The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has officially announced a three-month automatic extension for the expired or expiring credentials of Filipino seafarers currently serving in the Middle East.
This proactive measure addresses the escalating security situation in the region, which has severely disrupted crew change operations and left many seafarers unable to disembark as scheduled.
The extension applies to the following essential documents:
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SRB: Seafarer’s Record Books
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SIRB: Seafarer’s Identification and Record Books
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SID: Seafarer’s Identity Documents
Eligibility: All documents expiring on or before June 30, 2026, for seafarers currently onboard vessels affected by the regional crisis.
To alleviate the administrative burden on mariners under duress, the extension is automatic. Seafarers are not required to file individual applications or pay additional fees to benefit from this grace period.
“Our seafarers are trapped in a situation they did not choose, far from their families and unsure of when they can finally come home,” said MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan. “We act not just as a regulator, but as a government that stands with them in their most difficult moments. This extension gives them breathing space and assures them that MARINA is with them every step of the way.”
While seafarers are exempt from filing, MARINA requires shipping companies, shipowners, and Licensed Manning Agencies (LMAs) to maintain strict documentation of all covered personnel.
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Submission Channel: Reports must be sent to mds@marina.gov.ph.
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Requirements: Submissions must follow the format prescribed in Annex 1 of MARINA Advisory No. 2026-21 and must be signed by an authorized company representative or the Vessel Master.
This move reinforces MARINA’s dedication to protecting the safety, dignity, and welfare of Filipino seafarers. By ensuring that documentary requirements do not add to the pressure of serving in high-risk zones, the agency reaffirms its role as a steadfast partner to the global maritime workforce.
