Our Blog
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⚓ Life of a Seafarer: Hardships, Sacrifice, and Hope
The life of a seafarer is a mix of hard work, long separations from family, and the resilience to face unpredictable seas. A typical contract lasts several months, often with limited internet access, while working in shifts around the clock. It’s a profession built on discipline, sacrifice, and the hope of a better future for…
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🙏 Prayer Before a Maritime Exam
In the maritime profession, exams are more than academic tests. They are milestones that determine a seafarer’s career path. Whether it’s your Certificate of Competency (COC), Certificate of Proficiency (COP), or a promotion exam, passing requires not just knowledge, but also discipline, integrity, and mental resilience. The pressure can be intense: high expectations from family,…
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Prohibited Items Not Allowed in the Airport When Signing On or Off
You have completed all your training. You were able to vacation in Puerto Princesa with the whole family. And you even attended your child’s graduation and purchased a new vehicle. Now, you need to return to the ship to work and earn again. Or if not, your relief is already on the gangway. The Captain…
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🧪🇯🇵 Inspiring Journey of a Japanese Seawoman on a Chemical Tanker
From the decks of a chemical tanker to the cargo control room, Hiroka Suzuki has proven that women can excel in one of the most demanding sectors of the maritime industry. Rising from deck cadet to Second Officer (2/O), her career shows that skill, discipline, and resilience matter more than gender. In this article, we…
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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…