Hazard Pay for Filipino Seafarers cleared in new POEA Resolution

Manila, Philippines – A new resolution was recently passed by The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to clarify the benefits of Filipino seafarers passing through high-risk areas entitled Governing Board (GB) Resolution No. 12 of 2012.

The new resolution states that “the computation of double wage and compensation benefits for seafarers traversing established high risk zones / areas covers overtime and leave pay.”

According to the POEA, the benefits for seafarers transiting high risk zones, which covers the inclusion of overtime and leave pay, were already covered under the POEA Memorandum circular No. 14 series of 2009.

However, in the Governing Board Resolution No. 09 series of 2011 the terms of benefits for seafarers passing through high-risk areas were not explicitly provided for which lead to the forming of the GB Resolution No. 12 to clarify the issue.

“A number of manning agencies raised queries on the payment of double compensation and benefits stated in the aforesaid Resolution, particularly on the coverage of overtime and leave pay in the computation of double compensation and benefits,” said the POEA.