Our Blog
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Filipino Seafarers Allowed to Travel Amid New SARS-CoV-2 Variant
The Philippine Government permits Filipino Seafarers coming from countries with reported cases of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain, to enter the country provided strict and mandatory protocols are followed. Additionally, they are allowed to leave the country following the exit protocols of the Philippines, as well as entry protocols to their destination countries. In a memorandum…
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🎄 How Seafarers Celebrate Christmas on a Tanker Ship
For most people, Christmas means family and time off. For seafarers, it could be spent in port, at anchor, or sailing mid-ocean. I’ve celebrated nearly half my seagoing career onboard. Some years felt festive, others were just another busy workday. 💡 Tip: Holidays at sea depend on schedule, weather, and company policy. Keep expectations flexible.…
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🚢 Types of Tugboats and Their Functions in Maritime Operations
Tugboats may not grab headlines like giant container ships or cruise liners but these compact powerhouses are the unsung heroes of modern shipping. From guiding tankers through narrow ports to performing offshore rescues, tugboats play an indispensable role in maritime safety and logistics. Despite their size, some tugboats cost over $20 million to build. Why?…
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🚢 How Do Ships Survive Heavy Storms at Sea?
Yes, modern ships are engineered to survive extreme weather. But surviving a storm at sea isn’t just about design- it’s about smart seamanship, proactive navigation, and onboard preparedness. From merchant vessels to cruise liners, ships have faced the fury of hurricanes and typhoons. Behind every survival story is a crew following key storm protocols: maintaining…
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List of MARINA-Approved Maritime Training Centers in Luzon (NCR Excluded) 2024
Now that COVID-19 restrictions are nowhere to be found, Maritime Training Institutions (MTI) are fully opening their training centers for seafarers. MARINA implemented special regulations like the blended learning mode which is a combination of online and face-to-face classes. This improvement helped keep our seafarers in compliance with international regulations. Here are the lists of…
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Seafarers are Getting Hired Using These Seaman Jobsites & Apps
Seaman job sites have become the new normal for sea-based job applications. This was the kind of hiring process that I preferred ten years ago. Actually, I tried this approach a few years back. I emailed 100+ local manning agencies, hoping to get hired. Only a handful of them responded, and they all wanted me…
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Top Ten Largest Shipping Companies in the World
Finding the largest shipping companies on earth is quite a bit of a challenge. At first, I thought this was an easy task. Just by thinking about the ships I see while sailing, it’s deceiving to conclude the company behind them is the biggest. Sailing for more than ten years made me think that the…
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🚢 Shipboard Organization Explained: Ranks, Duties, and Seafarer Salaries
A shipboard organization is the backbone of every vessel’s safe and efficient operation. Much like a national government, ships have a structured hierarchy that assigns specific roles and responsibilities to each crew member. This hierarchy ensures that operations, from navigation to engine maintenance and catering, run smoothly and without confusion. Every merchant vessel- whether it’s…
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💪 Bosun Duties, Responsibilities, Salary, and Career Path
A Bosun, also known as Boatswain, Bos’n, or Deck Boss, is the most senior rating in a ship’s Deck Department. Tasked with organizing and supervising daily deck operations, the Bosun plays a critical leadership role in maintaining the vessel’s hull, equipment, and external structure. Whether you’re an Able Seaman aiming to level up, or a…
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🌍 Best Mobile Top-Up Sites for Seafarers & Travelers
Staying connected at sea or while traveling internationally is essential for seafarers, tourists, and digital nomads alike. Whether you’re contacting family, coordinating crew changes, or managing online transactions, having mobile credit ready on-demand is a must. Fortunately, mobile top-up sites make this possible. These platforms allow you to recharge international SIM cards or eSIMs online-…