The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has clarified that seafarers holding a valid Basic Training (BT) Certificate of Proficiency (COP) can board vessels without immediately completing the Updating Basic Training–Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (BT-PSSR). During a press conference, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan explained that this requirement, effective from October 14, 2025, does not apply to seafarers already on board prior to that date.
Malaluan emphasized that these seafarers must complete the BT-PSSR updating before their next embarkation or when applying for revalidation of their COB-BT. She addressed confusion among seafarers who were misinformed about needing to complete the updating immediately after disembarking or during their vacation. “You may undergo the updating at any time before your next contract,” she stated, noting that the BT certificate remains valid for several years.
However, new seafarers are required to complete the BT-PSSR before boarding. For those entering the industry, the revised BT course now includes the updated PSSR component. As of January 5, 2026, 61 maritime training institutions are authorized to offer the one-day Updating BT-PSSR, and over 130,000 seafarers have completed the training nationwide. MARINA urged compliance with official guidelines and warned against unauthorized requirements.
