Our Blog
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Seafarers/ OFW Requirements & Quarantine Guidelines Upon Arriving in Manila
As we are all aware today, quarantine guidelines for returning OFWs and seafarers are lighter compared to a few months ago. Here is my previous post about crew change in the middle of the pandemic last year. The emergence of “Red, Yellow and Green Countries” added a ray of hope to our overseas workers. And…
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⛴️ How to Avoid Confusion When Adjusting the Ship’s Time 🕒
Changing the ship’s time is a routine task that affects navigation, logkeeping, and crew schedules. It’s done to match port time, adjust for time zones, or comply with Daylight Saving Time (DST). Though it may seem minor, incorrect time adjustments can cause watchkeeping confusion, log discrepancies, and even disputes among the crew. This guide explains…
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🌊 Equator Crossing Ceremony: Traditions, Rituals, My First Experience
Crossing the Equator may seem like a simple geographical milestone, but for seafarers, it carries a deeper meaning. Known as the Line-Crossing Ceremony, this centuries-old maritime tradition transforms first-time crossers- called Polliwogs, into Trusty Shellbacks, recognized by none other than King Neptune, the mythical ruler of the seas. This isn’t just another day at sea.…
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Seafarers Sailing in Europe Gets Free COVID-19 Vaccine
Recognizing the importance of seafarers in keeping the global economy running, some European ports are now offering free COVID-19 vaccines to seafarers. The first COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union started in Belgium last June 1. Around 2,200 seamen got their jabs in the Port of Antwerp for that month. Antwerp is one of the…
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Largest Ship Owning Countries in the World
The largest ship owning countries are seafaring nations since ancient times. With their boats and simple sailing tools, they were responsible for allowing communities to flourish by trading goods from one port to another. As globalization sweeps around us, shipping remains the main driver for growth. Seafarers and shipowners play a big role in sustaining…
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Safe Anchoring Techniques – How to Drop the Ship’s Anchor Properly
Anchoring is an operation on board that involves dropping a metallic object with “claws” called the anchor. It is attached to a chain connected to the ship and held at the bottom of the sea. Safe and proper anchoring maintains the ship’s anchor and its fittings in good order. Additionally, it keeps the vessel steady…
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MARINA Scraps Mandatory MLC, OLC, ETR, and ETO – a Huge Win for Filipino Seafarers
After more than five years of implementation, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) finally ditches Management and Operational Level Courses (MLC and OLC). Under the shipboard organization, this course is applicable to deck and engine officers only. MARINA Advisory No. 2021-23 clarified that MLC and OLC as well as Electro-Technical Officers and Ratings courses (ETO &…
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MARINA Further Extends Validity of STCW Certificates to December 2021/ 2022
With their latest advisory, the Maritime Industry Authority( MARINA) further extends the validity of STCW Certificates up to December 2021 or December 2022. This could be a surprise for you but let’s dissect what the latest MARINA Advisory No. 2021-29 is telling us. There are two categories where your STCW extension falls. FIRST is when…
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💉 Joining a Ship During COVID-19: Seafarer Guide After Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine may have eased global restrictions, but seafarers still face strict protocols when joining their ships. This guide offers a firsthand look into the real-world experience of a vaccinated Filipino seafarer joining a vessel in Europe- what to prepare, what to expect, and what you must do to avoid delays. 📋 Pre-Departure Procedures…
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🛢 Types of Oil Tankers: From Handymax to ULCC Explained by Size and Purpose
Oil tankers are specialized ships built to transport petroleum- either crude oil or refined products, across oceans, canals, and inland waterways. These vessels are classified by size, function, and the type of cargo they carry, forming categories like Handymax, Aframax, VLCC, and ULCC. In this guide, you’ll learn the major types of oil tankers used…