Manila: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Tuesday assured that no Filipino seafarer has lost a job or been displaced due to the disruption of the Seafarer's Identification and Record Book (SIRB) system. In a statement, MARINA said alternative measures have been put in place to ensure the continued deployment of Filipino seafarers, including the issuance of temporary certifications for those with immediate deployment requirements amid the SIRB system disruption.
According to Philippines News Agency, more than 500 certifications have been issued to expedite applications since August 14. The figure represents approximately 0.06 percent of the estimated 890,000 Filipino seafarers who are internationally certified. MARINA said all expedited applications were given certifications on the same day of their appointment, and these certifications are verifiable by Port State authorities. The agency has also met with 50 licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to directly address deployment concerns and ensure that affected seafarers receive the necessary assistance.
According to the LMAs, no seafarer has been displaced due to the SIRB system disruption. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan appealed to all manning agencies to provide correct information to seafarers and immediately report any issue or problem encountered using the issued certification. Seafarers are encouraged to coordinate directly with MARINA and not to seek out individual officials or rely on unverified claims on social media.
For assistance, seafarers may contact the MARINA Manpower Development Service through email at [email protected] or [email protected], or through phone number (02) 8524 6517. MARINA information technology personnel and experts from its service provider continue to restore the SIRB system following the cyberattack on August 18.
Meanwhile, MARINA has granted an extension of documents to qualified seafarers with immediate deployment whose SIRBs are approaching expiration or have already expired. To avail of the extension, seafarers must personally visit their selected processing center and present a request letter from the employing company, a confirmed airline e-ticket, an approved Philippine Overseas Employment Administration contract or notarized company contract or Certificate of Employment, and a confirmed online appointment for the SIRB application. The measure is being implemented to assist seafarers with immediate deployment amid the current challenges affecting the regular issuance of SIRBs nationwide.
