NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
•22 JUi-7 P5 ;46
SENATE 
S. B. NO. 216
RECEiVEO BY: _
Introduced by SENATOR RAFFY T. TULFO
AN ACT INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It Is undeniable that the maritime Industry has always played a vital role in 
ensuring that the economies of countries in the world remain buoyant and vigorous. 
From a local vantage point, more than a quarter of the world's seafarers come from 
the Philippines. In 2019, data reported by the Global Maritime Forum revealed that 
380,000 Rlipino seafarers have contributed $6.14 Billion to the Philippine economy.1 
As an archipelagic territory, ours is a country with a long-standing relationship with 
the sea. We have sent out seafarers since the time of Spanish galleons, plying from 
Manila to Acapulco and back. With the oil crises In the 1970s, modern-day Filipino 
mariners came to prominence. As reported by the Economist, on any day, perhaps 
250,000 Filipino mariners are at sea. If they stayed at home, the world economy would 
convulse.2
Undoubtedly, the Filipino seafarer, like other OFWs, is looked up to as one of 
our modern-day heroes. The huge remittances in billions of dollars that they earn have 
obviously kept our economy afloat, even amid a global pandemic. We take pride in 
our seafarers because they are in fact preferred in the global fleet. As Engineer Nelson 
Ramirez, president of the United Filipino Seafarers (UFS), aptly describes - "They 
speak English. They are hardworking. They are well-trained (the Philippines boasts 
scores of marine colleges). And they are adaptable: able to turn to any job, they are 
"pliant like bamboo".3
1 Simbuian, Camille. S.E.A.F.A.R.E.R. 30 September 2020, available at 
https://www.globalmaritimeforum.org/news/s-e-a-f-a-r-e-r (last accessed July 6,2022)
1 Unsung Rlipino seafarer power the global economy, available at
https://www.economist.com/asia/2019/02/16/unsung-filipino-seafarers-power-the-global-economy (last
accessed July 6, 2022) 
sld.


Notwithstanding these admirable qualities and the glorification of their 
economic contribution to the Philippine economy, our Filipino seafarers remain 
vulnerable. They are being shortchanged of what they rightfully deserve - security of 
tenure, sufficient retirement benefits, inexpensive or free training fees, access to 
health care that covers not just physical Illnesses but also mental and emotional health 
concerns, free or reasonable legal services that could protect and preserve their rights 
from pre-employment to termination, and rightful disability and/or death benefits.
While seafarers generally have similar employment Issues and concerns as the 
other OFWs, the nature of their work bear peculiarities that need separate legislation. 
Theirs is covered by a contract of adhesion where terms and conditions are designed 
to favor the employer, peppered with ambiguous provisions that oftentimes they do 
not understand. Our seafarers could sail non-stop, away from their families, exposed 
to harsh weather conditions with the risk of getting injured or killed. Thus, there is an 
urgent need to legislate exclusively for them, in addition to the protection afforded to 
them by the recently enacted Republic Act (RA) 11641.
The need to provide adequate protection to our OFWs, most specially to our 
heroes at sear has never been clearer as In the pronouncement of our Supreme 
Court, through Justice Renato Puno, in the case of Chavez vs- Bonto-Perez (242 
SCRA 73) — "Ouroverseas workers constitute an exploited class. Most of them 
come from the poorest sector of our society. They are thoroughly disadvantaged. Their 
profile shows they live in suffocating slums, trapped in an environment of crime. 
Hardly literate and ill-health, their hope lies in jobs they can hardly find in our country. 
Their unfortunate circumstance makes them easy prey to avaricious employers. They 
will dimb mountains, cross the seas, endure slave treatment in foreign lands just to 
survive. Out of despondence, they will work under subhuman conditions and accept 
salaries below the minimum. The least we can do is to protect them with our 
laws in our land."
It is for the foregoing reasons that the Immediate approval of this bill Is 
earnestly sought.
liba Tulfo


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
X%UiCP o(
•22 JUL-7 P5 ;46
SENATE 
S. B. NO.216
RECElVfcD 3V; _
Introduced by SENATOR RAFFY T. TULFO
AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE MAGNA CARTA OF FIUPINO SEAFARERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
DECLARATION OF POLICY
SECTION 1- Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of Filipino
Seafarers."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
(a) 
To recognize the rights, contributions, and unique role of seafarers as essential 
maritime professionals, acknowledge their vulnerabilities, and afford them full 
protection before, during, and after their employment;
(b) 
To recognize that seafarers are a special category of key workers providing 
essential services, and given the global nature of the shipping industry and the 
different jurisdictions that seafarers may be brought into contact with, they are 
in need of special protection;
(c) 
To encourage the participation of women in the seafaring profession and 
contribute meaningfully to the achievement of national development goals as 
productive members of the community;
(d) 
To maintain and progressively develop a pool of competent and world-class 
seafarers through a system of education, training, certification, and licensing;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
(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
(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 seafarers7 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


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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
(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;
(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 fulfill 
a maritime degree or technical course;
(c) 
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;
(d) 
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;
(e) 
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;
(f) 
Maritime Accident refers to any unforeseen occurrence or physical event 
connected to the navigation, operations, maneuvering, or handling of ships, or 
the machinery, equipment, material, or cargo on board such ships which may 
result in the detention of seafarers;
(g) 
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.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
This term shall also include bona fide maritime labor organizations, professional 
associations of seafarers, associations promoting seafarers' welfare, and 
women's maritime organizations;
(h) 
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;
(i) 
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;
(j) 
Master refers to a person having command of a ship and acts as the 
shipowners' representative;
(k) 
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;
(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, availment of 
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";
(n) 
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;
(o) 
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;
(p) 
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;


JL
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
(q) Standard Employment Contract or Employment Contract or SEC refers 
to a government-prescribed contract containing the minimum terms and 
conditions of employment;
tr) 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 ail the attendant duties and 
responsibilities of a shipowner under this Act, regardless of whether any other 
organization or persons fulfill certain duties or responsibilities on behalf of the 
shipowner.
CHAPTER III 
SEAFARER'S RIGHTS
SEC- 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work. - Seafarers shall have 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, welfare 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 hours of work, and minimum hours of rest p)eriods, consistent with 
Philippine laws or international maritime conventions; and
(e) 
Compensation and benefits In the event of death or long-term disability for 
occupational injuries, illnesses, hazards.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
SEC. 6. Right to Self-Organization, to Engage in Collective Bargaining, and 
to Participate in Democratic Exercises. — Seafarers shall enjoy the right to self- 
organization, to collectively bargain, to form or join international organization of 
seafarers or network with seafarers of different nationalities, and to participate in the 
deliberation of Issues and in the formulation of policies that affect them, including, as 
far as practicable, representation in governing boards or appointment in government 
agencies or instrumentalities.
Women seafarers shall also have the right, and be encouraged, to join, assist, or form 
labor unions or associations, or form networks with women seafarers of different 
nationalities.
SEC. 7. Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable and 
Affordable Costs. - Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement and 
training at reasonable and affordable costs.
(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 industiy 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.
CHED and MARINA shall work together to mainstream gender and development In the 
curricula of maritime institutions and training centers.
SEC. 8. Right to Information. - Shipowners, manning agencies, and other 
organizations responsible for the recruitment and placement of seafarers, shall provide 
seafarers relevant information, including the terms and conditions of employment, 
company policies affecting seafarers, obligations of seafarers, conditions and realities 
attending to their profession, and necessary laws and regulations of countries covered 
by their sojourn. In addition, the seafarers shall, at all times, be furnished a copy of 
the duly executed Standard Employment Contract, as well as the results of the medical 
examination conducted on him/her. This right shall also include the right of seafarers' 
organizations to relevant information affecting the terms and conditions of 
employment of their members, subject to provisions of Republic Act No. 10173, 
otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
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


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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 
seafarers and/or their families and beneficiaries.
SEC. 12. Right against Discrimination. - Seafarers shall have the right to be 
protected from discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, religion, or political 
opinion, as well as on the basis of disablement, taking into consideration the inherent 
requirements of the particular job or undertaking. Career opportunities shall be 
promoted, and appropriate working and living conditions shall be guaranteed equally 
among male and female seafarers.
SEC. 13. Right to be Protected Against 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.
Shipowners and manning agencies shall also establish helplines and grievance 
mechanisms for ail 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.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
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 ship-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, ail 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;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
(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;
to) 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. Mmimum 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. Medical 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 acaedited by the Department of Health (DOH), in accordance with its 
rules and regulations.
The medical certificate shall certify that the person is expected to meet the minimum 
requirements to perform the duty specific to the person's post safely and effectively 
during the validity of the certificate.
During the conduct of a medical examination, the seafarer shall have the responsibility 
of answering truthfully all questions relating to his/her medical condition and/or 
medical history, including previously known illness, injury, or medical treatment, and 
to make a complete inventory of medication prescribed to him/her by physicians; 
Provided, that the processing of the medical information of the seafarer shall at all 
times comply with trie provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
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.
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 arKi minimum hours of rest;
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
0) Wages and wage-related benefits, which shall include, but Is not limited to, 
overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves, and 
13th-month pay, if applicable;
(k) 
Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
(l) 
Social security and welfare benefits, including the compulsory insurance 
coverage as provided under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic 
Act No. 10022, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers Act, 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) 
Separation pay and retirement pay. If applicable;
(o) 
Reference to the CBA, If applicable; and
(p) 
Other benefits in accordance with law, company policy, or CBA.
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
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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 increases as may be prescribed by laws, rules, or regulations; Provided, that 
the following shall not be counted as part of the annual paid leave:
(a) 
Public and customary holidays of the Philippines, whether or not they fall during 
the paid annual leave;
(b) 
Periods of Incapacity for work (I) resulting from illness or injury; (li) due to 
maternity or paternity leave in accordance with law;
(c) 
Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while employed; or
(d) 
Compensatory leave of any kind.
SEC. 28. Wages. — Without prejudice to higher rates provided under the Standard 
Employment Contract, or under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company practice or 
policy, the minimum wage applicable to seafarers on board ocean-going ships of 
Philippine or foreign registry shall be as provided in the Standard Employment Contract, 
which in no case be lower than the prevailing industry standard on ocean-going 
seafaring wage rates for officers and other members of the ship's crew, and regularly 
paid in full at least once a month.
SEC. 29. Remittance of Wages. ~ Shipowners shall provide the appropriate 
facilities and assistance to the seafarer to enable the seafarer to remit his/her wages 
to his/her designated allotee/s In the Philippines through any authorized Philippine 
bank or financial intermediary; Provided, that such allotment shall not be less than 
eighty percent (80%) of the seafarer's monthly basic salary.
SEC. 30. Limitations on Wage Deductions. — A deduction from the seafarer's 
wages shall not be made without his/her written consent unless the deduction Is 
provided for in the contract of employment and/or is authorized by law.
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
12


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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' 
Compensation and State Insurance 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 created in 
favor of Filipino workers and/or OFWs.
SEC. 33. Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits During Public Health Emergencies.
- A seafarer who has contracted an illness or disease during public health emergencies, 
such as epidemics or pandemics, while In transit, or is under quarantine, shall be 
entitled to paid sick leave and sickness benefits until the seafarer joins the vessel.
SEC. 34. Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policies On Board Ships. - Shipowners 
shall ensure protection to seafarers with policies and accessible procedures to address 
harassment and bullying on board ships.
CHAPTER Vlll
ACCOMMODATION, RECREATION FACILITIES,
FOOD AND CATERING IN SHIPS
SEC. 35. Application. - The requirements of this Chapter covering ships of Philippine 
Registry shall be applicable to the following;
(a) 
All ocean-going ships constructed on or after the date when the MLC, 2006 
come into force;
(b) 
All ocean-going second-hand ships, acquired or leased, and entered in the 
Philippine Registry after the entry date into force of the said Convention, insofar 
as they can be reasonably refitted, unless provided exemption by the relevant 
Philippine government agency; and
(c) 
All ocean-going ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006, 
which have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry 
into force of the Convention, unless provided exemption by the relevant 
Philippine government agency.
SEC. 36. Accommodation Facilities. - Unless otherwise exempted herein or by 
appropriate regulations, all ships shall have safe, decent, and adequate 
accommodations for seaferers, taking into account the need to protect the health and 
safety of seafarers working or living on board the ship. There shall be a basic shipboard 
facility for women, such as separate sleeping rooms.
SEC. 37. Requirements for Sanitation. - All ships shall have sanitation facilities 
that meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be accessible
13


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
to seafarers on board. The sanitation facilities shall be located at convenient places, 
allowing for easy access to workstations. Separate sanitation facilities shall also be 
provided for male and female crew members of the ship.
SEC- 38. Recreation 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.
SEC. 39. Food and Catering. - All ships shall ensure protection and promotion of 
the health of the seafarer. Toward this end, shipowners shall ensure that ships carry 
on-board and serve free food and drinking water of appropriate quality, quantity, and 
nutritional value that adequately cover the requirements of the ship and take into 
consideration the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of the seafarers on 
board the ship. The food and drinks in the preparation thereof shall be in accordance 
with the standards of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and pertinent laws, rules, 
and regulations, and/or with international standards. In all cases, the ship's cooks shall 
be trained and qualified.
CHAPTER IX 
MEDICAL CARE AND
MARITIME OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
SEC. 40. 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 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 ocean-going ships shall be covered by 
adequate measures for protection from health-related outbreaks, such as epidemics
14


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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 a 
ship, 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.
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
15


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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-cff 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 DMW on the 
welfare and well-being of seafarers subjected to such contract extensions.
CHAPTER XI
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
SEC 45. On board and Onshore Grievance Machinery. — All covered ships 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 
legitimate trade union organization and covered by a CBA, he/she shall be assisted by 
a union-designated representative in the proceedings. Any agreements reached by the 
parties at the grievance proceedings shall be final and binding.
SEC. 46. Mandatory Conciliation-Mediation. - In the absence of an agreement 
or settlement at the grievance machinery level, the following rules shall apply:
(a) If there is a CBA, the matter shall be submitted for voluntary arbitration In 
accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;
16


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
(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. 103%, 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-medlators 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.
17


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 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 epklemics/pandemics.
SEC. 51. Waiver of Entitiement to Repatriation. - Entitlement to repatriation 
may be waived by a seafarer; Provided, That the waiver shall be written, made freely 
and voluntarily, with full knowledge of its consequences; Provided, however, that no 
such waiver shall be allowed or presumed when a 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 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 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
18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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.
For this purpose, a Maritime Labour Certificate or a certificate of compliance, as 
applicable, shall be Issued in accordance with the Implementing rules and regulations 
of this Act.
SEC. 56. Inspection and Enforcement. —
(a)
(b)
The Secretary of DMW, or his/her duly authorized representative, shall have 
the authority to inspect all covered ships of Philippine registry to ensure 
compliance with labor standards and occupational safety and health as provided 
under this Act.
The enforcement and compliance monitoring activities may be coordinated and 
conducted by the DMW, with the relevant government agencies, including 
DOLE, MARINA and PCG, in conjunction with their schedules for inspection and 
certification.
The Secretary of DMW, 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 
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 of action to rectify the non-conformities is shown to 
be implemented in an expeditious manner.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shall have the authority to conduct port state 
control inspections of vessels, including ail 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.
19


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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 DMW, 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 DMW.
SEC. 57. Recognized Organizations. — Recognized organizations may be 
authorized by the Secretary of DMW to conduct inspection and issue certification in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act and Its implementing rules and regulations.
A recognized organization shall have the necessary knowledge of the requirements of 
this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, MLC, 2006, and other relevant 
international treaties or conventions.
A recognized organization shall also have the necessary and qualified professional, 
technical, and support expertise to carry out the conduct of inspection and issuance 
of certification.
CHAPTER 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) 
Cadet's full name, date of birth, birthplace, and age, which should be at least 
16 years old;
(b) 
Name and address of maritime Institution or school;
(c) 
Name and address of shipowner and its manning and placement agency, if 
applicable;
20


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
(d) 
Place and date when the agreement is entered into;
(e) 
Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained;
(0 
The amount of the cadet's allowance or stipend, if applicable;
(g) 
Required number of hours of training and rest which shall not be less than the 
prescribed hours of rest in Section 23 of this Act;
(h) 
Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company, the Maritime Higher 
Educational Institution (MHEIs), and cadets, as may be provided 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.
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 
complying with this Act.
CHAPTER XVI
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
21


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
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 
maritime industry, which shall be made available in any format, including digital 
and/or e-leaming 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.
(d) 
Department of Health (DOH). DOH shall regulate the activities and 
operations of all clinics which conduct medical, physical, optical, dental, 
psychological, and other similar examinations, hereinafter referred to as health 
examinations, on seafarers.
22


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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 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.
(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 STCW 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.
Unless otherwise provided In this Act, the mandate, power and function of all existing 
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, including 
government-owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be 
recognized in accordance with law or order creating them.
SEC. 63. One-Stop Shop Center. - Seafarers may avail of the assistance of One- 
Stop Shop 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-going vessels In the Philippines; Provided, that the registry of 
seafarers aboard ocean-going ships shall be integrated to the management
23


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
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 education 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 Privacv Act of 2012. ana m 
Implementing rules and regulations in handling the relevant information or data of 
seafarers.
SEC. 65. Maritime Occupational 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 Health Law" 
and oertinent 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 falls or refuses to present employment records, 
such as payrolls, daily time records, payslip, or other documents, such as medical 
records, when requir^ by the individual seafarer, the Secretary of DMW or his duly 
authorized representative, or the duly authorize representative of a recognized 
organization, shall be subjected to administrative fines ranging from One Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (Phpl00,000) 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 Sectkins 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.
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.
24


2 
The Transition Period provided under Section 23 of the Department of Migrant
3 
Workers Act shall likewise be taken into consideration.
5
6
7
8 
9
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
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 foil 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,
25