Our Blog
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Passport Renewal Process for Seafarers in Less Than One Hour
The passport renewal process for seafarers is now more convenient for OFWs and Seafarers. Last August 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 10928 which provides a 10-year validity of our Philippine passport. This move also gives priority to OFWs and Seamen when applying for or renewing their passports. The law came into…
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🤬 Ten Most Common Complaints of Seafarers
Life at sea offers adventure, steady income, and the pride of working in the maritime industry- but it’s not without its challenges. Even the most seasoned mariner can’t avoid the occasional gripe about shipboard life. From heavy workloads to food in the galley, complaints reflect real concerns that affect morale, productivity, and well-being onboard. In…
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How to Make the Most of Your Hard Earned Dollars Today
Working on board is not easy. That’s why I always pay attention to how to spend my hard-earned dollars. This includes watching out for exchange rate opportunities. About three months ago, the exchange rate for the dollar to the peso was about 55.XX for every dollar. This is quite bigger than the previous years which…
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❌ 10 Reasons Why Seafarers Skip Shore Leave
Shore leave may sound like a welcome break for seafarers, but in reality, many crew members choose to remain onboard when their vessel docks. Whether due to family commitments, financial priorities, or operational restrictions, skipping shore leave is more common than most people think. Here are the top reasons, drawn from real-life seafaring experiences. 📱…
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3 Things to Know Before Applying to MARINA’s BoDRA & BoERA
A few months ago, the Maritime Industry Authority- STCW Office (MARINA STCW) posted a job opening on their website for the Board of Deck Ratings (BoDRA) and Board of Engine Ratings (BoERA). This is an excellent opportunity for ratings who want to take some time off their seagoing service and pursue a shift in their…
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7 Tips on How Clever Mariners Get Hired Without Any Backers
Lately, I’ve been receiving messages from fellow sailors and cadets who are asking for help to get on board. It seemed that the only way to realize their dream is to find someone within the company to lift them up. But I always tell them that it’s possible to get hired without any backers if…
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5 Tips on How to Effectively Say NO to People Borrowing Money
When you are a seafarer, you will most likely be approached by acquaintances or friends for debt reasons. The fact that you seem to earn much more than them makes you a perfect “lifeline”. But closing the door right in front of them makes you look like someone who is taken over by greed. Not…
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Day of the Seafarers 2017: Seafarers Matter and What it Means for You
June 25th marks the Day of the Seafarers, a day to honor and appreciate the invaluable contributions of seafarers to global trade and the economy. Seafarers are the backbone of the shipping industry. They transport goods and commodities across the world’s oceans, connect countries, and keep economies running. This is the fruit of their sacrifice…
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10 Effective Tipid Tips on Handling Your Money During Vacation
Money is a significant factor in the lives of seafarers. It is the main reason why they work tirelessly, leaving their families behind. Money is the tool that keeps their life moving, especially in today’s world. However, using money irresponsibly can lead to pain and hardship, which is why seafarers must learn to save and…
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Best Review Center and How It Should Look Like
Maritime Review Centers Overview Today’s review centers are fully packed with seamen in their journey of passing MARINA’s National Assessment and Certification System for Seafarers (NACSS) or simply known as the Board Exam for seafarers. Every day, thousands of seafarers flock to every review center in the country. Others are even looking for the right…