Our Blog
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Schengen Visa Application Guide for Filipino Seafarers
Fortunately, it’s not so hard for seafarers to apply for a Schengen Visa. Most of the paperwork will be handled by your manning agency. There are some forms that need to be completed which are all found in the office. The only challenging part is to wake up early for your appearance in VFS Global…
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🚁 Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX): What Really Happens at Sea?
Among the many unforgettable experiences in a seafarer’s life, participating in a Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise stands out. Unlike port calls or crossing major canals, SAREX drills are rare opportunities that place your ship at the heart of simulated rescue operations where SAR helicopters hover, officers rappel down, and emergency coordination is tested in…
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NBI Clearance Renewal Online Appointment 2024
The NBI Clearance renewal process is one of the fastest services that the Philippine Government has done. With the help of online appointments, you can save a huge amount of time and hassle unlike before when you had to wake up very early in the morning to get an application form. Today, you only need…
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🛳️🇬🇧 A Seaman’s Shore Leave Guide to London
Sailing into the United Kingdom offers one of the most rewarding shore leave experiences a seafarer can have and London is the crown jewel. The city blends centuries-old landmarks with modern marvels, making every visit an adventure. Whether it’s your first trip or your third, walking along the River Thames, standing before Big Ben, or…
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POEA e-Registration Problems, Errors, and How to Fix Them
Since the launching of POEA’s e-Registration campaign, many OFWs and seafarers have found themselves online creating their e-Reg Profile. This was stressed more clearly when a couple of years ago, manning agencies both land-based and shore-based, were required to provide an e-registration Number. I made a step by step clear-cut tutorials with images on creating…
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Day of the Seafarer – A Tribute to All Seafarers Worldwide
Today is the Day of the Seafarer. It’s the day for all Seamen, Seafarers, Mariners, Sailors, Navigators, and Sea Dogs. We are called with different names by different people. We travel and move the world to go forward. There are no such things as too dangerous, too risky, too much, too hot, or too cold for…
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💰 Eight Budget-Friendly Shore Leave Guide for Seafarers
Shore leave is more than just stepping off the gangway. It is a chance to relax, explore new places, and take a break from shipboard life. Whether you are alongside for 24 hours or a full week, planning ahead ensures you enjoy every moment without draining your hard-earned wages. Many seafarers return onboard wondering where…
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🌊 10 Life Lessons You Only Learn Working at Sea
Life at sea is unlike any other career. The challenges, camaraderie, and unpredictable nature of shipboard life teach lessons you won’t find in any classroom or office. Here are 10 valuable insights every seafarer gains through experience- lessons that make us tougher, wiser, and better prepared for both sea and shore life. 1. The Captain…
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⚠️ Medical Scams Targeting Seamen? A Seafarer Shares His Story
Seafarers in the Philippines and around the world rely on Pre-Employment Medical Examinations (PEMEs) to secure contracts. But what happens when the system that’s supposed to protect your health… actually puts it at risk? In recent years, multiple seafarers have reported suspicious medical findings, forced referrals, and unnecessary procedures with many leading to extra costs…
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Renew Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate in 7 Minutes
It was way back in February 2009 when I had my first shot of the yellow fever vaccine with my classmates. The Bureau of Quarantine Cebu branch gave us a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate also known as a Certificate of Vaccination after that. Initially, our yellow fever certificate is valid for ten years. When it…