previously known illness, injury, or medical treatment, and to make a 
complete inventory of medication prescribed to him/her by physicians; Provided, that the 
processing of the medical information of the seafarer shall at all times comply with the 
provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
For the purposes of this Section, a medical certificate issued in accordance with the 
requirements of STCW shall be accepted.
SEC. 23. Training and Qualifications. - Only seafarers certified by appropriate 
government agencies in compliance with the STCW and other applicable international 
standards, shall work, be employed, or be engaged on board a ship.


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SEC. 24. Recruitment and Placement. - Only duly licensed manning agencies shall be 
allowed to operate and engage in the recruitment and placement of seafarers, in 
accordance with rules and regulations as may be issued by the Secretary of Labor and 
Employment, or the Secretary in-charge of migration-related matters, including the 
deployment of seafarers.
In all cases, no amount or fee, including placement fees, shall be charged to the seafarer 
in relation to his/her recruitment and placement.
CHAPTER VII
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
SEC. 25. Standard Employment Contract for Seafarers. - There shall be a Standard 
Employment Contract in writing between the shipowner and the seafarer, which shall 
include, but not be limited to, the following information and terms:
(a) 
Seafarer’s full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent, and/or residential 
address:
(b) 
Seafarer’s Record Book Number, Seafarer’s Identity Document Number,
Seafarer’s Registration Number, and other necessary documentation required of 
seafarers by other appropriate government agencies;
(c) 
Shipowner’s name and address;
(d) 
Place where and date when the seafarer’s employment agreement is entered into;
(e) 
Duration of the contract;
(f) 
Point of hire;
(g) 
Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
(h) 
Amount of the seafarer’s salary, and the formula used for calculating the same;
(i) 
Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
(j) 
Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but is not limited to, 
overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves, and 13th- 
month pay, if applicable;
(k) 
Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
(l) 
Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance coverage 
as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, 
otherwise known as the Migrant Workers Act, and Section 6(n) of Republic Act No. 
11641, otherwise known as the Department of Migrant Workers Act;
(m) 
Stipulations on repatriation or similar undertakings;
(n) 
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(o) 
Reference to the CBA, if applicable; and
(p) 
Other benefits in accordance with law, company policy, or CBA.
The employment contract shall be in a working language or in the English language, 
executed in four (4) original copies before the commencement of the employment. The 
shipowner and the seafarer shall each have a signed original of the agreement. In addition, 
a signed original shall be made available on board the ship.
For ocean-going Philippine-registered ships or foreign-registered ships, the DMW shall 
issue a Standard Employment Contract containing the minimum standards to be observed 
in the employment of seafarers. The Standard Employment Contract shall be reviewed 
and updated regularly and must, at all times, be consistent with the MLC, 2006, and other 
existing treaties and conventions governing seafarers, which the Philippines has ratified 
or will ratify in the future.
SEC. 26. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest. -- The normal hours 
of work of a seafarer shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day with one (1) rest day per week. 
If the seafarer is required to work beyond eight (8) hours, the maximum hours of work 
shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours in any 24-hour period, and seventy-two (72) hours in 
any seven (7)-day period.
The minimum hours of rest for every seafarer shall not be less than ten (10) hours in a 
24-hour period. The hours of rest may be divided into two periods, one of which shall be 
at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between the two periods of rest shall not 
exceed fourteen (14) hours.
In exceptional cases, seafarers in watchkeeping duties may be required to work beyond 
fourteen (14) hours: Provided, that the rest period is not less than seventy (70) hours in 
any seven-day period; Provided, further, that such watchkeeping duties shall not be 
allowed for more than two (2) consecutive weeks; Provided, finally, that the intervals 
between the two (2) periods shall not be less than twice the duration of the exception.
Seafarers shall be granted reasonable periods of shore leaves while the vessel is docked 
for the benefit of their health and well-being, subject to proportionate and specifically 
adopted rules, regulations, and measures of the Port State.
SEC. 27. Paid Annual Leave. - Unless a higher annual leave is already provided in the 
employment contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or policy, 
the seafarers shall be paid an annual leave, to be calculated on the basis of a minimum 
of 4.5 calendar days per month of employment, without prejudice to any future in creases 
as may be prescribed by laws, rules, or regulations; Provided, that the following shall not 
be counted as part of the annual paid leave:
(a) 
PubHc and customary holidays of the Philippines, whether or not they fall during 
the paid annual leave;
(b) 
Periods of incapacity for work (i) resulting from illness or injur\/; (ii) due to maternity 
or paternity leave in accordance with law;
(c) 
Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while employed; or
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(d) Compensatory leave of any kind.
SEC 28. Wages. - Without prejudice to higher rates provided under the Standard 
Employment Contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or policy 
the minimum wage applicable to seafarers on board ocean-going ships of Philippine or 
foreign registry shall be as provided in the Standard Employment Contract whiih in no 
case be lower than the prevailing industry standard on ocean-going seafaring wage rates
l0m0on'tCherS a memberS 0f the Ship S CreW- and regulady P^id in ful1 at^east
®E9-f9- Remittance of Wages. - Shipowners shall provide the appropriate facilities and 
assistance to the seafarer to enable the seafarer to remit his/her wages to his/her
a p'®®7®th® PhlllPPlnes through any authorized Philippine bank or financial 
intermediary; Provided, .hat sucli allotment shall not be less than eighty percent (80%) of 
the seafarer’s monthly basic salary. 
'
3?'Llmitations on Wa9e Deductions. - A deduction from the seafarer’s wages 
shall not be made without his/her written consent unless the deduction is provided for in 
the contract of employment and/or is authorized by law.
SEC. 31 Personal Effects. - A seafarer may bring a reasonable number of articles for 
personal use on board the ship; Provided, that this shall not inconvenience the ship or 
cargo or pose any risk on board the ship. If the seafarers’ personal effects are lost or 
damaged as a result of shipwreck, loss or stranding, abandonment of the vessel, or as a 
result of fire, flooding, collision, or piracy, the shipowner shall reimburse him/her for said 
loss or damage, subject to limits prescribed by existing rules and regulations, unless a
higher limit is provided under the existing CBA. but in no case lower than international 
standards.
SEC. 32. Social Welfare Benefits. - Without prejudice to established policy, CBA or 
other applicable social agreement, all seafarers shall be members of, and receive the 
benefits conferred by, the OWWA, Social Security System (SSS) Employees’
and r?tate lnsurance Fund- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation 
(PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and other applicable 
social protection laws, rules and regulations, as may now or hereafter be createa in favor 
of Filipino workers and/or OFWs.
SEC. 33. Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits During Public Health Emergencies. - A
seafarer who has contracted an illness or disease during public health emergencies, such 
as epidemics or pandemics, while in transit, or is under quarantine, shall be entitled to 
paid sick leave and sickness benefits until the seafarer joins the vessel.
SEC. 34. Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policies On Board Ships. - Shipowners shall 
ensure protection to seafarers with policies and accessible procedures to address 
harassment and bullying on board ships.
CHAPTER VIII
ACCOMMODATION, RECREATION FACILITIES,
FOOD AND CATERING IN SHIPS
SEC. 35. Application. - The requirements of this Chapter covering ships of Philippine 
Registry shall be applicable to the following:
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(a)
(b)
(C)
intoTrce"90in9 Sh'PS COnStmcted on or after the date when the MLC, 2006 come
Phir^Cean D0in9+ seaond‘hand ships- acquired or leased, and entered in the 
thp PrLne KegiStry afteur,the entry date into force of the said Convention, insofar as 
ey can be reasonably refitted, unless provided exemption by the relevant
Philippine government agency; and
A11 0ueuan'90in9 Ships cor|structed prior to the entry into force of the MLC 2006 
which have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry into
orce of the Convention, unless provided exemption by the relevant Philippine 
government agency.
SEC. 36 Accommodation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or bv
fnPrP«=frla re?u'atlons; 3,1 shiP® shaN have safe, decent, and adequate accommodations 
or seafarers, taking into account the need to protect the health and safety of seafarers
king or living on board the ship. There shall be a basic shipboard facility for women 
such as separate sleeping rooms. 
women,
i7' Rec'.uirements for Sanitation. - All ships shall have sanitation facilities that 
meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be accessible to 
seafarers on board. The sanitation facilities shall be located at convenient places, allowinq 
for easy access to workstations. Separate sanitation facilities shall also be provided for 
male and female crew members of the ship.
SEC. 38. Recreation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by appropriate
regulations, all ships shall have recreation facilities, amenities, and services that are 
appropriate and accessible to seafarers.
hffi^h3 «r00d fnd <??tering- - AI1 sh'Ps shal1 ensure protection and promotion of the 
ealth of the seafarer. Toward this end, shipowners shall ensure that ships carry on-board
f0?d| and dri.nuking water of appropriate quality, quantity, and nutritional 
.^u® that adequate y cover the requirements of the ship and take into consideration the 
differing cultural and religious backgrounds of the seafarers on board the ship The food 
and drinks in the preparation thereof shall be in accordance with the standards of the 
Sanitation Code of the Philippines and pertinent laws, rules, and regulations, and/or with 
international standards. In all cases, the ship’s cooks shall be trained and qualified.
CHAPTER IX 
MEDICAL CARE AND
MARITIME OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
SEC. 40. Medical Care On Board Ships and Ashore. - The shipowner shall provide 
adequate medical facility, equipment, paraphernalia, and medical supplies, including 
medicines on board, and shall ensure access to shore facilities for the health of seafarers
as well as the corresponding 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 
oard 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.
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The shipowner shall ensure that seafarers have access to medical treatment for anv 
ness 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 pe^anent cSr
?oro1Tal|S wt'e^rp^icLabl^10 C°nSUlt 3 qUaNfied PhySidan °r dentiSt Without delay in
tl'Tc'ltflth proteotlon_jand medical care under this Section shall be provided at no cost to 
he seafarer, in accordance with rules and regulations issued for this purpose.
wffiih4c Protect.ion of Seafarers from Epidemics, Pandemics, or Other Pubiic 
ealth Ernergencies. - Seafarers on ocean-going ships shall be covered bv adeouate
=^rr0teCt,0n ffr0m health-related outbreaks, such as epidemics andpandemics 
uding the provision of personal protective supplies and equipment, as apprcoriate.
Seafarers shall have access to prompt and adequate medical care while on board a shio 
S be9freeeofCchaafgre and COnfidential helplines on physicai and meotal health, which
ofhthe FiLTqtafJanfth'6 preventiv,e measures in accordance with the health regulations 
fWHnf 
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
tSheeaFlLnrS4taJ fhSCI\A;Hpropedy isolated and treated pursuant to establishpd guidelines of 
the Flag State, the WHO, and applicable rules and regulations.
|)nnsPh00rtrSe0f Cal1’ SeafarerS in need of medical care shaI1 have access to medical facilities
In^t[ranSi! 0f,Sfa!auerSl.^h0 are medical|y fit t0 work shall be facilitated and exempted 
deSinahon're ated’ hearth_related’ or movement restrictions until arrival at the point of
SEG. 42- 
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
sudhina9grenementSeafarer S employment contract> or arising from their employment under
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 shios, 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;
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<b) 
terminated effective upon arrival at the point of destination,
wnicn shall either be at the point of hire or the seafarer’s place of domicile at the 
ophon 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 X an illness 
the seafarer IS declared fit to work, but the shipowner is unable to find
shT oTlIirshrowner;"'"" ^ b°ard ‘he ShiP °ri9ina,ly b°arded °r another
(2) t^en the seafarer signs-off due to sale of the ship, lay-up of the ship 
unseTwoSsJ VOya9e °r Chan9e °f ShiP PrinCipa'' shipwreck’ grounding, o^
(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.
Extension of Employment. - In the event of the extension of the term of a 
seafarer s ernployment 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
fn ii °/ment’thhlC^Shal1 ln n0 Case be lowerthan the terms of his/her original employment 
In a I cases, the shipowner, or a duly authorized representative or the manning aqencv
aoo Len,Srre. thllthe Seafarer has COnsidered the effect 
an extenTo® tf any
accumulated entitlement and repatriation benefits, among others. 
V
x^!iJning agen(riieus .and shiP°wners shall submit periodic reports to the DMW on the 
welfare and well-being of seafarers subjected to such contract extensions.
CHAPTER XI
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
Bc1fhitSh 0n b0ard and °nshore Grievance Machinery. - All covered ships shall 
h 9 '®vance raachmery and fair, effective, and expeditious on board and onshore 
p edures, 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
iTnitimTT ^r0V'ded under thls Section. In cases where a seafarer is a member of a 
legitimate trade union organization and covered by a CBA, he/she shall be assisted by a 
union-designated representative in the proceedings. Any agreements reached by the 
parties at the grievance proceedings shall be final and binding.
46, Ma,J^datory Conciliation-Mediation. -■ In the absence of an agreement or 
settlement at the grievance machinery level, the following rules shall apply:
(a) If there is a CBA, the matter shall be submitted for voluntary arbitration in 
accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;
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(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 oe a pool of trained 
maritime industry conciliators-mediators and experts with the appropriate competence, 
integrity, and knowledge of the Philippine and global maritime industry practices and 
standards, MLC, 2006, and related Philippine-ratified conventions and treaties, who shall 
handle the mediation or conciliation or arbitration of all issues relating to the employment 
of seafarers.
CHAPTER XII
REPATRIATION AND REINTEGRATION
SEC. 48. Seafarers’ Repatriation. - In all cases of repatriation, the affected seafarer 
shall be repatriated to the point of hire or the place of domicile of the seafarer, at his/her 
option, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of his/her next-of-kin, and all costs 
related to the repatriation and/or transport of the personal effects and remains of seafarers, 
including the provision on financial security in case of abandonment of seafarers, shall be 
borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency concerned to expedite the 
repatriation without prior determination of the cause of repatriation or termination of the 
seafarer’s employment.
SEC. 49. Repatriation Expenses; Advance and Recovery. — The repatriation expenses, 
which shall be borne by or charged to the shipowner or the manning agency concerned, 
shall include:
(a) 
Basic pay and allowances from the moment the seafarers leave the ship until they 
reach the repatriation destination;
(b) 
Accommodation and food during the journey to the repatriation destination;
(c) 
Transportation charges, whereby the normal mode of transport should be by air;
(d) 
Deployment cost of the principal; and
(e) 
Immigration fees, fines, and penalties.
However, in cases where the termination of employment is for just cause or upon the 
request of the seafarer, the cost of repatriation shall be for the account of the seafarer in 
accordance with the employment agreement.
The responsibility to provide for the repatriation costs shall be without prejudice to the 
right to civil, criminal or other claims in accordance with law or otherwise, particularly in 
cases of maritime accident or death other than natural causes.
SEC. 50. Quarantine and Medical Expenses in Repatriation Due to Infection, 
Epidemics or Pandemic. — Before or during the process of repatriation, the expenses of
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medical care and board and lodging for periods spent by seafarers in self-isolation or 
quarantine, whether or not the seafarers have symptoms, have been exposed or are 
quarantined as a safety precaution for the community, shall be covered by the shipowner 
or manning agency until the seafarers have been duly repatriated to the repatriation 
destination. Thereafter, medical care and quarantine expenses after repatriation to the 
destination shall be borne by the Philippine government, following the whole-of- 
government approach in the management of epidemics/pandemics.
SEC. 51. Waiver of Entitlement to Repatriation. - Entitlement to repatriation may be 
waived by a seafarer; Provided, That the waiver shall be written, made freely and 
voluntarily, with full knowledge of its consequences; Provided, however, that no such 
waiver shall be allowed or presumed when a seafarer is abandoned, held captive on or 
off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against the ship, or are incapable 
of traveling due to illness, injury or incapacity, or other cases that affect the seafarer’s 
safety and security.
SEC. 52. Reintegration. - In accordance with the Department of Migrant Workers Act, 
seafarers may avail of the full-cycle and comprehensive national reintegration program 
for seafarers, which shall be embedded in all stages of migration for work beginning from 
pre-deployment, on-site during employment and upon return, whether voluntary or 
involuntary, through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs. The reintegration 
program shall cover the different dimensions of support needed by the seafarer, such as 
economic, social, psychosocial, and cultural, including skills certification and recignition 
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 XIII
MANNING LEVELS AND COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF SHIPS OF
PHILIPPINE REGISTRY
SEC. 53. Manning Levels. - Covered ships of Philippine registry shall have the required 
minimum manning levels as prescribed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). 
They shall, at all times, be manned by a crew that is adequate in terms of size and 
qualifications taking into account the need to operate the vessel safely and efficiently.
SEC. 54. Crew Competence. - Every member of the crew of a ship of an ocean-going 
Philippine registry shall possess, in addition to the required medical certificate, the 
appropriate certificate of competency issued by the relevant government agency/ies, 
setting forth his/her competence to serve in the capacity, and perform the functions 
involved at the level of responsibility, for the position held, for the type, tonnage, power, 
means of propulsion, and trading patterns of the ships concerned.
The certificate of competency shall attest that the seafarer to whom it is issued meets the 
requirements for service, age, qualification, and examinations for the position held.
SEC. 55. Compliance and Certification. — All ocean-going ships of Philippine registry 
shall comply with the provisions of this Act. The shipowner and master shall ensure the 
compliance of the ship with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, who shall 
be made principally liable for any violation thereof.
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56. Inspection and Enforcement. —
(a)
(b)
IuthoSritvrtoai^=;nLC?T’ 0r his{h®r du|y authorized representative, shall have the 
authority to inspect all covered ships of Philippine registry to ensure comoliance
with labor standards and occupational safety and health as provided under tL Act.
SnduSirrhen^lJi/uTrhfK08 lTlonitorin9 activities maV be coordinated and 
MAmNA and prr ’ 
I Van* 90vernmen‘ agencies, including DOLE,
Scaho^ ' conjunctlon with their schedules for inspection and
The Secretary of DMW, or his/her duly authorized representative shall have the
sv^oroS^^^^^^ of’and im-se -- -'-"oi::
If the violation or deficiency constitutes a serious breach of the requirement of this
Sibrand/o7?nethe i fn9 ri;leland re9ulations or poses an imminent danger to the 
ps, and/or to the life or limbs of the seafarer, the Secretary of DMW 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
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shall have the authority to conduct port state
DortoRhTphM nn5 0f fesf®ls' includin9 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 compLnce wrth the
trThrsStTahned%drSC0frr9 arid S?Cial conditi°n °f officers and crew on board 
Ships. The PCG shall assist relevant agencies in the enforcement of the
prws'ons of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, and the MLC,
The conduct of port state controls shall be in accordance with international 
conventions and instruments ratified or to be ratified in the future. mematlonal
C°mrnandant Of his/her duly authorized representative shall have the 
p wer to order immediate correction of, and impose fines for, violations of the 
relevant provisions of this Act. 
wiauuus or me
ni\mA^CG ShaN prol]idit a sh'P fronl leaving port upon the order of the Secretary of
the Ml r onriR30 °i!,flnd'n9 of non-compliance with the provisions of this Act and 
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 DMW.
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?EC^’ 57' Reco9nized Organizations. - Recognized organizations may be authorized by 
the Secretary of DMWto conduct inspection and issue certification in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations.
A recognized organization shall have the necessary knowledge of the requirements of this 
Act and its implementing rules and regulations, MLC, 2006, and other relevant 
international treaties or conventions.
A recognized organization shall also have the necessary and qualified professional, 
technical, and support expertise to carry out the conduct of inspection and issuance of 
certification.
CHAPTER XIV
SHIPBOARD TRAINING OF CADETS
SEC. 58. Applicability. - The provisions of Sections 5 to 17 (Seafarers’ Rights), Sections 
18 to 19 (Women in the Maritime Industry), Section 22 (Medical Certificate), Sections 35 
to 39 (Accommodation, Recreation Facilities, Food and Catering in Ships), Section 40 
(Medical Care On Board Ships and Ashore), Sections 45 to 47 (Settlement of Disputes),
Sections 48 to 52 (Repatriation and Reintegration) shall apply with respect to the training 
of cadets.
SEC. 59. Shipboard Training Agreement for Cadets. - There shall be a written 
agreement among the shipowner, the cadet, and the maritime institution or school, which 
shall embody the following information, terms, and conditions;
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Cadet’s full name, date of birth, birthplace, and age, which should be at least 16 
years old;
Name and address of maritime institution or school;
Name and address of shipowner and its manning and placement aoencv if 
applicable:
Place and date when the agreement is entered into;
Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained;
The amount of the cadet’s allowance or stipend, if applicable;
Required number of hours of training and rest which shall not be less than the 
prescribed hours of rest in Section 23 of this Act;
Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company, the Maritime Higher 
Educational Institution (MHEls), and cadets, as may be provided prevailing cadet 
training agreement standards; and
(i) Other benefits in accordance with existing laws, company policy, or agreements.
In no case shall cadets perform activities outside of the scope of the cadet shipboard 
training program.
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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 DMW. A signed original copy shall also be made available on-board the ship.
SEC. 60. 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 XV
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS GRANTED TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
SEC. 61. Incentives and Awards. - There shall be established an incentives and awards 
system for the maritime industry stakeholders, which shall be developed and administered 
by the concerned government agency upon consultation with the Maritime Industry 
Tripartite Council (MITC).
Under such rules and regulations that may be promulgated, deserving shipowners, 
seafarers, manning, and other organizations or entities shall be commended or awarded 
for their outstanding performance in upholding the rights of seafarers and compivinq with 
this Act. 
a
CHAPTER XVI
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
SEC. 62. Role 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 Migrant Workers (DMW). The DMW shall review and improve on 
the working conditions and terms of employment of the officers and crew of vessels 
covered under this Act. It shall likewise ensure that the standards set forth under 
this Act, the MLC, 2006, and other international treaties and conventions to which 
the Philippines is a signatory are faithfully complied with and fairly applied to 
seafarers. To this end, the DMW shall establish an effective system for inspection 
and certification as provided under this Act to ensure that the working and living 
conditions of seafarers are met and continue to be met pursuant to the MLC, 2006.
It shall strengthen its research capability to provide studies/resources for 
evidenced-based policy decision-making and program development, and 
continuously address gaps in the protection and welfare of the seafarers.
It shall also continue to develop, enhance, and increase the accessibility of its 
gender and women empowerment and training courses for seafarers to the
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(d)
maritime industry, which shall be made available in any format, including digital 
and/or e-learning format.
It shall extend immediate assistance to seafarers, or their families or next-of-kin, 
including the repatriation of distressed seafarers, and any other analogous help or 
intervention.
(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.
Department of Health (DOH). DOH shall regulate the activities and operations of 
all clinics which conduct medical, physical, optical, dental, psychological, and other 
similar examinations, hereinafter referred to as health examinations, on seafarers.
The DOH shall determine and prescribe the nature of the medical examination that 
shall be required of a seafarer, ensuring that such examination will genuinely 
determine the seafarer’s state of health, considering the duties that he/she shall be 
required to perform on board. The DOH shall likewise prescribe the contents of the 
medical certificate to ensure that such certification will genuinely reflect the 
seafarer’s state of health.
(e) 
Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA). The OVWVA, 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.
(f) 
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, international 
agreements, other conventions relevant thereto, and other applicable laws, rules, 
and regulations.
(g) 
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG shall undertake port state control 
inspections of vessels calling at any port of the Philippines, in accordance with 
international conventions and standards, 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 likewise, in line with its function to assist in the enforcement of 
applicable laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, assist the DOLE 
in the enforcement of the rules and regulations issued for the purpose of 
implementing the MLC, 2006, including orders to detain vessels found in gross 
violation of pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
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nlntrt th.erwlse Provided m this Act, the mandate, power and function of all existing 
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including government9 
owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be recognized in 
accordance with law or order creating them.
n3' ?ne“Stop SPOP Cer‘ter. - Seafarers may avail of the assistance of One-Stop 
p Centers, as created and established under the Department of Migrant Workers Act
SEC. 64. Registry of Seafarers. - The DMW shall maintain a registry of all seafarers on 
board ocean-gomg vessels in the Philippines; Provided, that the registry of seafarers
a +0wd °c®an"90,n9 sh'Ps shal1 be integrated to the management information system 
established under the Department of Migrant Workers Act The registry shall contain 
updated and relevant information or data to promote employment opportunities for 
seafarers, whether on board or ashore, or to provide a list of available training and 
educat101! to support skills development and competencies of seafarers as well as a 
digitalized copy of the duly executed contract
The DMW shall ensure compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and its
implementing rules and regulations in handling the relevant information or data of 
seafarers.
SEC. 65. Maritime Occupationai Safety and Health Standards. - The DOLE in 
consultation with the maritime industry stakeholders, shall formulate the Maritime 
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (MOSHS) pursuant to the provisions of 
Republic Act No. 11058, otherwise known as the “Occupational Safety and Hea'th Law” 
and pertinent maritime conventions and treaties ratified by the Philippines.
CHAPTER XVII 
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 66. Administrative Fines and Penalties. - Any shipowner, master, their 
representatives or other person who fails or refuses to present employment records such 
as payrolls, daily time records, payslip, or other documents, such as medical records 
when required by the individual seafarer, the Secretary of DMW or his duly authorized 
representative, or the duly authorized representative of a recognized organization, shall 
be subjected to administrative fines ranging from One Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(Php100,000) to One Million Pesos (Phpl ,000,000), in accordance with the implementing 
rules and regulations of this Act.
SEC. 67. Penalties for Violations of Section 55. Any shipowner, master, their 
representatives who operate without, or fails to present, a valid Maritime Labour 
Certificate, or its equivalent, shall be punished with fines ranging from One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000) to One Million Pesos (Phpl,000,000.00), in accordance 
with the implementing rules and regulations of this Act.
SEC. 68. Penalties for Violations of Sections 56 and 57. - Any person who, without 
proper authorization, exercises the authority granted to the Secretary of DMW under 
Sections 56 and 57 of this Act shall be punished with a fine of not less than Two Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Php200,000.00) nor more than Two Million Pesos (Php2,000,000), or 
imprisonment of not less than one (1) year nor more than four (4) years, or both at the 
discretion of the court. The foregoing offense shall prescribe after five (5) years from its 
commission.
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SEC. 69. Transitory Provision. - All rights, privileges, and benefits previously enjoyed 
by seafarers before the effectivity of this Act, including those set forth in Presidential 
Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and 
Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos 
Act of 1995,” as amended, shall continue to be recognized and shall not be diminished 
after the effectivity of this Act.
The Transition Period provided under Section 23 of the Department of Migrant Workers 
Act shall likewise be taken into consideration.
SEC. 70. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DMW, in coordination with DOLE, DFA, MARINA, CHED, TESDA, 
PCG, OWWA, and other concerned agencies, and upon consultation with relevant 
stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations for the effective implementation of 
this Act.
SEC. 71. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section, clause or term of this Act 
is held to be illegal, invalid, or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration 
shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 72. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, issuances, executive orders, 
letters of instruction, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are' 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 73. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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