1) Information on the requirements for individuals who wish to obtain seaman's passbooks;2) Information on whether seamen are required to apprentice in inland waters before being eligible for international trips [PHL11809]

A representative of the Embassy of The Philippines in Ottawa provided the following information on the above subject during a telephone interview on 29 September 1992. According to the representative, this information is unofficial because the Embassy of The Philippines in Ottawa is currently unable to determine whether the following requirements are still in force.

Male or female Filipinos who wish to obtain seaman's passbooks are required to complete a seaman training course which is offered by government as well as private educational institutions. Upon completion of this course, the graduates are required to pass a government examination in order to receive seaman's passbooks.

Applicants for seaman's passbooks are required to be at least 18 years of age and in good health and have a high school diploma; there may also be a height requirement. Knowing how to swim is an asset while not a requirement. Seamen are required to work in inland waters for a period of time to become eligible for "ocean trips." The representative was unaware of the exact duration of the above-mentioned period.

Additional and/or corroborating information on the above subject is currently unavailable to the DIRB.

Reference


Embassy of The Philippines, Ottawa. 29 September 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.