The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has good news if you are a Filipino seafarer. They offer a scholarship program called the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) to first-time or returning Filipino seafarers with active membership with OWWA. This program aims to boost Filipino seafarers’ skills and expertise that comply with the International Maritime Organization.
The Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is a free scholarship program. Qualified seafarers train in the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), or any other TESDA-accredited training centers.
Benefits
If you are an active OWWA member with at least three (3) membership contributions, then you can apply to the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP). The SUP provides financial grants worth Php 1,200 up to Php 7,500 per training course. The training courses that they can enroll in will give them the skills and knowledge that they need in their work as a seafarer.
Courses and Training Program
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered courses that are recognized by OWWA. Check the list of courses and training programs under the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) to know which suits you best.
- Advanced Messman Course
- Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker (ATCT)
- Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (ATFF)
- Advanced Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker (ATLGT)
- Advanced Training in Oil Tanker (ATOT)
- Auxiliary System
- Basic Baking
- Basic Culinary
- Basic Food Service Management
- Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations
- Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
- Catering Management – Chief Cook Course
- Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Control Engineering
- Crisis Management
- Crowd Management
- Deck Watch Keeping (DWK)
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Engine Room Simulator
- Engine Watch Keeping (EWK)
- Galley and Provision Management
- General Operator’s Course for Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GOC for GMDSS)
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
- Housekeeping Management (Steward Course)
- International Cooking
- Lathe Machine Course
- Marine Diesel Engineering
- Marine Pollution Consolidated (MARPOL I-VI)
- Medical Care (MECA)
- Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA)
- Proficiency In Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB)
- Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting, and Use of Arpa (RNRPUA)
- Radar Simulator Course
- Radio Electronic Office’s Course (REOC)
- Ship Simulator Bridge Team Work (SSBT)
- Shipboard Welding and Lathe Machine
- Shore-Based Fire Fighting Specialty Cuisine
- Trim and Stability
Qualifications
To apply for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP), you must first meet the qualifications set by OWWA.
- Must be a Filipino citizen
- Must be an active OWWA member
- with at least three (3) membership contributions for returning seafarers
- with at least one (1) membership contribution for returning seafarers
- First-time or returning Filipino seafarers
Requirements
To apply, you must also gather all the documentary requirements set by OWWA.
- Application Form
- 2 copies of 2×2 colored ID picture
- Proof of OWWA membership
- Membership Record
- Official receipt of OWWA contributions
- OFW e-Card
- Proof of residency
- NBI Clearance
- Recent Bank statement
- Recent Statement of Account of Credit Card
- Recent Internet, water, or electricity bill
- Seaman’s Identification and Record Book (SRIB)
- Passport
Application Process
Seafarers who want to apply must submit their application within ninety (90) days of their last arrival in the Philippines. Here is the step-by-step process on how to apply for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
Step 1: Visit the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) and bring all the documentary requirements we listed above.
Step 2: Get a copy of the application form and fill it out.
Step 3: Verify your membership with OWWA at the Education and Training Unit/Focal. Present your proof of OWWA membership and passport.
Step 4: Submit the application form and other documents after the verification
Step 5: Secure a schedule for claiming the Notice of Award (NOA).
Step 6: Check the schedule given to you and come back on the said date to claim the Notice of Award (NOA).
The Notice of Award (NOA) has forty-five (45) days validity. So, you must use it before it expires.
Some OWWA Regional Welfare Offices (RWOs) may not accept walk-ins. To know if they require applicants to book an appointment, you may contact them through their Facebook page or call their hotline at 1348.
Video: SUP for Seafarer’s Explained
Watch this video by Lito Abadilla Vlog as he explains the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can avail of the SUP?
The Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is open to all sea-based OFWs who want to enhance their skills and increase their knowledge. The seafarers just need to be an active member of OWWA.
How much is the financial grant for the SUP?
The Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) offers financial grants from Php 1,200 up to Php 7,500. If the cost of the training exceeds the maximum amount, the applicants must shoulder the remaining cost.
What would happen if I didn’t use the Notice of Award (NOA) within 45 days?
The Notice of Award (NOA) is only valid for 45 days. If you haven’t used it before within the said date, then you must wait for the next scheduled appointment to secure another one.
How long is the processing time for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
For NCR residents, the processing time is two (2) working days while seven (7) working days if you live outside NCR.
Can I apply for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) multiple times?
Yes. There is no limit and you can apply as many times as you want. However, you are only allowed to apply every six (6) years or every three (3) recorded membership contributions.
Summary
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is giving all seafarers a chance to upgrade their skills and to give a chance to be promoted. The courses they offer will greatly benefit the sea-based OFWs because they are all in line with the International Maritime Organization Standard.
All seafarers, first-timers or returnees, must grab this opportunity that the Philippine government offers to learn more, earn more, and have better lives for their families.