NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
of Uu’ i-K
23 MAY 22 P4 .10
SENATE
S.B. No. 2221
m:CEiV£D B'.
(In Substitution of SB Nos. 46, 86, 137, 216, 586, 640, 720, 822, 1104, 
1191,1248,1312, and 1671, taking into consideration HB No. 7325)
Prepared by the Committees on Migrant Workers; Foreign Relations; and 
Finance with Senators Estrada, Zubiri, Villanueva, Tulfo, Hontiveros, 
Angara, Poe, Gatchalian, Revilla, Go, Legarda, dela Rosa, Villar (M), 
Padilla, Villar (C), as authors thereof.
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
CHAPTER I
2 
DECLARATION OF POLICY
3 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of
4 
Filipino Seafarers."
5 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies and Objectives. -The State shall protect the
6 
rights and overall welfare of local and overseas Filipino seafarers, promote their full
7 
employment, and ensure equal opportunities in the maritime industry regardless of
8 
sex or creed, including equal access to education, training, and development


1 
consistent with existing domestic and internationai iaws, standards, and conventions,
2 
particularly the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) and the International
3 
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
4 
(STCW).
5 
Toward these ends, the State shall endeavor to secure decent working and living
6 
conditions for seafarers, standardize the terms and conditions of their employment,
7 
regulate operations of manning agencies and incentivize maritime stakeholders,
8 
establish and enhance mechanisms for administrative, adjudicative, and social and
9 
welfare services for the seafarers and their families.
10
CHAPTER II
11
GENERAL PROVISIONS
12
Sec. 3. Coverage. - The provisions of this Act shall cover-
13 
(a) All Filipino seafarers who are engaged, employed, or working in any capacity,
14 
onboard Philippine or foreign-registered ocean-going vessels, except those in the
15 
following categories of ships:
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22 
23
(1) Warships, naval auxiliaries, and Coast Guard vessels;
(2) Government ships not engaged in commercial operations;
(3) Ships of traditional built, as may be defined under existing rules and 
regulations; and
(4) Fishing vessels, as may be defined by appropriate rules and regulations 
to be issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in 
consultation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and 
other relevant stakeholders.
24 
(b) All Filipino seafarers onboard Philippine registered domestic ships engaged in
25 
trade and commerce between Philippine ports and within Philippine territorial or


1 
internal waters shall be covered primarily by equivalent provisions of the Labor Code
2 
of the Philippines, as amended and related social and welfare benefits laws.
3 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
4 
have the following meaning:
5 
(a) Abandonment- refers to a situation where, in violation of the terms of the
6 
employment contract, the shipowner:
7 
(1) Fails to cover the cost of the seafarer's repatriation;
8
(2) Has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; or
9 
(3) Has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer. Including
10 
failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two (2) months;
11 
(b) Cadet - refers to a student of a maritime educational institution who is
12 
required to undergo training onboard registered domestic or international ships to
13 
fulfill a maritime degree or technical course;
14 
(c) Domestic shipping - refers to the transport of passenger or cargo, or both,
15 
by ships duly registered and licensed under Philippine law to engage in trade and
16 
commerce between Philippine ports and within Philippine territorial or Internal waters,
17 
for hire or compensation, with general or limited clientele, whether permanent,
18 
occasional or incidental, with or without fixed routes, and done for contractual or
19 
commercial purposes;
20 
(d) Green iane - refers to the process of facilitating crew changes among ships
21 
and the seafarers during public health emergencies, man-made or natural;
22 
(e) Internationai Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and
23 
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) - refers to the international convention that
24 
establishes the minimum standards relating to training, certification, and
25 
watchkeeping for seafarers, which the Philippines acceded to on May 22, 1984;


1 
(f) International Maritime Convention or International Convention - refers to any
2 
written treaty or agreement, or any protocol or amendment thereto, affecting the
3 
maritime Industry, which has come into force and effect, including the MLC 2006;
4 
(g) Manning Agency - refers to a natural or juridical person duly licensed by the
5 
Secretary of the Department of Migrant Worker (DMW) to engage in the recruitment
6 
and placement of seafarers;
7 
(h) Maritime Accident- refers to any unforeseen occurrence or physical event
8 
connected to the navigation, operations, maneuvering, or handling of ships, or the
9 
machinery, equipment, material, or cargo on board such ships which may result in the
10 
detention of seafarers;
11 
(i) Maritime Industry Stakeholders - refers to all private sector stakeholders
12 
engaged in the business of owning, managing, chartering or operating domestic and
13 
international ship/s of Philippine or foreign registry, manning of ships, management
14 
of ports, stevedoring and arrest's services, ship brokering and chartering, shipbuilding
15 
and ship repair, providing maritime services, such as ship supplies and provisions,
16 
maritime education and training, shipping agency, and other similar activities.
17 
This term shall also include bona fide maritime labor organizations, professional
18 
associations of seafarers, associations promoting seafarers' welfare, and women's
19 
maritime organizations;
20 
(j) Maritime Labor Certificate - refers to the document that certifies that the
21 
working and living conditions of the seafarers on the ship have been inspected and
22 
are compliant with the requirements of the MLC, 2006 and of applicable Philippine
23 
laws and regulations;
24 
(k) Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC, 2006) - refers to the consolidated
25 
Maritime Labour Convention approved by the International Labor Organization (ILO)
26 
in 2006 and ratified by the Philippines on August 20, 2012;


1 
(!) Master- refers to a person having command of a ship and acts the shipowners'
2 
representative;
3 
(m) Non-degree Courses and Programs on Maritime Education and Training -
4 
refers to technical education or the education process designed at post-secondary and
5 
lower tertiary levels, officially recognized as non-degree programs aimed at preparing
6 
technicians, para-professionals and other categories of middle-level workers by
7 
providing them with a broad range of general education, theoretical, scientific and
8 
technological studies, and related job skills training associated with occupations
9 
developed and implemented by the Technical Education and Skills Development
10 
(TESDA), in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the
11 
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), consistent with its mandate under Republic Act
12 
No. 7796 (TESDA Act of 1994). This does not include associate degree programs on
13 
maritime education which are under the jurisdiction of CHED;
14 
(n) Ocean-Going Ship - refers to a ship other than those which navigate
15 
exclusively in inland water or in water within or closely adjacent to sheltered water,
16 
or areas where port regulations apply;
17 
(o) Officer- refers to a member of the crew other than the master who has been
18 
designated as such by national law or regulation, or, in the absence of such
19 
designation, by collective agreement or custom;
20 
(p) One-Stop-Shop Center for Seafarers (OSSCS) - refers to the one-stop-shop
21 
centers in major crew-change ports, specifically in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan,
22 
Cavite, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and other areas to be
23 
determined by OWWA which can issue licenses, permits, clearances and other
24 
documents required by seafarers for their convenience and to maximize the services
25 
being offered to them.
26 
(q) Point of Hire - refers to the place indicated in the contract of employment,
27 
and which shall be the basis in determining the commencement of the contract;


1 
(r) Recognized Organizations - refers to organizations recognized by the DOLE
2 
to carry out inspections or issue the Maritime Labor Certificate in accordance with the
3 
scope of activities covered by their authorizations;
4 
(s) Repatriation - refers to the process of returning a seafarer to the point of
5 
destination, which shall be the point of hire or the seafarer's place of domicile, at the
6 
option of the seafarer, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of his/her' next-
7 
of-kin;
8 
(t) Standard Empioyment Contract (SEC) or Employment Contract - refers to a
9 
government-prescribed contract containing the minimum terms and conditions of
10 
employment;
11 
(u) Seafarer - refers to any Filipino who is engaged, employed, or working in any
12 
capacity onboard a ship covered under this Act;
13 
For the purpose of this Act, a seafarer is deemed "engaged" as such if the
14 
seafarer has been contracted for overseas employment but has yet to leave the point
15 
of hire.
16 
(v) Ship or Vessel - refers to any kind, class or type of craft or artificial
17 
contrivance capable of floating in water, whether publicly or privately owned, ordinarily
18 
engaged in commercial activities; and
19 
(w) Shipowner or Principal - refers to the owner of the ship employing Filipino
20 
seafarers to work onboard domestic ships and ships engaged in international trade,
21 
or any other organization or person, such as the manager, agent or bareboat
22 
charterer, who has assumed the responsibility for operation and management of the
23 
ship from the shipowner, and who. In assuming such responsibilities, has agreed to
24 
take over all the attendant duties and responsibilities of a shipowner under this Act,
25 
regardless of whether any other organization or persons fulfill certain duties or
26 
responsibilities on behalf of the shipowner.
27


1 
CHAPTER III
2 
SEAFARER'S RIGHTS
3 
Sec. 5. Right to Just Terms and Conditions of Work. - Seafarers shall have
4 
the right to:
5 
(a) A safe and secure workplace that complies with safety standards;
6 
(b) Fair terms and conditions of employment;
7 
(c) Decent working and living conditions onboard a ship; and
8 
(d) Appropriate medical care and confirmatory diagnostic tests, welfare
9 
measures and other forms of health and social protection.
10 
Sec. 6. Right to Seif-Organization and to Collective Bargaining. -
11 
Seafarers shall have the right to form, join or assist in the formation of a labor
12 
organization of their own choosing for purposes of collective bargaining and to engage
13 
in concerted activities in accordance with law.
14 
Sec. 7. Right to Educational Advancement and Training at Reasonable
15 
and Affordable Costs. - Seafarers shall have access to educational advancement
16 
and training at reasonable and affordable costs. No fees or other charges shall be
17 
Imposed on cadets, interns, apprentices, on-the-job trainees or other persons similarly
18 
situated.
19
Toward this end, relevant government agencies shall:
20 
(a) Regulate the operation of all educational and training institutions offering
21 
courses related to seafaring;
22 
(b) Pursue grant programs, such scholarships, subsidies, loan assistance and
23 
other measures that will harness the skills of seafarers toward greater competitiveness
24 
given the new and evolving demands in the industry;


1 
(c) Promote quality maritime education and training that respond to the needs
2 
of the industry and in accordance with minimum international maritime standards of
3 
competency; and
4 
(d) Afford enhanced access to educational advancement and training of women
5 
in the seafaring industry.
6 
CHED, National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and MARINA shall work together
7 
to mainstream gender and development in the curricula of maritime institutions and
8 
training centers.
9 
Sec. 8. Right to Information. - Shipowners, manning agencies, and other
10 
organizations responsible for the recruitment and placement of seafarers shall provide
11 
seafarers relevant information, including the terms and conditions of employment,
12 
company policies affecting seafarers, conditions and realities attending to their
13 
profession, and necessary laws and regulations of countries covered by their sojourn.
14 
In addition, the seafarers shall, at all times, be furnished a copy of the duly executed
15 
SEC, as well as the results of the medical examination conducted on him/her. The
16 
right shall also include the right of seafarers' organizations to relevant information
17 
affecting the terms and condition of employment of their members, subject to
18 
provisions of Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of
19 
2012.
20 
All ships covered by this Act shall have a copy of the MLC, 2006, the grievance
21 
procedures observed onboard, duly executed SEC of seafarers, and when there Is a
22 
collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a copy of such agreement, which shall be
23 
readily available to the seafarers.
24 
Sec. 9. Right to Information of a Seafarer's Famiiy or Next-of-Kin. - In
25 
critical incidents, such as accidents or deaths onboard or offshore, piracy,
26 
abandonment of vessel, and other similar cases, the seafarer's family or next-of-kin
27 
shall be immediately informed of the incident, including investigation reports, action/s
28 
taken, and plans by the shipowner and the manning agency concerned.


1 
In addition, it shall be the duty of the shipowner and the manning agency, within
2 
five (5) days, to report to DMW or OWWA for OFW Seafarers, or to DOLE or MARINA
3 
for Filipino domestic seafarers, such incident and the details to the family or next-of-
4 
kin of the concerned seafarer/s, which shall subsequently provide the appropriate
5 
assistance.
6 
Sec. 10. Right to Safe Passage and Safe Travel. - Seafarers shall be
7 
accorded the rights to safe passage and safe travel, including the right to embark and
8 
disembark in third countries when in transit, and the right to be repatriated and return
9 
home.
10 
Sec. 11. Right to Consultation. - Seafarers and maritime stakeholders shall
11 
be adequately consulted before adopting any maritime policy, executive issuance,
12 
rules or regulations, or in the enactment of any maritime law that may directly affect
13 
the seafarers and/or their families and beneficiaries.
14 
Sec. 12. Right Against Discrimination. - Seafarers shall have the right to be
15 
protected from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity or expression,
16 
religion, or political opinion, taking into consideration the inherent requirements of the
17 
particular job or undertaking. Career opportunities shall be promoted, and appropriate
18 
working and living conditions shall be guaranteed equally among male and female
19 
seafarers.
20 
Sec. 13. Right to be Protected Against AH Forms of Harassment and
21 
Bullying. -Seafarers shall be protected against all forms of harassment and bullying
22 
while onboard their ships. The shipowner shall put policies in place for the protection
23 
of all crew members. Maritime stakeholders and seafarers shall ensure that
24 
harassment and bullying do not take place.
25 
Shipowners and manning agencies shall also establish helplines and grievance
26 
mechanisms for all victims of harassment and bullying.


1 
The ship's policies, plans and accessible procedures to eliminate and address
2 
harassment and bullying onboard shall be part of the pre-departure orientation
3 
seminar (PDOS) of seafarers.
4 
Sec. 14. Right to Free Legal Representation, - Seafarers who are victims
5 
of violations of the provisions of this Act or whose contracts have been breached, who
6 
cannot afford the services of a competent and independent counsel, shall have the
7 
right to free legal assistance and protection at government's expense, and to the fair
8 
and speedy disposition of the case, including the expeditious settlement of any money
9 
claims, subject to existing rules and regulations.
10 
SEC. 15. Right to Immediate Medical Attention, - Seafarers shall be
11 
provided immediate and adequate medical services, medicines, and medical supplies
12 
onboard, and access to shore-based medical facilities, including mental health
13 
services, for the protection of their physical and mental well-being, as well as the
14 
corresponding medical or trained personnel who shall provide first-aid and medical
15 
care, pursuant to the Maritime Occupational Safety and Health guidelines.
16 
SEC. 16. Right to Access to Communication, - Seafarers, especially during
17 
their free time or when they are not on duty, shall have reasonable access to ship-to-
18 
shore telephone communications, email and internet facilities, where available.
19 
Sec. 17. Right to Record of Employment or Certificate of Employment,
20 
- At the expiration of the employment contract of the seafarer, the seafarer shall be
21 
given a record of his/her employment onboard the ship or a certificate of employment
22 
specifying the length of service, the position the seafarer occupied, an account of
23 
his/her final wages, and such other relevant information.
24 
Sec. 18. Right to Fair Treatment in the Event of a Maritime Accident-
25 
Seafarers shall be treated fairly in the event of a maritime accident following the
26 
International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization
27 
(IMO) 2006 Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime
28 
Accident and its amendments.
10


1 
CHAPTER IV
2 
WOMEN IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
3 
Sec. 19. Discrimination Against Women Seafarers. - Women seafarers
4 
shall be protected from the following gender-based discriminatory practices:
5 
(a) Payment of a lesser compensation, including other forms of remuneration
6 
and fringe benefits, to female seafarers as against male seafarers, for work of equal
7 
value; and
8 
(b) Undue advantage given to male seafarers over female seafarers with respect
9 
to promotion, training opportunities, study and scholarship grants, solely on account
10 
of their gender.
11 
Sec. 20. Gender and Development - Shipowners, manning agencies, and
12 
maritime training institutions shall formulate and ensure that policies on gender and
13 
development are in place to promote women's rights to adequate training and
14 
opportunities free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
15 
CHAPTER V
16
DUTIES OF SEAFARERS
17
Sec. 21. Duties of a Seafarer. - Seafarers shall have the following duties:
18 
(a) To faithfully comply with and observe the terms and conditions of one's
19 
employment contract;
20 
(b) To abide by lawful and reasonable company personnel policies and
21 
procedures and the Code of Ethics for seafarers;
22 
(c) To follow and observe the chain of command onboard the ship or while
23 
ashore, without prejudice to one's religious freedom;
11


1 
(d) To be diligent in performing one's duties relating to the ship, its stores,
2 
equipment, and cargo, whether onboard, in transit, or ashore;
3 
(e) To continually improve one's professional competency by keeping up-to-date
4 
with the latest technological and scientific developments applied in various maritime
5 
fields, continuous education, and keen observation of shipboard activities;
6 
(f) To conduct oneself in an orderly and respectful manner towards shipmates,
7 
passengers, shippers, stevedores, port authorities, and other persons who have official
8 
business with the ship at all times;
9 
(g) To conduct oneself In accordance with moral, ethical and social norms; and
10 
(h) To be responsible for one's health while on board by maintaining a healthy
11 
lifestyle, taking proper medications, and complying with prescribed medical policies.
12 
Sec. 22. Minimum Age. - Except for cadets, the minimum age required for
13 
employment or engagement to work onboard Philippine-registered ships operating
14 
domestically or internationally and onboard foreign-registered ships shall be eighteen
15 
(18) years old.
16 
Sec. 23. Pre-employment Medical Examination (FEME). - All PEME of
17 
seafarers shall be performed only in DOH-accredited medical facilities, by authorized
18 
government medical practitioners, and following the standards set by the DOH.
19 
It is the duty of a seafarer undergoing PEME to answer all questions relating to
20 
one's complete medical history truthfully. Provided, That the processing of the medical
21 
information collected shall be subject to compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or
22 
the "Data Privacy Act of 2012."
23 
Sec. 24. Medical Certificate. - As a pre-requisite for employment onboard a
24 
domestic or ocean-going ship, all seafarers shall be required to secure a medical
25 
certificate issued by a DOH-accredited medical facility after undergoing a PEME.
12


1 
It shall certify that the seafarer has met the minimum health requirements for
2 
performing duties specific to the post, and is physically and mentally fit to work.
3 
For purposes of this section, a medical certificate issued in accordance with the
4 
requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
5 
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) shall be accepted.
6 
Sec. 25. Training and Qualifications. - Only seafarers certified by
7 
appropriate government agencies according to the STCW and other applicable
8 
international standards shall be allowed to work and be employed onboard a ship.
9 
CHAPTER VI
10 
MANNING AGENCIES
11 
Sec. 26. Recruitment and Placement - Only duly licensed manning
12 
agencies shall be allowed to operate and engage in the recruitment and placement of
13 
seafarers without a fee and following existing laws, rules, and regulations.
14 
This Act further prohibits practices and mechanisms preventing qualified
15 
seafarers from gaining employment.
16 
Sec. 27. Duties and Responsibilities. - The duties and responsibilities of
17 
manning agencies shall also include but are not limited to the following:
18 
(a) To maintain an up-to-date register of all seafarers recruited or placed through
19 
the agency, to be made available for inspection by the DMW and the MARINA;
20 
(b) To inform seafarers of their rights and duties under their employment
21 
contracts before or in the process of engagement;
22 
(c) To allow seafarers to examine their employment contracts before and after
23 
signing and furnish them a copy;
24 
(d) To verify, before deployment, that the seafarers recruited or placed are
25 
competent, qualified, and possess the documents necessary for the job concerned,
13


1 
and their employment contracts conform with applicable laws, rules, and regulations,
2 
and the collective bargaining agreement which may form part of said agreements, if
3 
any;
4 
(e) To ensure, as far as practicable, that the shipowner has the means to protect
5 
seafarers from being stranded in a foreign port;
6 
(f) To examine and respond to any complaint concerning the agency's activities
7 
and submit a written report on all unresolved complaint to the DMW and MARINA ;
8 
and
9 
(g) To establish a system of protection, by way of insurance or an equivalent
10 
mechanism, to compensate seafarers for monetary loss due to the failure of the
11 
agency or the relevant shipowner under the seafarers' employment contract to meet
12 
its obligations to them.
13 
CHAPTER VII
14
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
15 
Sec. 28. Standard Employment Contract (SEC). - An SEC between the
16 
shipowner and the seafarer shall be in writing and shall include, but not be limited to,
17 
the following information and terms:
18 
(a) Seafarer's full name, date of birth, age, birthplace, permanent or residential
19 
address;
20 
(b) Seafarer's Record Book Number, Seafarer's Identity Document Number,
21 
Seafarer's Registration Number, and other necessary documentation as may be
22 
required by other appropriate government agencies;
23
(c) Shipowner's name and address;
24
(d) Place and date of execution of the seafarer's employment contract;
25
(e) Duration of the contract;
14


1 
(f) Point of hire;
2 
(g) Capacity in which the seafarer is to be employed;
3 
(h) Amount of the seafarer's salary and the formula used for calculating the
4 
same;
5 
(i) Maximum hours of work and minimum hours of rest;
6 
(j) Wages and wage-related benefits, which include, but are not limited to,
7 
overtime pay, holiday pay, vacation leave pay, premium pay, paid leaves, and 13th-
8 
month pay, if applicable;
9 
(k) Compensation and benefits for occupational injury, illness, or death;
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21
22
23
(l) Social security and welfare benefits, including compulsory insurance coverage 
as provided under Sec. 37-A of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, otherwise known 
as the "Migrant Workers Act", and Sec. 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;
(p) Other benefits provided by law, company policy, or CBA; and
(q) Termination of the contract and the conditions thereof, including:
(1) If the contract is for an indefinite duration, the conditions entitling either 
party to terminate it and the period to give notice shall not be less for the 
shipowner than for the seafarer;
(2) If the contract is for a definite duration, the date fixed for its expiry;
and
15


1 
(3) If the contract is for a voyage, the port of destination and the time
2 
which has to expire after arrival before the seafarer's discharge.
3 
The employment contract shall be in English or translated in the language known
4 
to the seafarer, executed in four (4) original copies before the commencement of the
5 
employment.
6 
The shipowner and the seafarer shall each have a signed original of the
7 
agreement. In addition, a signed original shall be made available onboard the ship.
8 
The DMW shall issue an SEC containing the minimum standards for seafarers'
9 
employment for ocean-going Philippine or foreign-registered ships, which shall be
10 
subject to review and regularly updated to ensure its conformity with the MLC, 2006,
11 
and other existing treaties and conventions governing seafarers which the Philippines
12 
has ratified or will ratify in the future.
13 
SEC. 29. Hours of Work and Hours of Rest - For purposes of this Act, the
14 
term:
15 
(a) Hours of work refer to the time seafarers are required to do work on account
16 
of the ship;
17 
(b) Hours of rest refer to the time spent outside work hours but do not include
18 
short breaks.
19 
A seafarer's normal work hours shall be eight (8) hours a day with one (1) rest
20 
day per week. If the seafarer is required to work beyond eight (8) hours, the maximum
21 
hours of work shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours in any twenty-four (24)-hour period
22 
and seventy-two (72) hours in any seven (7)-day period.
23 
The minimum hours of rest for every seafarer shall be at least ten (10) hours in
24 
a twenty-four (24)-hour period. The hours of rest are divisible into two (2) periods,
25 
one of which shall be at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between the two
26 
periods of rest shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours.
16


1 
In exceptional cases, seafarers in watchkeeping duties may work beyond
2 
fourteen (14) hours as may be required: Provided, that the rest period shall not be
3 
less than seventy (70) hours in any seven (7)-day period; Provided, further, that such
4 
watch keeping duties shall not be allowed for more than (2) consecutive weeks;
5 
Provided, finally, that the Intervals between the two (2) periods shall not be less than
6 
twice the duration of the exception.
7 
Seafarers shall be entitled to reasonable periods offshore leaves while the vessel
8 
is docked for their health and well-being, subject to proportionate and specifically
9 
adopted rules, regulations, and measures of the Port State.
10 
Sec. 30. Paid Annual Leave. - Unless a higher paid annual leave Is already
11 
provided in the employment contract, under a CBA, or by the shipowner as company
12 
practice or policy, the seafarers shall be entitled to a paid annual leave, calculated
13 
based on a minimum of 4.5 calendar days per month of employment, without
14 
prejudice to any future increases as may be prescribed by laws, rules, or regulations:
15 
Provided, That it shall not include the following:
16 
(a) Public and customary holidays of the Philippines, whether or not they fall
17 
during the paid annual leave;
18
(b) Periods of incapacity for work due to:
19
(1) illness or injury;
20
(2) maternity or paternity leave In accordance with law;
21
(c) Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while employed; or
22
(d) Compensatory leave of any kind.
23 
Sec. 31. Wages. - Without prejudice to higher rates provided under a CBA or
24 
by the shipowner as company practice or policy, the minimum wage applicable to
25 
seafarers on board ocean-going ships of Philippine or foreign registry shall be as
26 
provided in the SEC, which in no case be lower than the prevailing industry standard
17


1 
on ocean-going seafaring wage rates for officers and other members of the ship's
2 
crew, and regularly paid in full at least once a month.
3 
Sec. 32. Allotment and Remittances of Wages. -The seafarer is required
4 
to make an allotment which shall be payable once a month to his designated allottee
5 
in the Philippines through any authorized Philippine bank. The employer shall provide
6 
the seafarer with facilities to do so at no expense to the seafarer. The allotment shall
7 
be at least eighty percent (80%) of the seafarer's monthly basic salary.
8 
The employer may also provide facilities for the seafarer to remit any amount
9 
earned in excess of his allotment, including backwages, if any, to his designated
10 
allottee in the Philippines through any authorized Philippine bank without any charge
11 
to him.
12 
The allotments shall be paid to the designated allottee in Philippine currency at
13 
the rate of exchange indicated in the credit advice of the local authorized Philippine
14 
bank.
15 
Sec. 33. Limitations on Wage Deductions. - Unless stipulated in the
16 
employment contract or provided by law, deductions shall not be allowed without the
17 
seafarer's prior written consent.
18 
Sec. 34. Persona! Effects. - A seafarer may bring a reasonable number of
19 
articles on board the ship for personal use. Provided, That neither shall it cause
20 
inconvenience to the ship or cargo nor pose any risk onboard.
21 
Unless the CBA provides for a higher limit, the shipowner shall reimburse the
22 
cost of any loss or damage on the seafarer's personal effects resulting from shipwreck,
23 
stranding, abandonment of the vessel, fire, flooding, collision, or piracy, following the
24 
limitations prescribed by existing rules and regulations but in no case shall it be lower
25 
than international standards.
26 
Sec. 35. Social Welfare Benefits. - Without prejudice to the SEC, CBA, or
27 
company practice or policy, all seafarers shall be members of and entitled to receive
18


1 
the benefits conferred by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA),
2 
Social Security System (SSS), Employees' Compensation and State Insurance Fund
3 
(ECSIF), PhilHealth, Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or the Pag-IBIG Fund,
4 
and other applicable social protection laws, rules, and regulations, as may now or
5 
hereafter be created in favor of Filipino workers or OFWs in particular.
6 
Sec. 36. Sick Leave and Sickness Benefits During Pubiic Heaith
7 
Emergencies. - A seafarer who has contracted an Illness or disease during public
8 
health emergencies, such as epidemics or pandemics, while In transit or under
9 
quarantine shall be entitled to paid sick leave and sickness benefits until the seafarer
10 
joins the vessel.
11 
Sec. 37. Payment of Wages to Abandoned Seafarer. - Filipino seafarers
12 
abandoned by shipowners shall be entitled to full payment of wages and other benefits
13 
provided under the SEC or the CBA.
14
15
16
CHAPTER VIII
ACCOMMODATION, RECREATIONAL, AND SANITATION FACILITIES,
FOOD AND CATERING IN SHIPS
17 
Sec. 38. Appiication. - The requirements of this Chapter covering ships of
18 
Philippine registry shall be applicable to the following:
19 
(a) All ocean-going ships and domestic ships constructed on or after the date
20 
when the MLC, 2006 comes into force;
21 
(b) All second hand ships, whether ocean-going or domestic, acquired or leased,
22 
and entered in the Philippine registry after the entry date Into force of the said
23 
Convention, insofar as they can be reasonably refitted, unless provided exemption by
24 
the relevant Philippine government agency; and
25 
(c) All ships constructed prior to the entry into force of the MLC, 2006 which
26 
have undergone major or substantial structural alterations after the entry into force
19


1 
of the Convention, unless provided exemption by the relevant Philippine government
2 
agency.
3 
Sec. 39. Accommodation and Recreational Facilities. - Unless otherwise
4 
exempted herein or by appropriate regulations, all ships shall provide and maintain
5 
safe, decent and adequate accommodations, including but not limited to, recreational
6 
facilities, for seafarers that meet the minimum standards set out in MLC, 2006, taking
7 
into account the need to protect the health and well-being of seafarers working or
8 
living onboard the ship, or both. There shall be a basic shipboard facility for women,
9 
such as separate sleeping rooms.
10 
Sec. 40. Requirements for Sanitation. - All ships shall have sanitary facilities
11 
that meet the minimum standards for health and hygiene, which shall be accessible
12 
to seafarers on board and sanitation standards set by Chapter XV - "Port, Airport,
13 
Vessel and Aircraft Sanitation" of the "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines" (P.D. 856)
14 
and its implementing rules and regulations. The sanitary facilities shall be located at
15 
convenient places, allowing for easy access to work stations. Separate sanitary
16 
facilities shall also be provided for male and female crew members of the ship.
17 
Sec. 41. Food and Catering. - All ships shall ensure protection and promotion
18 
of the health of the seafarer. Toward this end, shipowners shall ensure that ships carry
19 
on board and serve food and drinking water of appropriate quality, nutritional value
20 
and quantity that adequately covers the requirements of the ship and take into
21 
consideration the differing cultural and religious backgrounds of the seafarers onboard
22 
the ship. Seafarers onboard a ship shall be provided with food free of charge during
23 
the period of engagement. The foods and drinks and the preparation thereof shall be
24 
in accordance with the standards of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines and
25 
pertinent laws, rules and regulations, and/or with international standards. In all cases,
26 
the ship's cooks shall be trained and qualified for their position.
27 
CHAPTER IX
28 
MEDICAL CARE AND MARITIME OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
29 
STANDARDS
20


1 
Sec. 42. Medical Care Onboard Ships and Ashore, - The shipowner shall
2 
provide adequate medical facility, equipment, paraphernalia and medical supplies,
3 
including medicines onboard, and shall ensure access to shore medical facilities,
4 
including mental health services for seafarers, as well as, corresponding medical or
5 
trained personnel who shall provide first aid and medical care.
6 
The medicine chest and its contents, including but not limited to the common
7 
emergency and maintenance medications prescribed by licensed physicians to
8 
seafarers during PEME, the medical equipment, and the medical guide onboard shall
9 
be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure that labeling, expiry dates, and
10 
conditions of storage of all medicines and the directions for their use are checked, and
11 
all equipment are functioning properly.
12 
The shipowner shall ensure that seafarers have access to medical care, including
13 
assessment, counseling, psychotherapy and other forms of mental health Intervention
14 
in relation to the treatment of any mental or behavioral disorder, necessary medicines,
15 
therapeutic appliances, board and lodging away from home until the seafarer has
16 
recovered, for any Illness or injury, hospitalization and dental treatment until the sick
17 
or injured seafarer has recovered or until the sickness or incapacity has been declared
18 
of a permanent character. The medical care shall be at no cost to the seafarer.
19 
A seafarer shall have the right to consult a qualified physician or dentist without
20 
delay in ports of call, where practicable.
21 
The health protection and medical care under this Section shall be provided at
22 
no cost to the seafarer, in accordance with rules and regulations issued for this
23 
purpose.
24 
Sec. 43. Protection of Seafarers from Epidemics^ Pandemics, or Other
25 
Public Health Emergencies.
26 
(a) Seafarers on ships shall be covered by adequate measures for the protection
27 
from health emergencies, and that they have access to prompt and adequate medical
28 
care while onboard, including medical advice and confidential helplines on physical
21


1 
and mental health by radio or satellite communication free of charge and available 24
2 
hours a day.
3 
(b) Shipowners shall institute measures on health emergency prevention in
4 
accordance with flag state health regulations and World Health Organization (WHO)
5 
guidelines, including necessary disinfection, decontamination, disinfection or
6 
deratting, or other measures necessary to prevent the spread of infection or
7 
contamination.
8 
(c) Seafarers who acquire symptoms or illness shall be properly isolated and
9 
treated pursuant to established guidelines of the flag state and by the WHO.
10 
(d) In ports of call, seafarers in need of medical care shall have access to medical
11 
facilities onshore.
12 
(e) Seafarers who have contracted covid-19 or are under quarantine shall be
13 
entitled to paid sick leave or sickness benefits as long as they are incapacitated to
14 
work.
15 
(f) Expense of medical care and board and lodging for periods spent by seafarers
16 
in self-isolation or in quarantine — whether seafarers have symptoms, have been
17 
exposed or are quarantined as a safety precaution — must be covered by the
18 
shipowner until the seafarers are considered to be duly repatriated.
19 
The transit of seafarers joining ships from the Philippines shall be facilitated and
20 
shall be exempted from travel-related, health-related or movement restrictions.
21 
Sec. 44. Financial Security System to Assist Seafarers in Case of
22 
Occupational Injury and Other Causes. - In accordance with the MLC, 2006, on
23 
Financial Security for vessels, the shipowner shall provide an expeditious and effective
24 
financial security system to assist seafarers in the event of their abandonment and to
25 
assure compensation for contractual claims in the event of sickness, injury, or death
26 
occurring while they are serving under a seafarer's employment contract, or arising
27 
from their employment under such agreement.
22


1 
Sec. 45. Insurance Coverage. - The provisions on compulsory insurance for
2 
agency-hired workers under Section 37-A of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by
3 
Republic Act No. 10022, entitled An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise
4 
known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, As Amended,
5 
Further Improving the Standard of Protection and Promotion of the Welfare of Migrant
6 
Workers, Their Families and Overseas Filipinos in Distress, and for Other Purposes,
7 
shall continue to apply, at no cost, to seafarers: Provided, That the minimum insurance
8 
cover stated therein shall be issued by insurance companies duly registered with the
9 
Insurance Commission - to ensure and facilitate claims of seafarers based on the
10 
section's "no contest, no fault or negligence" clause. This insurance cover is without
11 
prejudice to the insurance policy to be issued or secured by the shipowners, over and
12 
above the minimum cover, as an added protection to the seafarers in accordance with
13 
international standards and practices.
14
CHAPTER X
15
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
16
Sec. 46. Termination of Employment -
17 
(a) The employment of Filipino seafarers onboard Philippine-registered ships
18 
operating internationally and onboard foreign-registered ships, shall cease when the
19 
seafarers complete their period of contractual service aboard the ship, sign off from
20 
the ship, and arrive at the destination as specified under this paragraph (b) of this
21 
Section;
22 
(b) The employment is also terminated effective upon arrival at the point of
23 
repatriation, which shall either be at the point of hire or the seafarer's place of
24 
domicile, at the option of the seafarer, or in case of the seafarer's incapacity or death,
25 
at the option of the seafarer's next-of-kin, for any of the following reasons:
26
27
28
(1) When the seafarer signs off and is disembarked for medical reasons in 
the event that the seafarer is declared: i) fit for repatriation; or ii) when after an 
illness, the seafarer is declared fit to work, but the employer is unable to find
23


1 
employment for the seafarer on board the ship originally boarded or on another
2 
ship of the shipowner;
3 
(2) When the seafarer signs off due to the sale of the ship, lay-up of ship,
4 
discontinuance of voyage or change of ship principal, shipwreck, grounding, or
5 
unseaworthiness;
6 
(3) When the seafarer voluntarily resigns in writing and signs off prior to
7 
the expiration of contract within a reasonable period as may be prescribed in the
8 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act; or
9 
(4) When the seafarer is discharged for just causes in accordance with the
10 
provisions of the Standard Employment Contract.
11 
Sec. 47. Extension of Employment - In the event of the extension of the
12 
term of a seafarer's employment contract, the seafarer shall be furnished a copy of
13 
the new or supplemental contract covering the extension of employment with
14 
adequate time to review and obtain expert advice regarding the terms and conditions
15 
of extended employment, which shall in no case be lower than the terms of original
16 
employment. In all cases, the shipowner, or a duly authorized representative of the
17 
manning agency shall ensure that the seafarer has considered the effects of such an
18 
extension to any accumulated entitlement and repatriation benefits, among others.
19 
Manning agencies and shipowners shall submit periodic reports to the DMW on
20 
the welfare and well-being of seafarers subjected to such contract extensions.
21
CHAPTER XI
22 
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
23 
Sec. 48. Onboard and Onshore Grievance Machinery. - All ships of
24 
Philippine registry shall establish a grievance machinery and fair, effective and
25 
expeditious onboard and onshore procedures, at no cost to the seafarer, for the
26 
resolution of grievances or complaints. Similarly, all Filipino seafarers must be afforded
27 
the right to access the onboard grievance machinery that is fair, effective, and
24


1 
expeditious procedures, at no cost to the seafarer, for the resolution of grievances or
2 
complaints. This grievance must be exhausted as a remedy in order to protect
3 
the rights of the Filipino seafarer.
4 
Any grievance or complaint shall first be referred to the appropriate grievance
5 
mechanism provided under this Section. In cases where a seafarer is a member of a
6 
legitimate trade union organization and covered by a CBA, the seafarer shall be
7 
assisted by a union-designated representative in the proceedings. Any agreements
8 
reached by the parties at the grievance proceedings shall be final and binding.
9 
Sec. 49. Mandatory Conciliation-Mediation. - In the absence of an
10 
agreement or settlement at the grievances machinery level, the following rules shall
11 
apply:
12 
(a) If there is a CBA, the matter shall be submitted for voluntary arbitration in
13 
accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations;
14 
(b) If there is no CBA, the parties shall have the option to submit the case to
15 
compulsory arbitration or voluntary arbitration, or conciliation-mediation services
16 
provided under Republic Act No. 10396, otherwise known as "An Act Strengthening
17 
Conciliation-Mediation as a Voluntary Mode of Dispute Settlement for All Labor Cases,
18 
Amending for this Purpose Article 228 of Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended.
19 
Otherwise Known as the "Labor Code of the Philippines'" and its implementing rules
20 
and regulations.
21 
Sec. 50. Maritime Industry Labor Arbitration. - There shall be a pool of
22 
trained maritime industry conciliators-mediators and experts with the appropriate
23 
competence, integrity, and knowledge of the Philippine and global maritime industry
24 
practices and standards, MLC, 2006, and related Philippine-ratified conventions and
25 
treaties, who shall handle the mediation or conciliation or arbitration of all issues
26 
relating to the employment of seafarers.
25


1 
Sec. 51. Judgment on the Basis of Certification. - No judgment or award
2 
resulting in the forfeiture of the seafarer's claims shall be rendered solely on the basis
3 
of a defective or questionable fit-to-work certification.
4 
Sec. 52. Period to Settle Claims. - In the event a seafarer, or the seafarer's
5 
successor-in-interest, files for a claim for unpaid salaries and other statutory monetary
6 
benefits, or those arising from disability or death, the employer or the manning agency
7 
shall have fifteen (15) days from the submission of the claim, proof or complete
8 
documents, as the case may be, to determine the validity of the claim. The results of
9 
the validation by the employer or manning agency shall be communicated to the
10 
seafarer within the aforesaid 15-day period. The employer or manning agency shall,
11 
within fifteen (15) days from the time it has communicated to the seafarer its findings,
12 
settle its obligations to the seafarer, if any.
13 
This provision also applies to the claims of a seafarer, or the seafarer's
14 
successors-in-interest, arising from accidental death, natural death, or permanent
15 
disability benefits under Sec. 37-A of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended.
16 
Sec. 53. Prohibition on Appearances and Fees - Non-lawyers may not act
17 
as legal representatives of seafarers or appear on their behalf at any stage or in any
18 
proceedings before labor tribunals including the National Labor Relations Commission,
19 
Labor Arbiter, conciliation and mediation in the NCMB or voluntary arbitration,
20 
Department of Migrant Workers and other quasi-judicial bodies unless they represent
21 
themselves or they represent their organization or members thereof.
22 
Any stipulation on fees shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the compensation
23 
or benefit which may be received by or awarded to the seafarer or to his successors-
24 
in-interest pursuant to Republic Act No. 10706, otherwise known as the "Seafarers
25 
Protection Act." Any contract, agreement or arrangement of any sort to the contrary
26 
shall be null and void.
27
28
26


1 
CHAPTER XII
2 
REPATRIATION
3 
Sec. 54. Seafarers1 Repatriation. - In all cases of repatriation, the affected
4 
seafarer shall be repatriated to the point of hire or the place of domicile of the seafarer,
5 
at the seafarer's option, or in case of incapacity or death, at the option of the seafarer's
6 
next-of-kin, and ail costs related to the repatriation, transport of the personal effects,
7 
and remains of seafarers, including the provision on financial security in case of
8 
abandonment of seafarers, shall be borne by shipowner or the manning agency
9 
concerned. The shipowner or the manning agency shall expedite the repatriation
10 
without prior determination of the cause of repatriation or termination of the seafarer's
11 
employment.
12 
Sec. 55. Repatriation Expenses; Advance and Recovery. - The repatriation
13 
expenses that shall be borne by the shipowner or the manning agency concerned shall
14 
include:
15 
(a) Basic pay and allowances from the moment the seafarers leave the ship until
16 
they reach the repatriation destination;
17 
(b) Accommodation and food from the moment the seafarers leave the ship until
18 
they reach the repatriation destination;
19
(c) Transportation charges, the normal mode of transport should be by air;
20
(d) Deployment cost of the shipowner; and
21
(e) Immigration fees, fines, and penalties.
22 
However, in cases where the termination of employment is for just cause or upon
23 
the request of the seafarer, the cost of repatriation shall be for the account of the
24 
seafarer in accordance with the employment agreement.
27


1 
The responsibility to provide for the repatriation costs shall be without prejudice
2 
to the right to civil, criminal or other claims in accordance with law or otherwise,
3 
particularly in cases of maritime accident or death other than natural causes.
4 
Sec. 56. Quarantine and Medical Expenses in Repatriation Due to
5 
Infection, Epidemics or Pandemic. - Before or during the process of repatriation,
6 
the expenses of medical care and board and lodging for periods spent by seafarers in
7 
self-isolation or quarantine, whether or not the seafarers have symptoms, have been
8 
exposed or are quarantined as a safety precaution for the community, shall be covered
9 
by the shipowner or manning agency until the seafarers have been duly repatriated
10 
to the repatriation destination. Thereafter, medical care and quarantine expenses for
11 
repatriation to the point of destination shall be borne by the Philippine government,
12 
following the whole-of-government approach in the management of epidemics and
13 
pandemics.
14 
Sec. 57. Waiver of Entitlement to Repatriation. - Entitlement to
15 
repatriation may be waived by a seafarer; Provided, That the waiver shall be written,
16 
made freely and voluntarily, with full knowledge of its consequences; Provided,
17 
further, that no such waiver shall be allowed or presumed when a seafarer is
18 
abandoned, held captive on or off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed
19 
robbery against the ship, or is incapable of traveling due to illness, injury or incapacity,
20 
or other causes that affect the seafarer's safety and security.
21
CHAPTER XIII
22
REINTEGRATION
23 
Sec. 58. Reintegration. -There shall be developed and implemented a full-
24 
cycle and comprehensive national reintegration program for seafarers, which shall be
25 
embedded in all stages of migration for work beginning from pre-deployment, on-site
26 
during employment, and upon return, whether voluntary or involuntary. The
27 
reintegration program shall cover the different dimensions of support needed by
28 
seafarers, such as economic, social, psychosocial, and cultural, including skills
29 
certification and recognition of equivalency for effective employment services, and
28


1 
shall ensure contribution of skilled or professional seafarers to national development
2 
through investments and transfer of technology.
3 
CHAPTER XIV
4 
PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO DOMESTIC SEAFARERS
5 
Sec. 59. Wages/ Holiday Payr Service Incentive Leave/ and Other
6 
Statutory Benefits. - The minimum wage rate of seafarers onboard ships engaged
7 
in domestic shipping shall be determined by the Regional Tripartite Wages and
8 
Productivity Boards (RTWPB), taking into account the peculiarities of the employment
9 
arrangement of seafarers and the criteria for wage-fixing pursuant to Republic Act No.
10 
6727, otherwise known as the "Wage Rationalization Act"; Provided, that wages for
11 
actual work hours and days shall not be lower than the applicable minimum wage
12 
rates In the place where the ship Is registered. Wages of domestic seafarers shall be
13 
paid in full and regularly at least twice a week in a month, or at intervals not greater
14 
than sixteen (16) days as provided in the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.
15 
In addition, the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, on
16 
"Prohibitions Regarding Wages," "Wage Studies, Wage Agreements, and Wage
17 
Determination," "Administration and Enforcement," "Holidays," "Service Incentive
18 
Leaves and Service Charges" shall continue to apply, unless higher annual leave is
19 
already provided under the CBA or by the shipowner as company practice or policy or
20 
seafarers' employment agreement. In addition, domestic seafarers shall also be
21 
entitled to:
22
(a) 13th month pay pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended;
23 
(b) paid maternity leave under Republic Act No. 11210, otherwise known as the
24 
"105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law,";
25 
(c) paid paternity leave under Republic Act No. 8187, otherwise known as the
26 
"Paternity Leave Act of 1996,";
29


1 
(d) paid parental leave for solo parents under Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise
2 
known as the "Solo Parents' Welfare Act of 2000,";
3 
(e) paid leave for victims of violence against women and their children under
4 
Republic Act No. 9262, otherwise known as the "Anti-Violence Against Women and
5 
their Children Act of 2004,";
6 
(f) paid special leave due to surgery for any gynecological disorder, under
7 
Republic Act No. 9710, otherwise known as the "Magna Carta of Women,"; and
8 
(g) retirement pay, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7641.
9 
Domestic seafarers shall also be entitled to SSS, PhilHealth, and Employees'
10 
Compensation Commission (ECC) benefits, HDMF or Pag-IBIG Fund, and other
11 
applicable social protection in accordance with law, regardless of the benefits already
12 
provided under a contract, CBA, or company practice or policy.
13 
Sec. 60. Employment Contract - There shall be an agreement, in writing,
14 
between the shipowner and the seafarer, following the SEC prescribed under Section
15 
28 of this Act.
16 
The employment contract shall be executed by and between the shipowner and
17 
the seafarer before the commencement of employment in English or translated in the
18 
language known to both parties. The shipowner shall provide the domestic seafarer
19 
with the signed original copy of the contract and a certified true copy shall be made
20 
available onboard the ship.
21 
The DMW shall keep a copy of the employment contract between the shipowner
22 
and the domestic seafarer.
23 
Sec. 61. Maximum Hours of Work and Minimum Hours of Rest -The
24 
provision of Section 29 shall also apply to domestic seafarers. In addition, waiting time
25 
shall not be considered as compensable working time if the seafarer is completely
26 
relieved from duty and can use the time effectively for one's own purpose.
30


1 
Sec. 62. Termination of Empioyment of Domestic Seafarers. -The
2 
termination of employment of a seafarer onboard domestic ships shall be governed
3 
by the provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and applicable
4 
rules and regulations issued by DOLE. In case the termination of employment is
5 
initiated by the shipowner, the substantial and procedural aspects of due process shall
6 
be observed.
7 
Sec. 63. Rescue of Seafarers On-Board Domestic Ships. - The provisions
8 
on repatriation contained in Chapter XII shall also apply to seafarers working on
9 
domestic ships. Seafarers onboard domestic ships shall be entitled to emergency
10 
rescues in cases of war, epidemics, abandonment of ships by shipowners, disasters or
11 
calamities, whether natural or man-made, and other similar events. The Philippine
12 
Coast Guard (PCG) and MARINA shall undertake and assist in the rescue of seafarers
13 
onboard domestic ships.
14 
Sec. 64. Contracting or Subcontracting of Services. - The contracting or
15 
subcontracting of seafarers for work onboard domestic ships shall be governed by
16 
existing rules and regulations by the DOLE.
17 
Sec. 65. Seafarer Compensation for the Ship's Loss or Foundering. -
18 
Seafarers shall be entitled to adequate compensation in the case of injury, loss or
19 
unemployment arising from the ship's loss or foundering, in accordance with the SEC
20 
or the CBA.
21
CHAPTER XV
22 
MANNING LEVELS AND COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF SHIPS OF
23 
PHILIPPINE REGISTRY
24 
Sec. 66. Manning Levels. - All ships of Philippine registry shall have the
25 
required minimum manning levels as prescribed by the MARINA. They shall, at all
26 
times, be manned by a crew that is adequate in terms of size and qualifications taking
27 
into account the need to operate the vessel safely and efficiently.
31


1 
Sec. 67. Crew Competence. - Every member of the crew of a ship of Philippine
2 
registry shall possess, in addition to the required medical certificate, the appropriate
3 
certificate of competency issued by the relevant government agencies setting forth
4 
one's competence to serve in the capacity, and perform the functions involved at the
5 
level of responsibility, for the position held, for the type, tonnage, power, means of
6 
propulsion, and trading patterns of the ships concerned.
7 
The certificate of competency shall attest that the seafarer to whom it is issued
8 
meets the requirements for service, age, qualification, and examinations for the
9 
position held.
10 
Sec. 68. Compliance and Certification. - The shipowner and master shall
11 
ensure the ship's compliance with this Act and its implementing rules and regulations
12 
at all times. In case of any violation thereof, they shall be principally liable.
13 
For this purpose, a Maritime Labor Certificate or a certificate of compliance, when
14 
applicable, shall be issued following the implementing rules and regulations of this
15 
Act.
16 
Sec. 69. Inspection and Enforcement
17 
(a) The Secretary of DMW or its duly authorized representative shall have the
18 
authority over all ocean-going ships, while the Secretary of DOLE or its duly authorized
19 
representative shall have the authority over all domestic ships, both of Philippine
20 
registry, and shall:
21 
(1) Inspect to ensure compliance with labor standards and occupational
22 
safety and health as provided under this Act. The enforcement and compliance
23 
monitoring activities may be coordinated and conducted by the DMW or DOLE,
24 
as the case may be, with the relevant government agencies, including MARINA
25 
and PCG, in conjunction with their schedules for inspection and certification;
26 
(2) Have the power to order immediate correction of, and impose fines for
27 
violations of the relevant provisions of this Act.
32


1 
When the violation or deficiency constitutes a serious breach of the
2 
requirement of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, or poses an
3 
imminent danger to the ship, life, or limbs of seafarers, the Secretary of DMW or
4 
DOLE or their duly respective authorized representative shall coordinate with the
5 
PCG to order the detention of the ship immediately until the violation or
6 
deficiency is corrected, or until a plan of action to rectify the non-conformities is
7 
shown to be implemented expeditiously.
8 
(b) The PCG shall have the authority to conduct the port state control inspections
9 
of vessels, including all foreign-flagged vessels, calling at any port of the Philippines,
10 
for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, control and prevention of
11 
maritime pollution, and verification of compliance with the minimum standards of
12 
training and social condition of officers and crew onboard the ships. The PCG shall
13 
assist relevant agencies in the enforcement of the provisions of this Act and its
14 
implementing rules and regulations, and the MLC, 2006.
15 
The conduct of port state controls shall be In accordance with international
16 
conventions and instruments ratified or to be ratified in the future.
17 
The PCG Commandant or its duly authorized representative shall have the power
18 
to order immediate correction of, and impose fines for violations of the relevant
19 
provisions of this Act.
20 
Upon the order of the Secretary of DMW or DOLE, the PCG shall prohibit a ship
21 
from leaving port in case of finding that the conditions onboard are clearly hazardous
22 
to the safety, health or security of seafarers, or non-compliance with any of the
23 
provisions of this Act, the MLC, 2006 and its amendments. In all cases, the prohibition
24 
to leave the port shall be In place until the same have been rectified or until a plan of
25 
action to rectify the non-conformities Is shown to be implemented In an expeditious
26 
manner, and cleared by the Secretary of DMW or DOLE.
27 
Sec. 70. Recognized Organizations. - Recognized organizations may be
28 
authorized by the Secretary of DMW or DOLE to conduct inspection and Issue
33


1 
certifications in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its implementing rules
2 
and regulations.
3 
A recognized organization shall have the necessary knowledge of the
4 
requirements of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations, the MLC, 2006
5 
and other relevant International treaties or conventions.
6 
A recognized organization shall also have the necessary and qualified
7 
professional, technical, and support expertise to carry out the conduct of inspection
8 
and issuance of certification.
9 
Sec. 71. Green Lane for Seafarers. - When the circumstances warrant, the
10 
DMW, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), DOLE,
11 
Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG),
12 
Department of Transportation (DOTR), and other relevant agencies shall activate a
13 
green lane for seafarers that exempt them from travel-related or health-related
14 
movement restrictions to facilitate their joining or leaving ships.
15 
CHAPTER XVI
16
SHIPBOARD TRAINING OF CADETS
17 
Sec. 72. Applicability. - The provisions of Chapters III (Seafarer's Rights), IV
18 
(Women in the Maritime Industry), VIII (Accommodation, Recreational and Sanitation
19 
Facilities, Food and Catering in Ships), IX (Medical Care and Maritime Occupational
20 
Safety and Health Standards), XI (Dispute Resolution), and XII (Repatriation) shall
21 
apply with respect to the training of cadets.
22 
Sec. 73. Shipboard Training Agreement for Cadets. - There shall be a
23 
written agreement between the shipowner, the cadet and the maritime institution or
24 
school which shall embody the following information, terms and conditions:
25 
(a) Cadet's full name, date of birth, birthplace and age, which should be at least
26 
sixteen (16) years old;
34


1 
(b) Name and address of the maritime institution or school;
2 
(c) Name and address of the shipowner and its manning and placement agency,
3 
If applicable;
4 
(d) Place and date when the agreement is entered into;
5 
(e) Capacity in which the cadet is to be trained;
6 
(f) The amount of the cadet's allowance or stipend, if applicable;
7 
(g) Required number of hours of training and rest which shall not be less than
8 
the prescribed hours of rest in Sections 29 and 61 of this Act;
9 
(h) Duties and responsibilities of the sponsoring company. Maritime Higher
10 
Education Institutions (MHEIs), and cadets, as may be provided under the Standard
11 
Cadet Training Agreement on Ships Engaged in International Voyage; and
12 
(i) Other benefits in accordance with existing laws, company policy or
13 
agreements.
14 
In no case shall cadets perform activities outside of the scope of the cadet
15 
shipboard training program.
16 
The foregoing agreement shall be in a language familiar to and understood by
17 
all parties in English, executed in four (4) original copies before the commencement
18 
of the shipboard training. The shipowner, cadet and the maritime institution/school
19 
shall each have a signed original of the agreement and an electronic copy thereof shall
20 
be submitted to the DOLE- through the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) for
21 
domestic ships, or DMW for ocean-going ships. A signed original copy shall also be
22 
made available on board the ship.
23 
Sec. 74. Non-discrimination in Shipboard Training. - Cadets shall be
24 
accorded equal access to training and shall not be discriminated against for shipboard
25 
training.
35


1 
Sec. 75. Curriculum Committee. - A Curriculum Committee shall be formed
2 
to periodically assess the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Marine
3 
Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) to
4 
ensure their consistency with the IMO model courses on marine or maritime education.
5 
Except for mandatory subjects required by CHED leading to a degree, subjects which
6 
are not consistent with the IMO model courses shall be removed. The Committee shall
7 
be chaired by CHED with the following as members: MARINA, DMW, DFA, MHEIs,
8 
training institutions, academe, shipowners and manning agencies.
9 
Sec. 76. Regulation of Training Programs and Fees. - The Maritime
10 
Industry Board created under Presidential Decree No. 474, entitled "Providing for the
11 
Reorganization of Maritime Functions in the Philippines, Creating the Maritime Industry
12 
Authority, and for Other Purposes, as amended," shall be authorized under this Act to
13 
regulate the fees imposed by MARINA-accredited Maritime Training Institutions for
14 
maritime courses and programs required under STCW Convention, 1978, as amended.
15 
The MARINA Board shall ensure that the fees charged for these training courses are
16 
reasonable. For this purpose, the Secretary of the DMW shall be the Vice-Chairperson
17 
of the MARINA Board to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of seafarers
18 
onboard ships operating internationally.
19 
The power to regulate does not extend to non-mandatory training or courses. In
20 
this regard, the MARINA shall regularly publish the mandatory training or courses
21 
required by the STCW Convention.
22 
Sec. 77. Non-Degree Courses for Seafarers. - The TESDA shall, in
23 
consultation with CHED and MARINA, develop and establish non-degree courses on
24 
maritime education and training consistent with its mandate under Republic Act No.
25 
7796. Non-degree holder seafarers shall be allowed to undergo shipboard training, for
26 
purposes of employment in the domestic maritime industry, in vessels below the
27 
minimum gross tonnage and required horsepower as provided under the guidelines of
28 
MARINA in compliance with international standards: Provided, That such non-degree
29 
programs may serve as a preparatory course, or may be considered as an "associate
30 
degree," leading to the full degree of BSMT, BSMarE, and other maritime degree
36


1 
programs through a ladderized system of education and training consistent with
2 
Republic Act No. 10647 (The Ladderized Education Act of 2014) and Republic Act No.
3 
10968 (Philippine Qualifications Framework Act).
4 
For purposes of this Act, the TESDA shall be the primary agency in charge of
5 
developing and establishing non-degree maritime courses or programs and ensuring
6 
their Implementation.
7 
Sec. 78. Implementing Guidelines. - The CHED, MARINA, DMW, TESDA and
8 
other concerned government agencies, in consultation with the stakeholders, are
9 
hereby authorized to formulate the implementing guidelines for this Chapter on 
10 Education and Training of Seafarers.
11
CHAPTER XVII
12
INCENTIVES AND AWARDS GRANTED TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY
13 
Sec. 79. Incentives and Awards. - In consultation with the Maritime
14 
Industry Tripartite Council (MITC), the concerned government agency shall establish
15 
and administer an incentive and awards system for the maritime industry stakeholders.
16 
Deserving shipowners, seafarers, manning, and other organizations or entities
17 
shall be commended or awarded for their outstanding performance in upholding
18 
seafarers' rights and compliance with this Act and its implementing rules and
19 
regulations.
20
37


1 
CHAPTER XVIII
2 
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
3 
Sec. 80. Role of Government Agencies. - The following government
4 
agencies shall perform the following functions to promote the welfare and protect the
5 
rights of Filipino seafarers:
6 
(a) CHED. - The CHED shall set the standards and monitor the performance of
7 
maritime education programs and maritime higher education institutions, ensuring
8 
that quality maritime education, including curricula and training programs, are
9 
structured and delivered in accordance with the written programs, methods, and
10 
media of delivery, procedures, and course materials compliant with international
11 
standards prescribed under the STCW Convention and its amendments. For this
12 
purpose, CFIED shall be in close coordination with the MARINA.
13 
(b) DOLE. - The DOLE shall ensure that the standards set forth under this Act,
14 
Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the "Labor Code of the Philippines",
15 
as amended, and other domestic laws, the MLC, 2006 and other international treaties
16 
and conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory are faithfully complied with
17 
and fairly applied to Filipino seafarers of domestic ships.
18 
To this end, the DOLE shall establish an effective system for the inspection and
19 
certification to ensure the working and living conditions of seafarers are met and
20 
continue to be met pursuant to the MLC, 2006.
21 
(c) DFA. - DFA, through its consular offices or foreign service posts, in
22 
coordination with the appropriate government agency, shall take priority action or
23 
make representation with the foreign authority concerned to protect the rights of
24 
seafarers and extend immediate assistance. Considering that the seafarers are
25 
essential workers, the DFA shall provide a priority lane to expeditiously process the
26 
application of new passports or renewal of expiring passports.
38


(d) DOH. - The DOH shall regulate the activities and operations of ail clinics which 
conduct physical, optical, dental, psychological and other similar examinations, 
hereinafter referred to as health examinations, on Filipino seafarers.
The DOH shall determine and prescribe the nature of the 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 the seafarer shall 
be required to perform onboard. 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.
10 
(e) DMW." The DMW shall review and improve on the working conditions and
11 
terms of employment of the officers and crew of vessels of ocean-going ships of
12 
Philippine or foreign registry covered under this Act. It shall likewise ensure that the
13 
standards set forth under this Act, the MLC, 2006, and other international treaties and
14 
conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory are faithfully complied with and
15 
fairly applied to seafarers. To this end, the DMW shall establish an effective system
16 
for inspection and certification as provided under this Act to ensure that the working
17 
and living conditions of seafarers are met and continue to be met pursuant to the
18 
MLC, 2006.
19 
It shall strengthen its research capability to provide studies/resources for
20 
evidenced-based policy decision-making and program development, and continuously
21 
address gaps in the protection and welfare of the seafarers. The DMW shall ensure
22 
fast and efficient way of processing employment contracts, renewal of manning
23 
license, accreditation of principals and enrollment of vessels in order to promote the
24 
marketability and employment of Filipino seafarers.
25 
It shall also continue to develop, enhance, and increase the accessibility of its
26 
gender and women empowerment and training courses for seafarers to the maritime
27 
industry, which shall be made available in any format, including digital and/or e-
28 
learning format.
39


1 
It shall extend immediate assistance to seafarers, or their families or next-of-
2 
kin, including the repatriation of distressed seafarers, and any other analogous help
3 
or intervention.
4 
(f) OWWA. - The OWWA, through its welfare officer or, in his absence, the
5 
coordinating officer, shall provide the seafarers and his/her family all the assistance
6 
they may need in the enforcement of contractual obligations by agencies and/or by
7 
their principals.
8 
The OWWA shall likewise formulate and Implement welfare programs for
9 
overseas Filipino seafarers and their families while they are abroad and upon their
10 
return. It shall ensure the awareness by the overseas Filipino seafarers and their
11 
families of these programs and other related governmental programs.
12 
(g) MARINA. - The MARINA shall ensure that the examination, licensing, and
13 
certification system for seafarers are in accordance with the requirements prescribed
14 
under STCW Convention, international agreements, other conventions relevant
15 
thereto, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
16 
(h) National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) shall:
17 
(1) Provide skills enhancement trainings mandated and recommended by
18 
international maritime conventions and other capability building interventions that
19 
measure up to quality standards and respond to the needs of seafarers.
20 
(2) Conduct strategic studies and research in support of the decent employment,
21 
protection of rights, and promotion of the welfare of seafarers, including the
22 
empowerment of women seafarers, among others.
23 
The NMP shall likewise develop and maintain a resource center for Filipino
24 
seafarers that includes a database of seafarers and related statistics and information
25 
to aid in evidence-based policy making and program development, and that which
26 
will provide the seafarers with real-time updated information on matters affecting
27 
their employment and helpline support.
40


1 
(i) PCG. - The PCG shall undertake port state control inspections of vessels calling
2 
at any port of the Philippines, in accordance with international conventions and
3 
standards, for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, control and
4 
prevention of maritime pollution, and verification of compliance with the minimum
5 
standards of training and social condition of officers and crew onboard the ships.
6 
The PCG shall, in line with its function to assist in the enforcement of applicable
7 
laws within the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines, shall assist the DMW or/and
8 
DOLE in the enforcement of the rules and regulations issued for the purpose of
9 
implementing the MLC 2006, including orders to detain vessels found in gross violation
10 
of pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
11 
Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power and function of all
12 
existing departments, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including
13 
government-owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be
14 
recognized in accordance with the law or order creating them.
15 
(j) NLRC. - The NLRC shall, consistent with its mandate and jurisdiction under
16 
Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, and other labor laws, adjudicate labor and
17 
management disputes involving seafarers through compulsory arbitration or
18 
alternative modes of dispute resolution.
19 
(k) Public Attorney's Office (PAO) - The PAO shall render, free of charge, legal
20 
representation, assistance, and counseling to seafarers or their families in criminal,
21 
civil, labor, administrative and other quasi-judicial cases. The PAO may Issue
22 
appropriate guidelines to ensure effective legal representation to seafarers.
23 
(I) TESDA. - The TESDA shall, in consultation with CHED and MARINA, develop,
24 
establish, and implement non-degree courses and programs on maritime education
25 
and other quality technical education and training programs for seafarers who may
26 
want to learn new skills or enhance their existing skills.
27 
Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power and function of all
28 
existing departments, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including
41


1 
government-owned and controlled corporations, shall remain and continue to be
2 
recognized in accordance with the law or order creating them.
3 
Sec. 81. Establishment of Seafarer Welfare Centers. - The OWWA shall
4 
establish seafarer welfare facilities or centers in major crew-change ports, specifically
5 
in Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Iloilo, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro
6 
City, Davao City and other areas to be determined by OWWA which have higher
7 
concentration of seafarers. The facility or center shall offer services which promote
8 
the welfare of, and cater to, the recreational, cultural, religious, communication, and
9 
legal needs of seafarers.
10 
The PAO shall, in coordination with OWWA, appoint at least one public attorney
11 
who shall be posted in the seafarer welfare centers and shall render free of charge
12 
legal assistance and counseling to seafarers or their families in criminal, civil, labor,
13 
administrative and other quasi-judicial cases.
14 
The OWWA shall, in consultation with relevant government agencies and
15 
stakeholders, review and develop annually the welfare facilities and services to ensure
16 
that they are appropriate in the light of changes in the needs of seafarers resulting
17 
from technical, operational and other developments in the shipping industry.
18 
A One-Stop-Shop for Seafarers, which shall have representatives from
19 
government agencies that process or issue licenses, permits, clearances and other
20 
documents required by seafarers, shall also be established in these welfare centers
21 
for the convenience of the seafarers and to maximize the services being offered to
22 
them.
23 
Sec. 82. Registry of Seafarers. - The DMW, for ocean-going ships of foreign
24 
registry, and MARINA, for domestic and ocean-going vessels of Philippine registry,
25 
shall maintain a registry of all seafarers in the Philippines; Provided, That the registry
26 
of seafarers aboard ocean-going ships shall be integrated into the management
27 
information system established under Republic Act No. 10022, otherwise known as
28 
the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended.
42


1 
The registry shall contain updated and relevant information or data to promote
2 
employment opportunities for seafarers, whether on board or ashore, or to provide a
3 
list of available training and education to support skills and development and
4 
competencies of seafarers, as well as a digitized copy of the duly executed contract.
5 
DMW and MARINA shall ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 10173,
6 
otherwise known as the "Data Privacy Act of 2012," and its implementing rules and
7 
regulations in handling seafarers' relevant information or data in their respective
8 
registries.
9 
Sec. 83. Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Standards. - The
10 
DOLE, in consultation with the DMW and the maritime industry stakeholders, shall
11 
formulate the Maritime Occupational Safety and Health Standards (MOSHS) according
12 
to the provisions of Republic Act No. 11058, otherwise known as the "Occupational
13 
Safety and Health Law" and applicable maritime conventions and treaties ratified by
14 
the Philippines.
15
CHAPTER XIX
16
FINAL PROVISIONS
17 
Sec. 84. Administrative Fines and Penalties. - Any shipowner, master, or
18 
their representative who fails or refuses to present employment records, such as
19 
payrolls, daily time records, payslip or other documents, such as medical records,
20 
when required by the individual seafarer, the Secretary of DMW or DOLE or their
21 
respective duly authorized representative, or the duly authorized representative of a
22 
recognized organization, shall be subject to administrative fines ranging from One
23 
hundred thousand pesos (Phpl00,000.00) to One million pesos (Phpl,000,000.00).
24 
Sec. 85. Penalty for Violation of Sec. 68 (Compliance and Certification)
25 
- Any shipowner, master, or their representative who operates without, or fails to
26 
present, a valid Maritime Labour Certificate, or its equivalent, shall be punished with
27 
fines ranging from One hundred thousand pesos (Phpl00,000.00) to One million pesos
43


1 
(Phpl/000,000.00), in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of this
2 
Act.
3 
Sec. 86. Penalty for Violation of Sec. 69 (Inspection and Enforcement).
4 
- Any person who, without proper authorization, exercises the authority granted to the
5 
Secretary of DMW or DOLE under Section 69 of this Act shall be punished with a fine
6 
of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000.00) but not more than
7 
Two million pesos (Php2,000,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year
8 
nor more than four (4) years, or both at the discretion of the court. The foregoing
9 
offense shall be prescribed after five (5) years from its commission.
10 
Sec. 87. Transitory Provision. - All rights, privileges and benefits previously
11 
enjoyed by Filipino seafarers before the effectivity of this Act, including those set forth
12 
in Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8042, as amended,
13 
shall continue to be recognized and shall not be diminished after the effectivity of this
14 
Act.
15 
The transition period provided under Section 23 of Republic Act No. 11641, shall
16 
likewise be taken into consideration.
17 
Sec. 88. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
18 
of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the
19 
departments and agencies concerned. Thereafter, such amount shall be included in
20 
the annual General Appropriations Act.
21 
Sec. 89. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - As the lead agency, the
22 
DMW, in coordination with DOLE, DFA, MARINA, CHED, TESDA, PCG, OWWA, and
23 
Other concerned agencies, and with the participation of representatives from non-
24 
government organizations (NGOs), civil society groups and recognized organizations,
25 
shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation
26 
of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
44


1 
Sec. 90. Separability Clause, - If any provision of this Act is held to be illegal,
2 
invalid, or unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain
3 
in full force and effect.
4 
Sec. 91. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, issuances,
5 
executive orders, letters of instructions, and proclamations or administrative
6 
regulations inconsistent with the provisions of the Act are hereby repealed or modified
7 
accordingly.
8 
Sec. 92. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
9 
completion of its publication either in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general
10 
circulation.
11 
Approved,
45