Our Blog
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📶 How I Got FREE Three UK Unlimited Roaming Internet as a Seafarer
🌍 Yes, free unlimited roaming internet exists! And I got it while working at sea. For most seafarers, getting affordable internet while traveling is a constant challenge. When in port, one of the first questions crew ask is, “Where can I get a SIM card with data?” But what if I told you that a…
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8 Easy Steps in Processing Your COP Using MISMO for FREE!
The MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online System or MISMO is now in full swing. All seafarers who need to process their theoretical exams, practical assessments, Certificate of Proficiency (COP), and Seaman’s Book (SIRB) are advised to complete the requirements using MARINA’s latest online appointment system. Since the system is fairly new, many of our fellow…
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Maritime Scholarships for College Students in the Philippines
Maritime scholarships are the best and surest way to start a career at sea. With more and more people entering the seafaring industry, it’s very hard for an average Joe with no backer to land his first international vessel. It would take him many years of hardships, disappointments, and pain. Not to mention the expenses…
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💸 How Much Do Seafarers Really Earn? Salary Guide for International Ships
Seafaring remains one of the most lucrative careers in the world- and for good reason. While land-based workers often dream of six-figure incomes, many seafarers earn that in a matter of months, depending on vessel type, rank, and company. Whether you’re a cadet or a seasoned Master Mariner, understanding your salary benchmark is essential. This…
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What is MISMO or the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online System?
The Maritime Industry Authority is rolling out its latest online appointment system called MISMO or the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online system. It will replace the current SCS but packs a better, faster, and more responsive feature. The aim of MISMO is to eradicate the usage of BLUE FORM for the application of SIRB, theoretical…
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🚢 A Seawoman’s Journey: From Cadet to Second Officer on a Chemical
In an industry long dominated by men, Hiroka Suzuki stands out as one of Japan’s pioneering female deck officers. Now serving as a Second Officer on an ocean-going chemical tanker, she shares her journey, challenges, and advice for aspiring seafarers- especially women aiming to break barriers in the maritime world. Background and Early Career Hiroka…
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Tanker COP Requirements for BTOCT, BTLGT, ATOT, ATCT, & ATLGT
MARINA’s COP requirements for mandatory training courses with their corresponding certificates of proficiency are now fully implemented. This includes our tanker COP requirements after the 2010 Manila Amendments. This is in accordance with Chapter V of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended. For the industry to be in compliance, MARINA issued requirements for COP on these…
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List of MARINA-Accredited Maritime Training Centers in Manila 2024
Due to the Manila 2010 Amendments, MARINA is now very strict with accrediting maritime training centers for seafarers. Before, you can simply set up a class with an instructor and call it a training center. It’s a different story today. I have compiled a list of MARINA-approved training centers as of 31st January 2024. According…
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MARINA COP Requirements for BT, PSCRB, PFRB, AFF, MEFA, MECA SSO, SDSD, II/4, II/5, III/4, and III/5
MARINA issued the latest requirements for our Certificate of Proficiency or COP in their STCW Circular 2018-05. As our governing authority, the Maritime Industry Authority established these guidelines on the proper issuance and revalidation of our certificates. BT, PSCRB, PFRB, MEFA, MECA, AFF SSO, and SDSD are discussed here. The newly introduced II/4, II/5, III/4,…
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MARINA COP for Basic Training (BT COP): All You Need To Know
If you want to work in tankers, cruise ships, cargo vessels, or any type of vessel, BT with COP is one of your tickets. Basic Training (BT) is one of the fundamental certificates needed for every person who wants to work on ships. It was formerly known as SOLAS Training or Basic Safety Training and Instruction (BSTI).…