How to become a seafarer in Philippines after school

Official rules for school students and school leavers. Check every requirement with the maritime authority before you apply or pay.

Officer: maritime academy or college

Deck officers study for a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and engineer officers for a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BSMarE) at a recognised maritime higher education institution (MHEI).
Source: MARINA STCW Office: List of MHEIs offering BSMT and/or BSMarE programs (as of May 2025)
Per the official MARINA list, 78 institutions are authorized to run the BSMT program.
Source: MARINA STCW Office: List of MHEIs offering BSMT and/or BSMarE programs (as of May 2025)
Per the official MARINA list, 69 institutions are authorized to run the BSMarE program.
Source: MARINA STCW Office: List of MHEIs offering BSMT and/or BSMarE programs (as of May 2025)
For the officer of the navigational watch certificate, MARINA requires the BSMT transcript of records from a recognised MHEI.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
Shipboard training is a requirement of international maritime degree programs.
Source: Republic Act No. 12021: Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Supreme Court E-Library)

Rating: rating course

A deck rating certificate (RFPNW) requires at least 2 months of approved seagoing service on ships of 500 GT or more, connected with navigational watchkeeping.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
It also requires completing the Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch course at an accredited maritime training institution (MTI).
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
An engine rating certificate (RFPEW) requires an RFPEW course at a MARINA-accredited MTI and a passed practical assessment.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
An Able Seafarer Deck certificate requires at least 18 months of approved seagoing service as a deck rating.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)

Exams and certification

Deck officer candidates must pass the MARINA Deck Operational Level theoretical examination.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
Engineer officer candidates must pass the MARINA Engine Operational Level theoretical examination.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
The officer of the navigational watch certificate also requires a passed practical assessment.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)

Documents in order

Complete Basic Training (BT) at a maritime training institution; the certificate is required for the SRB and SID.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
For a new SRB/SID, bring an authenticated birth certificate or a valid Philippine passport.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
A valid NBI clearance is also required for a new SRB/SID.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
Book the SRB/SID appointment online and appear in person; all requirements must be complete before booking.
Source: MARINA SID/SRB Online Appointment System
Pass the pre-employment medical examination (PEME) at a DOH-accredited medical facility before applying for certificates.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)

Cadet training at sea

The officer of the navigational watch certificate requires at least 12 months of structured onboard training as a deck cadet.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
The engineer officer of the watch certificate requires at least 12 months of structured onboard training as an engine cadet.
Source: MARINA Citizen's Charter 2026, 1st Edition (March 2026)
Shipboard training is based on a written agreement between the shipowner, the cadet and the school.
Source: Republic Act No. 12021: Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Supreme Court E-Library)
Schools may not charge tuition for shipboard training unless it is done on their own training ships.
Source: Republic Act No. 12021: Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Supreme Court E-Library)
No fees other than tuition and miscellaneous fees may be imposed on cadets.
Source: Republic Act No. 12021: Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Supreme Court E-Library)

Approved training institutions

Only institutions from the official list of the maritime authority. The list changes: check that the institution is still approved before you pay.

Maritime higher education institutions recognised to offer BSMT and/or BSMarE, from the official MARINA STCW Office list as of May 2025 (based on CHED data). Programs marked with a permit are authorised only for the years shown.

Region I

Lyceum-Northwestern University, Dagupan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Northern Philippines College for Maritime Science and Technology, Inc., San Fernando City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Northwestern University, Laoag City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Pangasinan Merchant Marine Academy, Dagupan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
PanPacific University, Urdaneta City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
PIMSAT Colleges, Dagupan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Philippine College of Science and Technology, Calasiao
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Polytechnic College of La Union, Agoo
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)

Region II

Isabela College of Arts and Technology, Tagaran Cauayan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region III

Baliwag Maritime Academy, San Rafael
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Central Luzon College of Science and Technology, Olongapo City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Central Luzon College of Science and Technology, San Fernando City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Exact Colleges of Asia, Inc., Arayat
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Jose C. Feliciano College Foundation, Mabalacat
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
Maritime Academy of Asia and Pacific, Mariveles
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Midway College Inc., Cabanatuan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, San Narciso
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region IV

Inter-Global College Foundation, Inc, . Lucena City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas Campus, Batangas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
NYK-TDG Maritime Academy, Canlubang
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Malayan College – Laguna, Cabuyao
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, Lucena City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
MOL Magsaysay Maritime Academy, Dasmariñas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
PNTC Colleges, Dasmariñas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Southern Luzon College of Business, Maritime, Science and Technology, Dasmariñas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
University of Perpetual Help System Jonelta, Biñan
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

MIMAROPA

Educational Systems Technological Institute, Boac
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
Southwestern College of Maritime Business and Technology, Inc., Calapan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region V

Bicol Merchant Marine College, Inc., Sorsogon City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation, Daet
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation) (permit, 1st – 3rd yr); BSMarE (Marine Engineering) (permit, 1st – 2nd yr)
Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman, Canaman
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Mariners' Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Legaspi City (Albay), Inc., Legaspi City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Saint Anthony, Iriga City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region VI

Aklan Polytechnic College, Kalibo
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering) (phased-out)
Collegio Dela Purisima Concepcion, Arsobizpo Street. Roxas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation) (phased out); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Iloilo Merchant Marine School, Pavia
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation – Bacolod, Inc., Bacolod City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, Inc., Iloilo City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, Inc., Iloilo City
Courses: BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
St. Anthony’s College, San Jose de Buenavista
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
St. Therese-MTC Colleges – Magdalo Site, Iloilo City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
St. Therese-MTC Colleges – Tigbauan Site, Iloilo City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Antique, Sibalom
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., Bacolod City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Western Institute of Technology, Iloillo City
Courses: BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region VII

Cebu Technological University, Carmen
Courses: BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Concord Technical Institute, Cebu City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Cristal e–College, Panglao
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Negros Maritime College Foundation, Inc., Sibulan
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
PMI Colleges – Bohol, Tagbilaran City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Siquijor State College, Larena
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, Mandaue City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Cebu – METC, Cebu City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of the Visayas, Cebu City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region VIII

Palompon Institute of Technology, Palompon
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region IX

Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Dapitan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Our Lady of Triumph Institute of Technology Inc., Pagadian City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City
Courses: BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region X

Capitol University, Cagayan de Oro City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering) (phased-out)
Lyceum of Iligan Foundation, Iligan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
Misamis University, Ozamis City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Misamis Institute of Technology, Ozamis City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region XI

Agro-Industrial Foundation College of the Philippines, Davao City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Davao City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., Davao City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
MATS College of Technology, Davao City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Region XII

Regency Polytechnic College, Inc., Koronadal City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

NCR

Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, Pasay City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College, Quezon City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
FEATI University, Sta. Cruz
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
NAMEI Polytechnic Institute, Sta. Mesa
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Philippine Merchant Marine School, Las Piñas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Philippine Merchant Marine School, Sta. Cruz
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
PHILSIN College Foundation, Inc., Sta. Mesa
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation)
PMI Colleges – Quezon City, Quezon City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, Las Piñas City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
Westbay College, Muntinlupa City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

CARAGA

Merchant Marine Academy of Caraga, Inc., Butuan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)
St. Joseph Institute of Technology, Butuan City
Courses: BSMT (Marine Transportation); BSMarE (Marine Engineering)

Official list

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Checked: 26 Oct 2026. Rules change, so always check with the maritime authority: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)