problems in applying here in the philippines.

1. funds

2. location of company

3. luck

1. Funds- money rules everything. We use money for our transportation expenses, food and allowance, and sometimes to pay those corrupt crewing official.

2. Location- never try applying on crowded places, crowd=competition.

If your looking for a decent company, try the Makati and Ortigas area first before going to Manila (specifically on UN and Kalaw). Based on my experience, most of the companies on Manila don't entertain new comers. They'll always look for a referral note or a "backer". Also, try applying on "newly-born" companies.

3. Luck- if you're new in this industry, example if you're a newly-grad then we can say that you still don't have enough luck/charm to look appealing for some companies. We can increase our luck by taking some training and courses, more trainings=more experience and skill=more chances to get hired.

Trust me, most companies' crewings are considerate enough, they don't hire us easily because they don't temporarily need more crews in their company. And maybe, we don't have the minimum requirements for the position we are applying for. And to make things simple, the only problem here in Philippines is the "demand and supply". If you know what I mean, then therefore you'll conclude that there are more seafarer than the job a company can offer.

 Im really sorry this is gonna be a wall of text, and is a bit out of context to the original post. :)

So here it goes, 

I am a Student of a newly founded Maritime School which is Mapua-PTC College of Maritime Education and Training. It is founded when Mapua Institute of Technology, a school that is leading with regards to the field of engineering,  decided to go hand in hand with the Philippine's largest shipping agency, PTC, to produce a highly competent maritime Professionals. 

Our Curriculum is 2 years study, 1 year Apprenticeship, and 1 Year Study, then Graduation. Someone once told me that not every graduate of maritime studies pursue to be an officer, thats why our school designed a curriculum that would focus their students to pursue being an officer.

Based on my experience as a student of this institution, its really hard to cope up with Mapua-PTC's Standards. The subjects are really hard to pass, its like im doing my best just to get a high grade but i just cant.

BUT, the catch is that, The School itself will do their best to help their student get their cadetship overseas. So Far, There are quite a number  of Mapua-PTC Cadets that are now working as a cadet on an international vessel, which is actually good. It would be an advantage studying here.


But The thing is it is not easy for the school to help you if you do not go with their requirements. If you do your part, they will do theirs.
Our College offers scholarship for qualified candidates. Those scholars experience privileges like no other. Free Tuition, Free Books, Free Uniforms, Free Board and Lodging, Free Food, Free Trainings, Free Document Processing, Free Medical Examinations, Free Everything!


As a non-scholar student, i am also bound to experience what you guys are experiencing. It is really hard to look for job specially when you are a beginner.

But the thing is, it is not the company that is stopping applicants from pursuing. It is actually themselves.

in order for you to be a successful person, you need to battle your inner weakness. You need to be strong in order for you to be successful. Dont Quit. Rejection is a part of it. 
Do your best, Do not quit, If you pursue what you wanted to be in the future, then heck you will be able to get it no matter what :)

Here are some ways that im actually doing in order for me to get my first international apprenticeship.

I have finished all the basic requirements, such as SSS,TIN,PAG-IBIG,PHILHEALTH,BST,NAC,COC,SIRB,SRC,PASSPORT, and all sorts of local documents (philippines)

What I Do is that, i include them on my CV , and i try to email it to some of the shipping agencies on the internet, and it is quite effective.


Although i have a company already (which is DSD Shipping or Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell), i still try to do some sort of back up plan in case plan A fails. Also the thing i mentioned about my school, helping their students to get a company, i am also going for that.

So far, i have 3 ways, first is DSD Shipping, 2nd is my School as a helper, and third is the internet-CV thingy :)


The catch is that, you dont need any backer in order for you to get what you wanted. What you need is yourself. Help Yourself, just fight your way through challenges and rough times.


Before you can see the rainbow, you first must endure the rain :)






*whoa what a speech*

sorry my hands just go crazy when i type :) and sorry about my poor english ability. Im in a sort of a practice state :)