Where and How to Apply or Renew your Seaman’s Book In Just One Day?

If you are planning to apply or renew your SIRB the fastest and easiest way, please read my personal experience below when I renewed mine recently. Many things have changed since my last renewal about four years ago. Let me help you avoid the unnecessary trouble when applying or renewing yours.

MARINA now offers application and renewal using their online service named MISMO or MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online System. Using this system, seafarers need to create an account online and submit all the necessary documents needed. Many tutorials on how to use the MISMO system is available online if you need one.

Is using MISMO system the best way to go?

Don’t get me wrong, MISMO system is a great tool. But what if you are in a hurry to apply or renew your SIRB? Using the MISMO system, it will take you at least four days before you can claim your SIRB. But if you opt to walk-in, the fastest you can claim your SIRB would be the same day of application.

Here’s what will happen if you go with MISMO online appointment.

1. Day 1 – Fill up the necessary information and upload the needed documents to the MISMO system. Your application will be checked and verified by MARINA officers. It will take at least two days for that.
2. Day 3 – Receive a text message confirming that your application has been verified. Only by then you can set an appointment of your choice. Select the date, time, and MARINA office you want to visit depending on the available slots allotted by MARINA. Pay the fee using different payment methods offered by the MISMO system.
3. Day 4 – Proceed to the MARINA satellite office of your choice. Bring all the original and photocopies of documents submitted via online. You also need to bring your own uniform for picture taking. You can receive your SIRB on the same day if you applied using their expedite service. Otherwise, it will be released the next day.
4. Day 5 – Claim the SIRB for regular processed application.

Take note that not all MARINA offices offer walk-in application.

Where is the best MARINA satellite office to do walk-in application?

As of this writing, as per my personal experience, the best MARINA satellite office for walk-in applicants is at MARINA SM City Bacoor. The officers-in-charge there are very accommodating and very patient to all applicants. They explain what needs to be done politely and respectfully. How I wish all MARINA satellite offices and officers are like that.

Actually, before I went to MARINA SM City Bacoor I went first to MARINA SM MOA to inquire if they cater to walk-in applicants. Unfortunately they did not. What’s more frustrating was the way how the officer-in-charge there handled our inquiries. Honestly, the guy needs more training with regards to customer service and anger management. Come on, it was just 9AM and their office just started receiving applicants and we were there around 7AM waiting patiently just to be handled like that?! At first I thought I was just being too sensitive, but after hearing same feedback from other walk-in applicants I realized the problem was not with me. Anyway, enough of this ranting and let’s go back to the main topic. 🙂

Luckily, I got an information from one of the walk-in applicant that MARINA SM City Bacoor accepts walk-in application. So we went there and everything was a breeze.

What are the requirements and fees for walk-in applicants at MARINA SM City Bacoor?

For complete list of requirements and fees, you can visit this post “Seaman’s Book Requirements and Fees for Application and Renewal“. Or you may also view the pictures below for requirements and fees posted at MARINA SM City Bacoor.

How to apply or renew your SIRB at MARINA SM City Bacoor?

After you complete all the documents needed for your type of application, all you need to do is visit MARINA at SM City Bacoor. Go there during mall hours. SM malls usually open around 10AM. I went there around 10:15AM and I was still able to write my name on their list of walk-in applicants for the day. If I remember it right, I think they only accept the first 200 walk-in applicants each day. But I’m really not sure with this though.

After writing your name to the list, you will be given an application form to fill up. The officer-in-charge will then conduct initial assessment of your documents. There is a photocopying service onsite if you need one. They also sell documentary stamps and long folder if you forgot to bring them. If everything looks good, just sit back and wait for your application number to be called.

Once called, present all your documents to the officer-in-charge for final assessment. If everything is complete you will be then directed to the cashier for payment. Pay PhP 800 for regular processing and PhP 1,500 for expedite one. Take note that for expedite service you’ll need to submit additional documents. Please check above for requirements.

After payment, proceed to photo capturing booth. Just present your receipt to the officer-in-charge and wait to be called. For officers and maritime course graduates, wear your appropriate uniforms with shoulder boards. For non-maritime course graduates, wear plain white polo or polo shirt.

Once your photo has been taken, claim your receipt again. For expedite application, you can get your SIRB on the same day. For regular processed SIRB, you can have your SIRB the next working day. Just present your receipt when you claim.

Take note, make sure all the details on your new SIRB are correct before signing on MARINA’s log book. Once you signed and you later found out that the details like the spelling of your name is incorrect, you will need to pay another PhP 800 for correction.

Which is better? Online or walk-in application?

Based on my recent experience, I prefer walk-in application than online application because in my case I was in a hurry to renew my SIRB. But that does not mean online application is useless or whatsoever.

The great thing about online application is convenience. If you have time to spare and you are not in a hurry, online application is still the way to go. You can avoid wasting time and effort since your documents are pre-approved before you visit MARINA office. All fees are also paid ahead so there’s no delay onsite.

Whichever you choose between the two, just follow the set of requirements carefully to avoid any delay.

That’s all I can share for now guys. Do you have any questions or concerns? Please don’t hesitate to comment below. You can also share this post to help others in need. Have a great day!