Our Blog
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🛰️ Top Free Vessel Tracking Websites (Reviewed & Ranked for Seafarers)
Vessel tracking has become an essential tool for seafarers, ship owners, maritime analysts, and even hobbyists. Thanks to AIS-based tracking platforms, we can now follow a ship’s movement live across oceans, ports, and terminals- all without stepping foot onboard. But with so many tracking websites out there, which one is the most reliable? Which offers…
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Expiring Seaman’s Book in 2020 is Extended for Another 12 Months
Recognizing the restriction this pandemic has brought us, MARINA extends the validity of the expiring Seaman’s Book for all Filipino seafarers. The Maritime Industry Authority, through its Advisory No. 2020-67, auto-renews all Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) and Seafarer’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) expiring between March 13, 2020 to December 31, 2020 for another 12 months…
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Seafarers’ Training to Continue Using Blended Learning Mode
Online/ offline training or Blended Learning Mode is now available for seafarers. You can now apply for or renew your SCTW certificates despite the raging coronavirus pandemic. Distance learning, which is new to the industry, will help us get our COP and COC much faster. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) launched its Blended Learning Advisory…
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MARINA Implements One-Year Extension on Expiring STCW Certificates
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) approves the ONE-YEAR EXTENSION validity of all COP, COE, and COC for seafarers who are either ON BOARD or ASHORE. MARINA Advisory No. 2020-73 series of 2020 adds another 12-month life span for STCW Certificates expiring between 13 March 2020 to 31 December 2020 from the date of its expiration. This…
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Crew Change Update: What to Expect Upon Arrival in Manila
Arrival in Manila Summary Here is the summary of things to expect upon arrival in Manila. Everything will be explained below. Crew Change Experience With efforts from various maritime organizations, many ports today allow crew changes with proper COVID-19 Protocols. These measures vary from place to place. Others are what I deemed slack, while some…
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📝 SOLAS Convention of 1974: Chapters & Regulations in Summary
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the most critical maritime safety treaty ever enforced. Adopted in 1974 and administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the convention outlines international rules to ensure: Today, SOLAS governs all seagoing ships of 500 gross tonnage and above on international voyages. If you’re…
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🛡️ ISPS Code Explained: Maritime Security Fundamentals for Ships and Ports
🌐 What is the ISPS Code? The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is a maritime security framework adopted under SOLAS Chapter XI-2, designed to safeguard ships, port facilities, cargo, and personnel against acts of terrorism, piracy, and other unlawful threats. Enforced globally since 1 July 2004, the ISPS Code: 📌 The ISPS…
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Black Sea Explained: Facts, Myths, and Maritime Significance Every Seafarer Should Know
The Black Sea is one of the world’s most intriguing inland seas, with mysterious origins, strategic shipping importance, and unique oceanographic traits. For seafarers navigating this region or curious about maritime geography, understanding the Black Sea is essential knowledge. Why Is It Called the “Black Sea”? Etymology & Myth The Greeks initially called it Pontos…
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🌊 Ballasting & Deballasting on Ships: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Ballasting and deballasting are essential shipboard operations that directly impact a vessel’s stability, draft, and safety. Whether you’re a cadet, junior officer, or maritime enthusiast, understanding this process is critical to safe navigation and efficient cargo handling. In this guide, you’ll learn what ballasting and deballasting mean, why they’re performed, and how they’re carried out…
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How to Get Your Php10K COVID-19 Financial Assistance from DOLE- for Seafarers and OFWs
Last year, the Department of Labor and Employment promised a one-time USD200.00 or Php10,000.00 financial assistance program. The monetary aid is aimed at land-based and sea-based workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seafarers and OFWs waited patiently for the guidelines that they (DOLE) recently released last April 09. UPDATE!! If you already filed an application…