Our Blog
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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…
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List of POEA/ DMW-Accredited Manning Agencies in the Philippines 2024
Our government manages a master list of DMW-accredited manning agencies (formerly POEA). It’s all made available online and free to access. Illegal recruiters often prey on unsuspecting seafarers. Thus, knowing if an agency is well registered in the POEA/ DMW database is the first step to thwart them. Many of these companies advertise their hiring…
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MARINA Training Institute (MarTI) Takes Off in Iloilo
The Maritime Industry Authority launched its academic arm, the MARINA Training Institute or MarTI, which aims to improve, modernize, and streamline the country’s maritime education and training systems and reach its full potential. MarTi is located in a four-story building at the MARINA Regional Office, Western Visayas branch inside Panaad Park, Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.…
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MARINA-Approved Training Centers in Visayas and Mindanao 2024
Training centers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions prove to be helpful for seafarers since the majority live in provinces. However, there are only a few training centers in Manila and even outside Manila that are able to build branches in those areas. This could be due to the fact that many seafarers are highly…