POEA implements online registration of seafarers

 DOLE Secretary Silvestre H.Bello III, the chairperson Governing Board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, said Seafarers Registration Certificates (SRC) will be replaced by an online seafarer registry very soon. In a Resolution issued August 5, the Governing Board has instructed the POEA to implement the online registration system for seafarers starting 15 September 2016. Secretary Bello signed GB Resolution No. 13, Series of 2016 with POEA Administrator and Governing Board Vice-Chair Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and members Felix M. Oca, Estrelita S. Hizon, Alexander E. Asuncion, and Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal. Bello said the online registry shall benefit around 50,000 SRC applicants per year, and remove long lines at POEA offices.

The online seafarer registry shall likewise pave the way for the development and implementation of a universal identification system for Filipino seafarers. He said the way forward is to have a universal ID system for seafarers that is acceptable to all government agencies and Port States in compliance with ILO Convention No. 185 or the Seafarer’s Identity Document Convention.

The Board directed the POEA to link up with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to look into the possibility of data sharing and development of a universal ID system for seafarers. The POEA issues SRCs to seafarers with their perpetual ID number for easy access of personal records and efficient processing of employment documents. Bello said the online SRC system is aligned with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive for government offices to review all systems and requirements to avoid duplication of functions, eliminate queuing and facilitate delivery of services to OFWs. Bello said the POEA shall conduct an extensive information dissemination campaign before the implementation of the online registration system.

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