How to Become a Seaman - Guide for Filipinos on Applying for Work on a Cruise Ship

Do you want to have a bigger salary or a brighter future for a family? Well, you might consider having a job abroad. If you love traveling to different parts of the world, then try applying for a Cruise or Seaman jobs here in the Philippines. You can have routes in Europe, the Caribbean, the US, or Asia; you can roam around the cities where you docked at. Isn’t that amazing?

There are a lot of recruitment agencies and shipping agencies where you can apply as a cruise ship or seaman job. However, you need many requirements as this isn’t as simple as a land job; you will be crossing seas or oceans; additional sea training is a must.

This post will discuss the requirements, where to apply, and how to apply for a Cruise or Seaman Jobs in the Philippines:

Cruise or Seaman Jobs Requirements:

Having these requirements ready will give you an edge with other applicants as you are prepared to go, or only a few more can let you start a job. For example, usually HRM students pwede mag-apply ng cruise ship, so if may Basic Training Certificate na sila or Seaman’s book, mabilis nalang yung process sa application kasi you need time din para makakuha.

Passport

Since you are going to work abroad, get ready for your passport. Make sure it is valid for more than 6 months or a year.

Resume

Of course, in every application, you need to put in your details, educational, and work experiences so that the recruiter will know if you are fit.

Seaman’s Book

To land you a sailing job, you need a Seaman’s book. Go to the MARINA Office with the following documents:

• High school diploma (High school graduate), or Transcript of Records (College Level)

• PSA Birth Certificate

• Duly accomplished MARINA application form

• NBI Clearance

• Certificate of Authentication or Verification from CHED or DepEd

• Two (2) passport size photos (colored, white background, collared shirt)

• Processing fee of P1,500 for express processing, or P800.00 for regular processing

SCTW Mandatory Certificates

Seafarer’s Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (SCTW) Certificates are proof that you have gone into basic training especially on what to do on the sea and how to respond to emergencies. Here are some training that should be taken in a MARINA Accredited Center:

• Basic Trailing

• Medical First Aid

• Advanced Training in Fire Fighting

• Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

• Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

They’re also additional certificates needed depending on what position you are applying for and what type of ship you are riding at like Crowd Management for passenger ships. They are valid for 5 years though so this would be a great investment.

Medical Certificates

You might process this after you have applied, this would tell you that you are physically fit to work on a ship.

Other Documents that may be helpful

For example, if you are applying on a cruise ship, you might give your NC2 Certificates or Transcript of Records.

Steps in Applying for a Cruise or Seaman Jobs in the Philippines    

Photo by Nuh Enes Sakallı

1. Prepare your documents if you want a job on a ship.

2. Find manning or shipping agencies online or walk-in. You can check if it is a credible agency through this website: POEA Accredited Agency List.

3. When you are called for an exam or interview, prepare your documents and be on time.

4. Follow instructions provided by the recruiter (like Medical Exam or additional training if ever).

5. Read the contract before signing.

6. Good luck with being a Cruise ship worker or a Seaman.

Where can you find Cruise or Seaman Jobs in the Philippines?

Seaman Jobsite

You can check out seaman jobs here, from oilers, mess man, mates to chief engineers or captain. There are also cruise jobs here.

Bahia Shipping Services

5th Floor Ma. Daniel Bldg.
470 San Andress cor M.H.
Del Pilar St. Malate, Manila

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Carnival Cruises

• Fred Olsen Cruise

C.F. Sharp Crew

Casa Rocha Bldg. General Luna Street
Intramuros, Manila
(+632) 527.5462

Rm. 115 Centro Maximo Building
Jakosalem Street, Cebu City
(+632) 2551695

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Oceania Cruises

• Norwegian Cruise

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Star Cruises

Magsaysay Group of Companies

G. E. Antonio Building, Kalaw Ave,
Ermita, Manila

ATC-2 Building, 128 F. Ramos St
Cebu City
Tel. No.:(032) 2541133

Iloilo Capitol Drive, Iznart St.
Iloilo City Proper
Tel. No.:(033) 335.8693

Unit No. 1, Ground Floor GIMS Building
Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City
Tel. No.:(082)227.7621

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Carnival Cruises

• Costa Cruises

• Crystal Cruises

• P & O Cruises

• Princess Cruises

• Star Cruises

• Viking Ocean Cruises

Multinational Ship Management

20th Floor BDO Plaza
8737 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City

Recruitment partner of the Viking Cruises

RCCL Crew Management

Ground Floor, Five E-Com
Harbor Drive, Mall of Asia Complex
Pasay City

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Azamara Club Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises

• Royal Caribbean Cruises

TDG Crew Management, Inc.

2nd Floor Harbor Center
Railroad corner 23rd Streets
Port Area, Manila

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Disney Cruise

• NYK Cruises

• Venus Cruise S.A.

United Philippines Lines

Plaza Santiago Bldg., Sta. Clara Street
Intramuros Manila 1002
P: (632) 527-7491

Recruitment partner of the following Lines:

• Carnival Cruises

• Holland America

Tips in applying for a cruise or seaman jobs in the Philippines:

• Unlike other jobs, most onboard posts require a 12-hour shift, sometimes no day-offs and you will be working for at least 3 or 5 months straight – you’ve got to be prepared for it

• This is a job on the sea; if you are constantly seasick or have a fear of it, don’t push yourself to go for this kind of work, there are many jobs abroad.

• Don’t get disappointed if you don’t get hired immediately, work hard on your dreams

• Make sure you are applying at an accredited recruitment agency

• Read your contract and the benefits you will get before signing

• When going to countries, check if you have your passport and visa ready

• Always place your files together; certificates, passports, seaman’s book para if kailangan like sa immigration, mas mabilis na

Photo by Alonso Reyes

I hope this article will help you as you are applying for a cruise or seaman jobs in the Philippines. It’s quite hard to be away from our family, but the high pay and adventure you might get (like going on different countries) are worth-it. Good luck on your journey. Happy travels!

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