Seafarers employed by Philippine-registered ships operating locally may now qualify for upgrading of their current employment status based on experience as domestic shipping firms face shortage in supply of manpower pool.
This developed as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) led by Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan approved Board Resolution No. 2025-07-01 Series of 2025 the “Revised the Rules and Regulations on Minimum Safe Manning for Philippine-Registered Ships Operating in Philippine Waters” during the 314th MARINA Board Meeting on July 31, 2024.
The new memorandum circular revises and improves the current MARINA Circular (MC) No. MS 2020-03 in reference to applicable provisions of relevant international and national rules and regulation and considering the feedback from the stakeholders on the implementation of the said MC.
The revised circular updates manning scales and provides standardized manning tables to ensure consistency across the industry, replacing earlier proposals for reduced manning.
The new circular introduces key changes designed to align manning requirements with vessel types and operations, while also supporting the career growth of qualified Filipino seafarers, including those with longer sea service or experience.
“We are putting heavier weight on experience,” said MARINA Administrator Malaluan during a press conference on August 9, 2025.
The circular also considers implications from previous policy changes, such as ship re-admeasurement under MARINA Circular SR-2021-01, and takes into account factors like vessel tonnage, engine power, area of operation, and voyage duration.
But, Malaluan also stressed that foremost in the circular is the safety of seafarers.
Malaluan explained that as shipping firms continue to expand and modernized their fleet, demand for seafarers is growing but the manpower pool is not enough as seafarers naturally vie for the international-going vessels where salary offer is high.
There is no solid official data yet as to the number of domestic seafarers that may qualify for the Minimum Safety Manning Certificate (MSMC), but based on manning certificates there are an estimated 120,000 manpower pool and more than 22,160 registered water craft vessels.
Malaluan explained that an MSMC will be issued to domestic seafarers after going through an assessment process based on their experience, education and training. She, however, explained that the certificate they issue is not a replacement to the license seafarers need to take when they apply in international vessels.
The revised circular also updated its rules on minimum safety manning for Philippine-registered ships operating in domestic waters, reinforcing the country’s commitment to safer maritime operations and a more responsive, better-prepared seafaring workforce.
In line with the directives of President Marcos to streamline the process and issue certificates/documents with longer validity, the new MSMC shall be valid for five years.
To support a smooth transition, current MSMC will remain valid. Officers who meet the qualifications may temporarily assume higher positions without the corresponding DCOC until January 2026.
MARINA said this latest initiative is part of its broader commitment to improve maritime safety, expand opportunities for Filipino maritime professionals, and ensure adequate ship officers to man domestic ships.
The revised circular is the result of a comprehensive and consultative process that included 11 Technical Working Committee deliberations, four public consultations, and stakeholders’ active participation. MARINA emphasized that the updated rules reflect a careful balance between operational realities and the non-negotiable need for safety at sea.
