MARINA UNVEILS ONLINE SEAMANS BOOK APPLICATION

(This news is copied from Balitang Marino)

The Maritime Industry Authority has launched last March 16 an online application service for Seamans Identification Record Book (SIRB). Marina and Pilipinas Teleserv Inc. signed a memorandum of agreement that paves the way to streamlining the issuance of seaman's books. 

 An SIRB is the key document used to record the voyages by seafarers onboard commercial vessels trading domestically or overseas. Filipino seafarers constitute 28% of the world's 1.3 million professional seafarers and enjoy a reputation as the preferred nationality to man large ships overseas. Accordingly, "With the new system, Marina has streamlined the process in the application and renewal of the seamans' book. Our seafarers will not have to line up and wait for hours and they can use the time for other activities".

 To avail of the service, applicants can apply by phone by calling the SIRB Express Application System Hotline 737-7-737. The service is open from from Monday to Saturday 8-5pm. During the call, applicants will be asked for their personal information as the call center agents fills  up their applications. The applicants will be told to prepare the required documents including the fee of P1,465.00. Teleserv will pick up the required documents and application fee at the applicants' house and  take a digital photo of the applicant.

 The SIRB will then be delivered to the applicant's house after three working days. The new service is initially available for Metro Manila-based applicants only. Another option for applicants is the SIRB drop box, for those who are present inside the Marina office but do not want to line up, they can endorse their application and wait for their new SIRB to be delivered to their house. Still another is the SIRB express delivery- for those who have their SIRB processed onsite but do not want to wait for the release, they can have their new SIRB delivered to their homes