Filipino seafarers with expiring Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs) and Seafarers Identification and Record Books (SIRBs) have been given a one-year extension as a consideration amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Advisory 2020-67 grants a one (1)-year extension for expiring Seafarer’s Record Books (SRBs) and Seafarers Identification and Record Books (SIRBs).
The advisory shared on MARINA social media on September 2, 2020, states that All SRBs and SIRBs of seafarers currently serving onboard ships and ashore, which are expiring between 13 March 2020 to 31 December 2020, shall be extended for one (1) year from the date of expiry without having to file for an application at the MARINA.
However, the MARINA strongly encourages seafarers who are not currently onboard to renew their SIRBs/SRBs six (6) months prior to the document’s expiration in order to avoid the expected influx of SIRB/SRB renewal next year.
Additionally, manning/crewing agencies and shipping companies are advised to submit a list of their crewmember/s whose validity of their SRBs and SIRBs has been extended through the said Advisory via e-mail at mds@marina.gov.ph. A format is provided in Annex A of the said Advisory which can be downloaded in the MARINA website here.
The issuance of this Advisory effectively repeals MARINA Advisory 2020-58.
By public interest, the MARINA has been compelled to issue this Advisory as a way to promote the continued employment of our seafarers, facilitate crew change and their repatriation, and to allow those ashore to spend more time at home with their loved ones.
Assistance to OFWs released this pandemic includes the POEA’s extension of expired employment certificates of OFWs and the OASIS tracker for OFWs returning to the Philippines.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Filipino seafarers with expiring record books that have been extended by MARINA amid the pandemic.
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