COVID-19 Latest Guidelines of International Labour Organization and Philippines Maritime Industry Authority

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issued latest guidelines for the ongoing COVID-19 response affecting the industry. Below herewith are significant advisories to note.

 

ILO INFORMATION NOTE ON MARITIME LABOUR ISSUES AND CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) (Released 7 April 2020)

In an effort to address the complexities of COVID-19 crisis, ILO has developed this information note as guidance to numerous governments and seafarers’ and shipowners’ organizations. The information note refers to Maritime Labour Convention (MTC), 2006, as response and guidance support to current crisis. Download to read more.

 

 

MARINA ADVISORY 2020-14 (Released 13 March 2020)

IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES IN VIEW OF THE DECLARATION OF CODE RED SUBLEVEL 2 FOR THE COVID-19

(Office) System

1. The MARINA shall decentralize its operations to the Marina Regional office (MRO) with the appropriate use of online systems.

2. Alternative work arrangements, particularly the work-from-home scheme, shall be adopted to maintain unimpeded delivery of service.

 

 

 

 MARINA ADVISORY 2020-16 (Released on 17 March 2020)

SEAFARER-RELATED GUIDELINES IN VIEW OF THE DECLARATION OF THE ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE IN ENTIRE LUZON AND OTHER AREAS

Issuance of Certificates, Identification Cards, and Record Books

1. The STCW certificates of Filipino seafarers expiring between March 13 to April 13, 2020 shall be provisionally extended for two (2) months from the date of expiry. All manning/ crewing/ shipping agencies are required to certify the names of seafarers whose certificates have been extended. An electronic copy of the certification from the concerned agencies shall be submitted to MARINA on or before March 25, 2020 via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. Filing of application for COP/ COC/ COE is still accepted online via MISMO.

3. Seafarers with confirmed COP/ COC/ COE – related appointments from March 13 to April 13, 2020 shall be accommodated from April 15 onwards. A new schedule shall be posted in the Marina website and official social media platforms once available.

4. All applicants for revalidation of certificates of seafarers who are affected by the suspension of trainings and assessments will still be processed even if the COP and/or COC has already expired within the period of March 13 to April 13, 2020. This is subject to the compliance of complete documentary requirements.

5. Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) and certificates of seafarers for domestic vessels expiring between March 13 to April 13, 2020 shall be provisionally extended for six (6) months.

6. Filing of applications for the following will resume on April 14, 2020.

• Seafarers Identity Document (SID)
• Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)
• Seafarer’s Certificate of Marine Profession (CMP)
• Domestic Certificate of Competency (DCOC)
• Certificate of Marine Profession (CMP and IDs)
• Seafarer’s Identification Booklet
• Harbour Pilot License
• Application for New or Renewal of Accreditation for training programs for use in domestic trade.

7. Seafarers with SID/ SRB CONFIRMED appointments from March 13 to April 13, 2020 shall be accommodated from April 14 onwards. A new schedule shall be posted in the MARINA website and official social media platforms once available. They will also be duly notified via e-mail and SMS with contact details provided in the online appointment system.

Conduct of Trainings, Examinations, and Assessments

1. Conduct of ALL maritime training courses prescribed by the MARINA as well as theoretical and practical assessment in Luzon and other areas affected or may be affected by the Community Quarantine shall be SUSPENDED until April 13, 2020, subject to change upon the lifting of community quarantine.

2. Conduct of examination for CMP is temporarily suspended until April 13 subject to change upon the lifting of community quarantine.

3. Deadlines to complete and pass the theoretical and practical assessments under the old system shall be extended to a later date, subject to the evaluation of the MARINA.

4. Final evaluation for theoretical examinations will resume on April 14.

5. All theoretical examination from March 13 to April 13, 2020 will be rescheduled in a later date subject to the evaluation of MARINA. A new schedule shall be posted in the MARINA website and official social media platforms once available.

6. Conduct of practical assessments shall commence at the affected areas in Luzon and other affected areas upon the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine. Coordination shall be made with the concerned accredited practical assent centers.

Accreditation

Validity of course approval and accreditation of assessment centers expiring from March 1, 2020 to April 30 shall be provisionally extended for six (6) months from the date of expiry, subject to monitoring and surveillance activities after the lifting of community quarantine.

Public Assistance

Inquiries and concerns of seafarers and concerned maritime agencies can be lodged via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or official website of the MARINA.

 

MARINA ADVISORY 2020-23 (Released on 6 April 2020)

FURTHER EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF STCW CERTIFICATES OF FILIPINO SEAFARERS CURRENTLY SERVING ONBOARD SEAGOING SHIPS AMID CHALLENGES CAUSED BY COVID-19

In view of the increasing number of cases of Coronavirus Disease (COVID -19), and with the issuance of Republic Act 11469 entitled “An Act Declaring the Existence of a National Emergency Arising from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation and a National Policy in Connection Therewith, and Authorizing the President of the Republic of the Philippines for a Limited Period and Subject to Restrictions, to Exercise Powers Necessary and Proper to Carry Out the Declared National Policy and For Other Purposes”, Items I.1 and I.4 of MARINA Advisory 2020-16 are hereby amended to state that:

“I.1 The validity of STCW certificates issued by MARINA to Filipino seafarers that have expired or about to expire during the period 13 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 shall be extended for six (6) months from the date of expiry of the certificate concerned.

All concerned manning/crewing/shipping agencies are hereby advised to carry out the following:

a. Coordinate with their principals or ship owners to make necessary arrangement with the Flag Administration of their ships for the extension of validity of the corresponding endorsement attesting recognition of the Filipino seafarers’ STCW certificate;

b. Provide the ship owner/operator or principal, ship Master and their seafarers with a copy of this Advisory; and

c. Certify the names and positions of seafarers whose certificate have been extended, the names of the ships and shipowners, the IMO number and the flag of the ships, and details of the STCW certificate of the seafarer following the format shown in Annex A. An electronic copy of the certification duly signed by the company’s authorized official/s shall be submitted immediately to MARINA e-mail address at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I.4 All applications for revalidation of certificates of seafarers who are affected by the suspension of trainings and assessments will still be processed even if the COP and/or COC has or have already expired within the period of 13 March to 30 June 2020. This is subject to the compliance of complete documentary requirements.”

 

MARINA ADVISORY 2020-26 (Released on 14 April 2020)

GUIDELINES FOR SEAFARERS ONBOARD SHIPS OPERATING IN PHILIPPINE WATERS AMID CHALLENGES CAUSED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

In view of the issuance of Republic Act 11469 entitled, “ An Act Declaring the existence of a National Emergency Arising from the CORONA Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation and a National Policy in Connection therewith and Authorizing the President of the Republic of the Philippines for a Limited Period and subject to Restrictions, to Exercise Powers Necessary and Proper to Carry Out the Declared National Police and For Other Purposes,” The following guidelines for seafarers serving onboard ships operating in Philippine Waters are hereby implemented.

1. Seafarers’ Record Book (SRB) or Seafarers’ Identification and Record Book (SIRB) and certificates of seafarers for domestic vessels expiring between 13 March 2020 to 31 May 202 shall be automatically extended for six (6) months reckon from the date of expiration. It shall be deemed valid without filing for an extension of validity.

Concerned ship owners/ ship operators/ crewing agents are hereby advised to undertake the following:

a) Provide copy of this Advisory to all their ships and coordinate with Master of the vessel;

b) Certify the names and positions of the seafarers whose certificates gave been extended specifying the names of the vessel and the ship-owner for proper documentation and avoid being questioned by the Philippine Coast Guard or other port authorities; and

c) Submit an electronic report to MARINA duly signed by the authorized company representative or the Master of the vessel. The report must attach copy of the certification of extension issued by ship-owners/ operators, crewing agents or Master to the crewmember/ Seafarer following the format in Annex 1, immediately, when a certain document requires extension to MARINA at emails address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. Filing of applications for the following will resume upon lifting of Enhanced Community Quarantine and the Return to Work order is issued:

• Seafarers Identity Document (SID)
• Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)
• Seafarer’s Certificate of Marine Profession (CMP)
• Domestic Certificate of Competency (DCOC)
• Certificate of Marine Profession (CMP and IDs)
• Seafarer’s Identification Booklet
• Harbour Pilot License
• Application for New or Renewal of Accreditation for training programs for use in domestic trade.

2. Seafarers with CONFIRMED SID. SRB appointments from 13 March 2020 to 31 May 2020 shall be re-scheduled and accommodated upon issuance of Return to Work order. A new schedule shall be posted in the MARINA website and official social media platforms once available. They will also be duly notified via e-mail and SMS with the contact details provided in the online appointment system.

3. Conduct of examination for CMP is temporarily suspended until the lifting of community quarantine. A new schedule shall be posted in the MARINA website and official social medial platforms one the Return for Work order is issued.

All other advisories inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed accordingly. This advisory shall take effect immediately.