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?
You can check out seaman jobs here, from oilers, mess man, mates to chief engineers or captain. There are also cruise jobs here.
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
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
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
20th Floor BDO Plaza
8737 Paseo de Roxas
Makati City
Recruitment partner of the Viking Cruises
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
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.
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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