Seaman's Poem

I was browsing the net one Thursday morning and found this simple short poem from http://ofw-bagongbayani.com.

Kung may sariling tula kayo na maibahagi para sa lahat, pakisulat lang sa komento ng artikulong ito.

SEAMAN

ni Rafael A. Pulmano

Noon ay sabik ka sa pagbabalita
Ayon sa telegram
tanggap na't sa Linggo
ang iyong simula;

Ngayon ay sabik kang matanaw ang lupa
Kalaban sa barko,
hindi pagod kundi
ang pangungulila...

Marina SIRB Express Application System (SEAS)

SIRB Express Application System

SEAS or the SIRB Express Application System is an information technology program by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), aimed to produce a much faster processing of SIRB application forms. It’s good news, for the seafarers, for new applicants, and for renewals of seaman’s book. This program is in team-up with Filipinas Teleserv, Inc. (FilTeleserv) as the company developed the SEAS service.

Finally, Marina has come-up with a good program to lessen the hassle of the application, and ease the burden of people wanting to apply for seaman’s book, especially for the new applicants. Both the new and renewal applications for SIRBs can now be done without having to proceed to the Marina office at Trida Building in Taft Avenue corner Kalaw, Manila. Seafarers now have a big comfort and saves time in their SIRB application. It is an action made by Marina that is highly favorable to the people who wanted and need to apply for SIRB.

Napakalaking tulong nito sa ating mga marino. Biruin nyo, noong pumunta ako sa Marina at mag-apply ng Seaman’s Book ay binigyan lang ang mga aplikante ng form at may nakakatatak doon na petsa tatlong linggo pa mula sa araw na yon. Ang buong akala ko’y sandali lang ang pagkuha ng SIRB, ‘yon pala ay i-schedule ka pa ng dalawa o tatlong liggo pa. Ito raw ay dahilana sa napakahabang pila ng mga applikasyon at mayroon lang yata silang limitasyon sa loob ng isang araw na ipoproseso na SIRB.

It’s really a good new for all of us seafarers na mayroon ng ganitong hakbang na ginawa ang Marina. At least, maibsan na ang pagkainis ng mga marino na pumipila sa loob ng Trina bldg. para makakuha ng bagong SIRB.

TESTA COC FINALLY RELEASED

Finally, I was able to get my Certificate of Competency (COC) as a Messman at TESDA Manila. The competency exam was taken by me two weeks before this release. As of this time, COC will be I think is the last certification I will be getting.

COC FEE

I don’t expect that still there is something that I’ll be paying when this paper is released. During the competency exam, the assessor did mention about this. All I thought is that when I get there and handed the competency receipt copy, there will no added fee for it because we are already paying for that at the center. This is not clearly explained at the assessment center. They are not telling that aside from the assessment fee, trainee will be paying 50 pesos COC release fee. I think this is also what happened in the other assessment center because there’s one mariner whom I talk to and he’s from other assessment center. And also did not expect to be collected by TESDA fee again.

THE UNITS OF COMPETENCY

> These are the units of competency written in the certificate

> Preparing food

> Maintaining cleanliness in the accommodation areas

> Performing victualing services

> Performing dining hall services

> Maintaining galley equipment & utensils

> Taking precautions to protect marine environment

> Launching lifeboat/liferaft

> Performing survival techniques during ship abandonment

> Preventing and fighting fire

These units here written are the overall summary of the two previous trainings that a trainee is required before he take the assessment for the position as a messman. The last 4 units written here were taken during the Basic Safety Training (BSC/PSSR) course. And the first 4 units written were taken during the Messman Course training.

The certificate’s validity good for 5 years and after these you need to renew your certificate. That is if you’re still working on board in the same position as messman.

TESDA COC ASSESSMENT

COC is the must have competency test for every man or woman wanted to work on board ship. It is a skill test of a kind of position that you’re aiming for to work with on board. I don’t know if how many are there positions TESDA have, but I think in every position there is a corresponding competency test.

Before you can take the assessment test, first you must complete the training course for MESSMAN. The training course is just a short course which only takes 4 days to complete. And the cost for this is around P2,000 up, really depend on the training center where you enrolled the course.

THE ASSESSMENT CENTER

There are many assessment centers that you can choose from to where you are going to take the competency test. And I believe that assessment centers have their own cost of payment. I heard that every center differ its test fee. I don’t know how true this is because I was not able to inquire from other centers.

The assessment center that I choose to take the test was at Blue Horizon Training Center. This is where also I complete the messman training course.

REQUIREMENTS IN TAKING THE TEST

For applicants in positions steward (chief), cook (chief, second/asst/cook), MESSMAN, waiter/waitress, bartender, housekeeping/cabin steward.

I. Performance (new)

1. 2 application forms (properly filled up)

2. 3 ID pictures Passport size, White background, White polo shirt with collar.

3. 2 copies of Medical Certificate – TESDA, DOH, POEA accredited, downloadable certification from TESDA, and valid for 3 months.

4. Training certificate on BASIC SAFETY COURSE/PSSR and messman course / stewarding course / culinary course (whichever is applicable)

5. If with work experience – Training certificate on: messman/stewarding/culinary course (whichever is applicable) – 2 copies.

6. Seaman’s Book (SIRB)

7. SRC – 2 copies.

II. TESDA FEE

Note: Bring all the original documents.

I paid P800 when I applied for the assessment test after filling up the 2 application forms together with the photocopies of all necessary requirements. After I pay the corresponding fee, I was then informed of the available exam schedule. After choosing an exam day, I was told to come back on my chosen schedule.