OWWA SUP program How to Apply Seafarer's Upgrading Program

How to Apply OWWA Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

OWWA’s Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) helps Filipino seafarers gain access to quality training and education that will allow them to upgrade their skills for employment. The program provides financial assistance for maritime courses that are accredited by the Philippine government, as well as for other programs that will help seafarers improve their skills and knowledge. By providing quality training and education, the SUP helps Filipino seafarers become competitive in the global marketplace and enhances the country’s reputation as a provider of skilled maritime professionals.

Also Read: How to Apply OWWA Mariner’s Dugtong Aral Program (MDA)

Filipino mariners make up over a quarter of the world’s seafarer population, and over 450,000 of them have been contributing to the Philippine economy since 2019. The recent global health crisis, however, killed the thriving industry, sending home a significant number of empty-handed OFW seafarers. 

Two years later, as the industries returned to its pre-pandemic normal state, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) pioneered the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) to help active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarer amp up their skills and competencies before they set out to sea. So, if you work in the maritime industry and you feel that you need to either improve or refresh your seafaring skills, then this OWWA program is perfect for you.

OWWA SUP program How to Apply Seafarer's Upgrading Program

What is Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)?

The OWWA Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) is a special scholarship program offered exclusively to active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarers who are active OWWA members. It was designed to help seafarers improve their skills and proficiency in the various technicalities and specialties consistent with the current international maritime standards, so they can be competitive regardless if they’ve never been to sea or they’ve only been away for some time. 

Under the program, active OWWA members who are seafarers can get free training through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) along with some financial assistance, if they wish to improve their skills and gain a competitive advantage so they will be at par with the rest of the world in meeting the International Maritime Organizations competency standards.

Such training will help them cope with the ever-changing standards and the continuous technological advancements in the field. With the aid of the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP), doing so will be easier as the beneficiaries can get aid in their training expenses so as not to bore a hole through their wallet. The goal is for OWWA to help provide seafarers with job-related training and skill development activities in priority maritime courses as defined by the Maritime Training Council. 

This will enable all active, returning, and first-time Filipino seafarers the opportunity to select and enroll in any training course accredited by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Seafarer-applicants to the SUP may choose any accredited training course from the list of training courses allowed under the SUP scholarship program offered by TESDA, MARINA, or any other OWWA-accredited training centers. 

What are the courses available to take for a seaman in OWWA SUP?

Although the SUP program allows seafarers to choose their preferred training course freely, it is recommended that applicants sign up for training courses that are pre-approved by the following organizations:

  • Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
  • Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
  • OWWA-recognized and approved Training Providers
  • Other sanctioned government institutions

The options for the pre-approved courses available to seafarers who are taking advantage of the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) include a broad range of in-deck, engine, and specialized training in line with international maritime standards. These courses may vary depending upon the availability of the courses offered as well as the accreditation of the institution that the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) prefers to study at.

Some of these pre-approved training courses allowed under the SUP include:

  • Advance Training in Liquified Gas Tanker (ATLGT)
  • Advanced Messman Course
  • Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker (ATCT)
  • Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (ATFF)
  • Advanced Training in Oil Tanker (ATOT)
  • Auxiliary System
  • Basic Baking
  • Basic Culinary
  • Basic Food Service Management
  • Basic Training for Liquified Gas Tanker Cargo Operation
  • Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
  • Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
  • Catering Management – Chief Cook Course
  • 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 Material (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 & use of ARPA (RNRPUA)
  • Radar Simulator Course
  • Radio Electronics Officer’s Course (REOC)
  • Ship Simulator Bridge TeamWork (SSBT)
  • Shipboard Welding and Lathe Machine
  • Shore-based Fire fighting
  • Specialty Cuisine
  • Trim and Stability                   

Benefits from the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

The Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) offers a free short-term training scholarship program that entitles qualified beneficiaries of the program to the following benefits: 

  • Cash grant allowance ranging from Php 1,200.00 to up to Php 7,500.00 per upgrading training course enrolled.
  • For applicants referred to the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP): the meal and transportation allowance is included in the grant.
  • Ability to avail of the benefits of the SUP grant after making at least one (1) to three (3) recorded membership contributions to OWWA.
  • Subsequent application is acceptable as long as the seafarer-applicant makes at least (3) recorded membership contributions to OWWA.
  • The seafarer-applicant or SUP grantee has the ability to choose whichever training course they prefer, provided that it is included in the list released by OWWA.
  • The eligible beneficiaries can also choose the training center they want as long as it is accredited by TESDA, MARINA, or other relevant government agency.
  • The benefits offered by SUP is free, so there’s no need to worry about having to pay it back in the future.

Qualifications

To be eligible for the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP), seafarer-applicants must be:

  • A bonafide Filipino citizen
  • A registered OWWA member at the time of application.
  • A seafarer OFW member
  • First-time applicants are expected to have a single membership contribution upon application.
  • Subsequent entitlements are earned after only three (3) verified membership contributions, in which case applications must be filed within ninety (90) days of most recent arrival in the Philippines, be it for holiday or vacation or after completion or expiration of a contract.

Requirements

Before you even think about applying for and enjoying the benefits and privileges offered by the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) scholarship grant, you must first ensure that you have what it takes. Having said that, you need to secure and prepare these documentary requirements in order to start the SUP application process:

  • Duly accomplished SUP Application Form secured from the nearest OWWA RWO
  • Two (2) copies of 2×2 Colored ID Photo of the OFW member
  • Seaman’s Identification Record Book (SIRB) issued by MARINA
  • Valid and Original Philippine Passport
  • Proof of OWWA Membership 
    • Membership Record secured from the OWWA RWO
    • Official receipt of OWWA membership contribution
    • OFW E-Card
    • Any proof of active OWWA membership
  • Most recent proof of billing or residency
    • NBI clearance
    • Recent Internet/electrical/water bill
    • Recent bank statement/statement of account of your credit card

Step by Step Procedure in Applying for the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)

Listed below, in this section, are the steps you or any seafarers who are interested in revamping their skills need to take in order to file an application for OWWA’s Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP):

  • Secure or download the SUP scholarship application form through either of the following:
    • By contacting the local OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO), or
    • By visiting the OWWA Regional Office (RWO) nearest to the OFW member’s permanent address and personally securing the form.
  • Fill out the OWWA SUP Application Form with all the required personal information.
  • Once completed, prepare the SUP Application Form and attach all the documentary requirements for the SUP grant application.
  • Bring the SUP application form and documentary requirements and submit it at your nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO). You may also send the Application Form and all the other required documentation via courier services (LBC, J&T,  JRS, etc.) or personally visit the OWWA RWO by following these steps:
    • Secure an appointment to the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO): 
      • Use the appointment scheduler available on the OWWA website (appointment.owwa.gov.ph).
      • Use the appointment scheduler on the OWWA Mobile App.
    • On the selected date of the appointment, visit the selected OWWA RWO that is closest to the OFW-member’s permanent address.
    • Secure a queuing number and wait for your turn at the SUP queue by the Assigned Guard Or The Registration Desk at OWWA RWO (1 minute).
    • Present the OFW ID or the valid original Philippine passport of the OWWA-member OFW along with the duly accomplished SUP application form and all the other required documents to the processor or evaluator at the Education and Training Unit or focal for verification of Membership Record. (10 minutes) 
      • Wait for the focal on the Education and Training Unit to verify the ID and the OWWA membership of the OFW applicant and evaluate the documents submitted by the seafarer-applicant. 
      • If the membership is proven to be valid, then you may submit the SUP Application Form along with the rest of the documentary requirements to get your schedule for claiming the Notice Of Award (NOA).
      • If the application was sent online, wait for the results confirming that your application for the scholarship was approved.  
    • Once approved, you will receive the schedule for the issuance of the Notice of Award.
    • Return on the given schedule for the issuance of the Notice of Award (NOA).
      • Get a Priority Queuing Number and wait until your number is called to claim your NOA (30 seconds).
    • Proceed to the designated SUP counter to receive the Notice of Award (NOA) from the processor or evaluator at the Education and Training Unit. (5 minutes).
  • Once you receive the Notice of Award, make sure to claim and use the NOA to enroll to your preferred training course within 45 days to avoid getting your SUP application for free training invalidated.
  • Present the NOA to your preferred accredited training center upon enrollment for your free training to be confirmed.

Important Reminders

For those who are interested in the benefits of the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP), here are some things worth taking note of.

  • The Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) only offers cash aid amounting anywhere from Php 1,200.00 to Php 7,500.00 per training course. 
  • Any additional costs or expenditures arising from the intended training course shall be shouldered by the SUP grantee.
  • Only after the approval of the SUP application will the applicant be scheduled for the issuance of the Notice of Award (NOA).
  • Residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) will get their SUP applications processed within two (2) working days upon submission of all the required documents.
  • Non-National Capital Region (NCR) residents or those from regions other than the National Capital Region (NCR) will get their applications for SUP processed within seven (7) working days after submitting all necessary documents. 
  • Non-National Capital Region (NCR) applications will be subjected to verification and evaluation of all the other 16 OWWA Regional Welfare Offices.
  • Applicants from the National Capital Region (NCR) will receive their Notice of Awards (NOA) within 2 days (2 working days) after the completed requirements are processed. 
  • For applicants from all other regions other than NCR, the Notice of Awards (NOA) can be claimed within 7 days (7 working days) after the verification and evaluation of the completed requirements in the designated regional offices.
  • Note that the NOA is only valid for a maximum of 45 days so make sure to get your hands on it within the allotted time frame. 
  • You won’t be able to get a new NOA if the NOA issued to you gets invalidated for non-usage. You will have to wait for the next scheduled appointment for NOA release if it happens.
  • You will need to present and submit the Notice of Award (NOA) at your preferred training center or institution upon enrollment in the course. 
  • The training centers are already aware of the need for the NOA, so all you have to do is show them your NOA upon enrollment.
  • Under SUP, the seafarer-grantee must comply with and complete the course requirements within the designated time period.
  • After three (3) reported OWWA membership contributions, seafarers can apply for a new grant and continue to receive SUP subsidies.
  • Note that this SUP is a free program offered by OWWA and not a loan, so there is no need to pay it back to OWWA later on. 
  • The SUP scholarship grant is offered to all Filipino seafarers working abroad, whether active, returning, or a first-time seafarer.
  • All SUP grantees must comply with and complete the requirements of the enrolled training program for the fee to be waived.

Actual OWWA Seafarer’s Upgrading Program Application by a Filipina Seafarer

In this video, Nina Rose Hariyanto, a Youtube vlogger and Filipina migrant worker documents the application process and shows us all the requirements needed to avail of one of the four OWWA scholarship programs exclusively designed for Filipino mariners. 

Watch her here as she shows us everything you need to know about applying for the SUP scholarship grant from OWWA. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To make your SUP application process as seamless and painless as possible, we rounded up some of the most common questions and answers about the OWWA SUP program. Please go over these FAQs so you can get a better idea about what to expect from the OWWA SUP scholarship grant for seafarers.

1. How much is the cash aid offered by OWWA to seafarers under the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)?

The cash allowance from the Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) ranges from Php 1,200.00 to Php 7,500.00 per upgrading training course enrolled. This amount will be used as preparation allowance/assistance. However, for applicants referred to the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), this amount also covers the meal and transportation allowance of the seafarer-grantee.

2. Can I still participate in the training if the cost exceeds the SUP grant of Php 7,500.00?

Yes, you may still attend your preferred training program at your choice of training institution, but you as the seafarer-grantee will be liable for any costs exceeding Php 7,500.00.

3. Does the SUP Notice of Award (NOA) expire?

Yes. The Notice of Award (NOA) has a validity period of 45 days after it is accepted. That said, the SUP scholarship grantee is expected to claim and use it within the specified period of 45 days. Note that in the event that the NOA remains unclaimed or unused within the allotted time period, the scholarship-grantee won’t get another NOA. They will have to wait for the next scheduled appointment instead.

4. Is the SUP available for only active seafarers?

No, the SUP benefits are available to all Filipino seafarers, regardless if they are active, returning, or first-time seafarers. That said, if you intend to become a seafarer for the first time, you may still avail of this program as long as you have an active OWWA membership status and have made at least one registered OWWA membership contribution at the time of the application for the scholarship program.

5. Where can I enroll if I want to apply for and avail of the SUP scholarship grant?

All SUP grantees may enroll in any training institution accredited by TESDA, MARINA, or other relevant government agency. You must, however, pick one of the pre-approved training courses especially recommended by MARINA, TESDA, and OWWA in line with international maritime standards.

6. What courses can I enroll in if Iam availing the OWWA SUP grant?

The SUP grant is given to Filipino seafarers who are interested in improving their skills in terms of of in-deck, engine, and specialized training courses as per international maritime standards.

Such courses were identified as follows:

  • In-deck courses:
    • Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
    • Deck Watchkeeping (DWK) 
    • Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) 
    • General Operator’s Course for Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GOC for GMDSS) 
    • Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting & ARPA Application (RNRPUA) 
    • Radar Simulator Course
    • Radio Electronics Officer’s Course (REOC) 
    • Ship Simulator Bridge Teamwork (SSBT) 
    • Trim and Stability 
  • Engine courses:
    • Auxiliary System 
    • Control Engineering 
    • Engine Room Simulator Course
    • Engine Watchkeeping (EWK) 
    • Lathe Machine Course 
    • Marine Diesel Engineering 
    • Shipboard Welding and Lathe Machine
  • Specialized courses:
    • Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (ATFF) 
    • Advanced Training in Oil Tanker (ATOT) 
    • Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker (ATCT) 
    • Advance Training in Liquified Gas Tanker (ATLGT) 
    • Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations 
    • Basic Training for Liquified Gas Tanker Cargo Operation 
    • Crisis Management
    • Crowd Management 
    • Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Course
    • Marine Pollution Consolidated (MARPOL I-VI) 
    • Medical Care (MECA) 
    • Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA) 
    • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB) 
    • Shore-based Fire fighting 
    • Basic Baking 
    • Basic Culinary 
    • Catering Management – Chief Cook Course 
    • Basic Food Service Management 
    • Galley and Provision Management
    • Housekeeping Management (Steward Course) 
    • Advanced Messman Course 
    • International Cooking 
    • Specialty Cuisine

7. Is there a limit to the number of times  I apply for and enjoy the SUP benefits?

No. There is no limit as to how often you can apply for the program as long as you pick a training program approved by TESDA or MARINA. However, in the spirit of fairness to other members and to allow OWWA to accommodate newer applicants, subsequent applications to the SUP grant are allowed only after every 6 years, or every after three (3) recorded membership contributions.

8. Is the SUP grant given as a loan benefit to OWWA members? 

No. The cash aid given to qualified OWWA beneficiaries  of the SUP grant is not a loan. It is a financial assistance benefit so there is no need to pay it back after the training program has been completed.

9. I need more information about the SUP scholarship grant. Is there any number I can call or any person I can reach out to for assistance?

Suppose you need more information about the OWWA Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP), then you may reach out to OWWA via the following information:

Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)
Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila
Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24
OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International) 
OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph
OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial
OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/

You can also download and install the OWWA Mobile App from either Google Play Store or Apple Store so you can stay updated on the latest OWWA projects and programs created specifically for active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarers who wish to upskill. You may also contact the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or any of their Satellite Offices through their Facebook pages for more comprehensive information.

Summary

The Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) is one of the initiatives of the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) to help provide the Filipino seafarers more opportunities to develop up their skills and knowledge towards building a life and career out at sea. And with the no-commitment  benefits of this program, there’s no reason not to grab it. After all, as resilient as Filipinos typically are, no water will be too deep and no sea is too far for a fully-equipped and empowered Filipino seafarer.

Plus, the  Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP) is one OWWA program that will be of great benefit to Filipino seafarers who aim to obtain credentials and qualifications that will provide them with skills that are at par with international maritime standards. Such abilities will give them more opportunities and better marketability in the future, even for those who plan on using their skills only within the Philippines. Needless to say, this OWWA program is a nice way to explore other career options domestically and internationally.

For more information on the SUP and other OWWA programs, you may reach out to OWWA anytime from Mondays thru Fridays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM via their official website at www.owwa.gov.ph or any of the following contact information:

Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA)

Office Address: F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila

Tel. No.: 8891-7601 to 24

OWWA hotline number: 1348, (02) 1348 (Regional), (+632) 1348 (International) 

OWWA Email Address: owwacares@owwa.gov.ph

OWWA Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/OWWAofficial

OWWA website: https://owwa.gov.ph/

You can also download and install the OWWA Mobile App from either Google Play Store or Apple Store so you can stay updated on the latest OWWA projects and programs created specifically for active, returning, or first-time Filipino seafarers who wish to upskill. You may also contact the nearest OWWA Regional Welfare Office (RWO) or any of their Satellite Offices through their Facebook pages for more comprehensive information.

For more questions or concerns, you may also contact them at:

Email Address: commandcenter@dole.gov.ph

Cellular Numbers: (Smart) 09615958438, (Globe) 09052535680

Landline Numbers: (02) 85680986, (02) 85680984, (02) 85273476, (02) 85273525, (02) 85272115, (02) 53096605, (02) 83538067

DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment (BLE): (02) 8527-253l