If you are a Seaman, you will definitely need a Seaman’s Book. It’s like your own passport, but instead of countries, it will show embarkation and disembarkation date as well as the vessel and rank. The only authority that can issue this is the Marina. If you need a SID and SRB, here’s a Step Guide on How to Get a Seaman’s Book (SID and SRB for Filipinos).

Before, a Filipino Seaman has a SIRB or Seaman’s Identification and Record Book. However, as per the ILO Convention No. 185, it changed to have a Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) AND Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB). The only agency that could issue you one is the MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority. Read more of our guide on how you can get yours.

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Who Needs To Have A Seaman’s Book?

All Filipino seafarers, 18 years and above who are engaged in any capacity on board ships that are at least 35GT
Filipino cadets below 18 that need a SID and SRB for shipboard training purposes

Please do note those who have expired, lost, or damaged SRB SID who are still on board can also submit their documents through an authorized representative of the agency or company.

Requirements On Getting a Seaman’s Book or Seaman’s Record Book

You may need to scan them ahead.

New Application

PSA Birth Certificate or Passport or Identification Certificate issued by the Bureau of Immigration (in case of dual citizens)
Marriage Contract (for married woman)
Valid NBI Clearance
Certificate of Completion for Basic Training (BT)
Transcript of Records (TOR) or Completed Academic Requirements (CAR) for Maritime Courses (as applicable)
Two (2) Documentary Stamps

Renewal or Reissuance

Old SID/SRB
Marriage Contract (for married woman)
Valid NBI Clearance
Certificate of Completion for Basic Training (BT)
Notarized Affidavit of Loss or Damage
Two (2) Documentary Stamps

Lost of Damaged - Onboard Applicants

Letter of request from Company or Agency
POEA Approved Contract of Employment
Clearance of no pending case, obligation, or unpaid penalty from Legal Service
Affidavit by the Seafarer and confirmation by the Master
Notarized Company Affidavit of Undertaking
Two (2) Documentary Stamps

Requirements on Getting a Seafarer’s Identification Document (SID)

New and Renewal

Valid SRB
Notarized Affidavit of Loss or Damage (if lost or damaged)

Lost or Damaged SID – Onboard Applicants

Valid SRB
Notarized Affidavit (Lost or Damaged SID)
POEA Approved Contract of Employment
Crew List duly signed by the Master
Clearance of no pending case, obligation, or unpaid penalty from Legal Service
Affidavit by the Seafarer and confirmation by the Master
Notarized Company Affidavit of Undertaking

Processing Fees

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Get A Seaman’s Book

STEP 1: Gather the documents required for a seaman’s book.

STEP 2: You will need to get an appointment at the nearest MARINA Office or Site. To get one, you will need to go to this website. And click “Schedule an Appointment.”

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STEP 3: Enter your details. Make sure your e-mail address is functioning as an OTP will be sent there and asked within 5 minutes.

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STEP 4: Log-in to your account.

STEP 5: Choose the site you wish to visit as well as the preferred date of your appointment. Green are the available ones.

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STEP 6: Select the appropriate category and what you wish to process.

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STEP 7: Enter the information asked.

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STEP 8: Upload the documents required. However, you can skip this step, but you should not forget this during your appointment.

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Please double-check the information.

STEP 9: Pay the fee. You may choose the following options:

Credit or Debit Card – Visa or MasterCard
Cash – Over the counter via 7/11, Cebuana, LBC, etc.
E-Money – GCAsh or CLiQQ
BancNet – Online Banking

Please do note that the fee is non-refundable. In case you want a refund, you may do so on the same day of payment (for example, double payment or charge), then e-mail support@pisopay.com.ph with the following details:

Full Name
Reference number
Copy of your receipt
Reason for refund

STEP 10: After the payment confirmation, check your e-mail to see the confirmation.

STEP 11: Go to the MARINA Office with your documents on the day of your appointment.

STEP 12: Get your Seaman’s Book afterward. The SRB is valid for 10 years, while SID is good for 5 years. Cadets who are training will have SRBs that are valid only for 3 years.

MARINA Offices

Here are the offices where you can get a SID and SRB:

Cebu
MRO-VII Bldg., Doña Modesta Gaisano St.
Sudlon, Lahug, 6000 Cebu City

Tacloban
2F Uytingkoc Bldg. Senator Enage St.
Tacloban City

Butuan
Agusan-Misamis Oriental Road
Brgy. Ampayon, Butuan City

Cagayan De Oro
2F SE JO Lim Bldg, Gemilina St.
Carmen, Cagayan de Oro

Davao
2F Davao Ching Printers Inc., Bldg. cor. Lakandula Dacudao Ave.
Agdao, Davao City

General Santos
Door A17-A19, ECA Bldg., National Highway
General Santos City

Zamboanga
2nd and 3rd Floor SPCMPC Building
Ruste Drive, San Jose Road, Zamboanga City

MARINA Central Office
MARINA MDS, 2nd Floor, MARINA Building
20th Street corner Bonifacio Drive
Port Area, Manila

POEA
Blas F Ople Building
Ortigas Avenue corner Epifanio de los Santos Ave
Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

SM Manila
5th Floor, SM City Manila
Natividad Lopez Street, Ermita, Manila

PITX
Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
8344 E3, Parañaque, Metro Manila

LA Union
3rd Floor, Tan Building Quezon Avenue
Sevilla Center, San Fernando City, La Union

Batangas
Caedo Commercial Complex
Calicanto, Batangas City

Legazpi
Maritime Industry Authority, Regional Office No. V
Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City

Iloilo
MARINA Region VI Building
De La Rama St. Iloilo City

That’s how you can get a Seaman’s book! If you are a Filipino Seaman, having a Record Book and ID is really important as you can’t go onboard without it. Be sure to keep it safe from any damages or getting lost. Treat is as important as your passport. Good luck!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.