A Guide on How to Apply for a Seaman’s Book

Are you planning to work on a cruise ship? Even if you have the necessary qualifications and completed the trainings required, you still need to have this one important document: Seaman’s Identification Record Book or popularly known as Seaman’s Book.

Also known as SIRB, the Seaman’s Book is a major requirement that allows you to work on shipping vessels. It will also serve as your Visa or passport when onboard a vessel or ship.

The question now is this: how can you get a Seaman’s Book?

Eligibility Requirements

Below are qualified to apply for Seaman’s Book as set forth by Maritime Industry Authority or MARINA:

• Filipino citizen
• At least 18 years of age
• Cadet, who must be at least 16 years of age, applying for issuance of SIRB for shipboard apprenticeship
• Must be engaged in any capacity onboard a Philippine-registered ship 35 GT and above OR intends to be engaged in foreign-flagged ship.

If the ship is engaged in domestic shipping operations, then Seaman’s Book is NOT required and are exempted from applying.

SIRB is also OPTIONAL for personnel onboard ships not engaged in commercial activity.

Documentary Requirements

If you are a new applicant, then you need to submit the photocopies or scanned copies of the following:

• PSA-issued Birth Certificate OR DFA-issued passport
• NBI Clearance – purpose must be for “VISA SEAMAN”
• Valid Basic Training. If you took Basic Seaman Training or BST, then make sure to include BT-Upgrading and BT-Refresher, whichever is applicable.
• Documentary stamp

If you are a cadet applying for shipboard apprenticeship, then you need to submit photocopies or scanned copies of the following:

• PSA-issued Birth Certificate
• Transcript of Records from MARINA-accredited Maritime Higher Education Institution
• NBI Clearance – indicate that the purpose must be for “VISA SEAMAN”
• Valid Basic Training. If you took Basic Seaman Training or BST, then make sure to include BT-Upgrading and BT-Refresher, whichever is applicable
• Documentary stamp

If you are planning to renew your Seaman’s Book, then photocopy or scanned copies of the following requirements must be submitted:

• Expired or expiring Seaman’s Book
• NBI Clearance – indicate that the purpose is for “VISA SEAMAN”
• Valid Basic Training. If you took Basic Seaman Training or BST, then make sure to include BT-Upgrading and BT-Refresher, whichever is applicable
• MARINA computerized photograph, which is strictly availed inside MARINA Office
• Documentary stamp

If you are a licensed officer, then bring photocopies or scanned copies of the requirements mentioned above as well as the following:

• MARINA ID
• Certificate of Proficiency
• Certificate of Endorsement
• Uniform for picture taking

Take note that for female, married applicants, if you want to change your name and carry that of your husband’s, presenting a Marriage Certificate is required.

Also, MARINA will only get photocopies of these requirements, but it is recommended that you bring the original documents for verification.

In case you’re wondering how much doc stamps is. it’s around P20. Don’t worry. This is not a form of “kickback” and will be remitted directly to the BIR.

Setting an Appointment through MARINA MISMO System

Now that you know the documents you need to prepare, it’s time to find out how to get your Seaman’s Book.

Decades ago, getting SIRB means lining up in the office and waiting for your turn. That’s not how it works anymore with the help of MARINA Online Application. In fact, you can set up an appointment or schedule when you can process your Seaman’s Book.

Here’s how:

1. Go to MARINA MISMO website or click this link.
2. If you already have an existing account, then click Sign In. Otherwise, click Sign Up to create an account.
3. When signing up, fill out the required information and accept the terms and conditions. Make sure to verify your email address to complete the registration process. 

At this point, you can now make an appointment. Before you do that, you need to do the following steps:

1. Sign in to the MARINA MISMO homepage. Don’t forget to tick the CAPTCHA box to confirm that you are a real person.
2. Fill out the required information and then upload a valid profile picture.
3. Check the page to see if all the information is correct. Make necessary changes and then click Save Changes located on the upper left side of the screen.
4. Choose Select Transaction.
5. Click the SIRB tab.
6. Choose your preferred processing time: Regular or Expedite.
7. Select your preferred MARINA branch.
8. Tick the box for the kind of transaction you will make: New, Re-issuance or Lost/Damaged
9. Tick the box on the bottom saying “I hereby declare that my profile and service records is updated.” Then, click Proceed.
10. You will be redirected again to the Application Information window. It will show application details as well as the requirements you need to accomplish.
11. Upload the scanned copies of the documents listen on the screen. Take note that the file size must be 1MB or less. Once you’re done uploading the documents, click Submit.

Your profile and uploaded documents will be checked and verified by an online evaluator from MARINA. This usually takes 24 hours or longer, depending on the volume of applications received by the agency.

If approved, then you will be contacted, informing you that your application is approved and you’re ready to schedule an appointment.

In case you are rejected, log in to your account, choose Application tab, and click View Details. You will see the status of your documents and give you a feedback as to why your application was not approved.

How to Schedule an Appointment through MISMO System

1. Log in to the MISMO System, click the Application Tab.
2. Choose For Appointment button.
3. The Slot Locator tab will open.
4. Choose the MARINA branch that is nearest your place. Choose your preferred time as well.
5. Once you’re done choosing your schedule, click Proceed. It should display a window saying, “Appointment Set Successfully!”

After setting an appointment, you need to pay for the fees in relation to your application. Here’s how to pay the fees:

1. After successfully setting an appointment, you will be redirected to the Payment page. Take time to read the guidelines on how to pay for your application.
2. Click Proceed and then click Confirm.
3. You will receive a text message from MARINA, which also includes a payment reference number. Make sure to take note of it because this will be used when you make a payment.
4. Pay the corresponding fee in MARINA partner payment centers. Take note that the payment reference number only has 24-hour validity, which means you need to pay within 24 hours. Otherwise, you have to re-do your application process.

That’s it. Don’t forget to bring the original copies of the documents you submitted for verification. Once verified, your Seaman’s Book will be released.