A first-time seaman book applicant needs five things as a seaman book requirements: a valid passport, a seafarer medical certificate, STCW Basic Training certificates for the four Regulation VI/1 courses, proof of identity such as a birth certificate, and passport photographs on a white background. The medical certificate is valid for up to two years, or one year if you are under 18 (MLC 2006, Standard A1.2). No sea service is needed for a first book. Each issuing administration adds its own items. MARINA asks Philippine applicants for an NBI clearance. Liberia sets a minimum age of 16 for Ordinary Seaman and 18 for Able Seafarer. The Bahamas does not list Basic Training for its Seafarers’ Record Book.
Seaman Books is a maritime documentation consultancy in Business Bay, Dubai, operated by Atomiq Management Consultancies L.L.C. since 2011. We prepare, check and file flag-state seaman book (CDC/SIRB) applications with the Panama, Liberia, Palau, Bahamas, Belize, Honduras and St Kitts & Nevis administrations, for seafarers of any nationality. The flag administration issues the book; we do not. Your free eligibility check is answered by a person within 24 hours.
Seaman book requirements: the master checklist
These are the documents almost every administration asks of a first-time applicant. The right-hand column is what most often sends a file back.
| Document | What it must show | Why it is checked | Common reason a file is returned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Signed, valid, colour scan of the photo page with all four corners visible. Most flags expect at least 6 months’ validity | Identity and nationality | Blurry phone photo; passport expiring during processing |
| Seafarer medical certificate | Issued by an examiner the flag recognises, to STCW Regulation I/9 and MLC 2006 Standard A1.2. Valid up to 2 years (1 year under 18) | Fitness for sea duty | Expires before the flag issues the book. It must be valid on the issue date, not only on the day you apply |
| STCW Basic Training (4 certificates) | Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, from a centre approved for each course | Safety competence (Regulation VI/1) | Centre not approved for that course; course dates that don’t match |
| Security Awareness | STCW Regulation VI/6, Code Table A-VI/6-1. Required for all crew on ships covered by the ISPS Code | Ship security | Confused with Designated Security Duties, a different and higher certificate |
| Birth certificate or national ID | Matching your passport name and date of birth | Age and identity | Name spelt differently from the passport |
| Photographs | Recent, white background, no glasses or headwear, to the flag’s size | Biometric record | Wrong background or size |
| Police clearance | Where the authority requires it (for example the NBI clearance for MARINA) | Background check | Expired clearance |
| Application form | The flag’s own form, signed | Formal request | Unsigned or old version of the form |
| Employer or cadet letter | Where the flag or rank requires it (for example a deck cadet’s enrolment letter) | Proof of intended service | Missing for ranks that need it |
Seaman Books checks every item in this table against the seaman book requirements of your chosen flag before anything is filed, and tells you within 24 hours what is missing. Start the free check →
Seaman Book Requirements by flag state
Panama, Liberia, the Bahamas and the other open registries issue seaman books to seafarers of any nationality. You do not need to be a citizen of the flag. The flag your ship flies usually decides which book you need.
| Flag | Issuing administration | Requirements beyond the master checklist | Minimum age | Book validity | How to verify a book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | Autoridad Marítima de Panamá (AMP) | Application form F-76; medical certificate “acorde a la Sección A-I/9”; all four A-VI/1 Basic Training elements for rating certification; Security Awareness for deck cadets | Not published by AMP | Renewal every five years under Resolución J.D. No. 076-2020 | AMP Gente de Mar online enquiry |
| Liberia | Liberian Registry (LISCR) | Basic Training required for the SIRB. Medical exam within the 24 months before application, on the “Fit for Duty” physician form | 16 (Ordinary Seaman), 18 (Able Seafarer, electro-technical ratings), 20 (Bosun). Source: RLM-118 Rev.04/2026 | 5 years for a first-issue SIRB; 18 months for supernumeraries (RLM-118) | LISCR seafarer search |
| Bahamas | Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) | Passport and a medical certificate on the BMA form. Basic Training is not listed for the Seafarers’ Record Book (Bulletin 107) | 16; 18 for Master, Chief Engineer and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (MN032 Rev.1) | No expiry date. The BMA recommends a fresh application after about 10 years to refresh the photograph (Bulletin 107 Rev.04) | BMA certificate verification |
| St Kitts & Nevis | St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKANReg) | Marine Circular 146/25 makes the CDC mandatory for all crew on St Kitts & Nevis ships. Training rules in Marine Circular 150 26 (11 Feb 2026) | St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKANReg), employment on a ship is generally prohibited for persons under 16 years old. | 5 years from the date of issue, according to the registry’s published CDC document. | Validate Certificate |
| Palau, Belize, Honduras | Palau International Ship Registry (PISR), International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) and General Directorate of the Merchant Marine Honduras (DGMM) | Criteria are confirmed with the administration when you enquire | — | — | — |
Seaman Books files applications with all seven of these flags from Business Bay, Dubai, and confirms the current requirements for your flag and rank before you pay anything. See each flag: Panama · Liberia · Bahamas · Palau · Belize · Honduras · St Kitts & Nevis
Not sure which flag you need? Send us the vessel name. WhatsApp the vessel name →
Seaman Book Requirements by rank
Your rank decides what you need beyond the basics. The seaman book itself needs the master checklist; the job may need more.
| Rank or role | STCW / MLC reference | Needed before a first seaman book | Needed for the job (not for the book) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck cadet / engine cadet | VI/1, VI/6 | Basic Training (4), Security Awareness, medical, passport, cadetship or enrolment letter | Training record book |
| Ordinary Seaman (deck) | II/4 | Basic Training (4), Security Awareness, medical. Liberia: minimum age 16 | Rating forming part of a navigational watch certificate |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5 | As Ordinary Seaman. Liberia: minimum age 18 | Able Seafarer Deck certificate plus qualifying sea service |
| Bosun | II/5 (through AB) | As Able Seafarer. Liberia: minimum age 20 | — |
| Wiper / Oiler | III/4 | Basic Training (4), Security Awareness, medical | Rating forming part of an engine-room watch certificate |
| Able Seafarer Engine | III/5 | As Wiper / Oiler | Able Seafarer Engine certificate |
| Electro-technical rating / officer | III/7 / III/6 | As above. Liberia: minimum age 18 for ratings | ETR certificate / ETO Certificate of Competency |
| Deck and engine officers | II/1–II/2, III/1–III/3, I/10 | Basic Training, Security Awareness, medical, passport, national Certificate of Competency | Flag endorsement under STCW I/10. Possible only if the flag recognises the country that issued your CoC. Bahamas: minimum age 18 for Master, Chief Engineer and OICNW |
| Cook / chief cook | MLC Regulation 3.2, Standard A3.2 | Basic Training, Security Awareness, medical | Ship’s cook certificate |
| Messman, steward, hotel and cruise staff | VI/1, V/2 | Basic Training, Security Awareness, medical | Passenger ships: crowd management training (A-V/2-1) |
| Tanker crew | V/1-1, V/1-2 | As the base rank | Basic oil and chemical tanker training, or basic liquefied gas tanker training (LNG and gas carrier certification) |
| Offshore (OSV, rig) | Industry (OPITO) | As the base rank | BOSIET / HUET (offshore courses) |
Seaman Books matches the requirements to your rank on the free check and arranges any missing STCW or offshore course with an approved training centre. Officers: we also check whether your CoC can be endorsed by the flag you need.
More detail by rank: deck department ranks · engine department ranks · CoC vs CoP vs CDC
What training do I need before applying for a seaman’s book?
You need STCW Basic Training: four courses under Regulation VI/1, taken at a centre approved for each course. Most centres run them as one block of about five days of attendance, and add Security Awareness (half a day). Certificates usually arrive one to two weeks after the course, so book training before you apply.
| Course | STCW Code table | Typical duration | Practical assessment | Five-yearly refresher? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques (PST) | A-VI/1-1 | 1–1.5 days | Yes (water entry, liferaft) | Yes |
| Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) | A-VI/1-2 | 1.5–2 days | Yes (live fire) | Yes |
| Elementary First Aid (EFA) | A-VI/1-3 | 1 day | Yes | No |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) | A-VI/1-4 | 1 day | No | No |
| Security Awareness | A-VI/6-1 | 0.5 day | No | No |
Three points that save applicants time:
- The PSSR syllabus was revised for courses taken from 1 January 2026 (IMO resolution MSC.560(108)). PSSR certificates issued before that date stay valid until they expire.
- Practical elements must be assessed in person. A certificate from an online-only course with no attendance is unlikely to pass an administration’s check.
- Take all four courses at one centre in one block. Matching issue dates make the file easier to check. Before paying, ask the centre which administration approved it for each course, and for the approval reference.
Sources: UK MCA MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1; St Kitts & Nevis Marine Circular 150 26 (11 February 2026). Full course guide: STCW Basic Safety Training explained .
Seaman Books does not deliver training or issue certificates. We arrange your Basic Training with an Our approved centre Atomiq College and file your seaman book with the flag once the certificates are in hand. STCW courses in Dubai: fees and enrolment →
How much does a seaman book cost for a new applicant?
Government fees are set by each administration and are separate from any agency fee. The Bahamas Maritime Authority charges USD 60 (about AED 220) for a Seafarers’ Record Book from 1 April 2026. The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure lists AED 300 (about USD 82) for its Seafarer’s Discharge Book.
| Document | Government fee | Source | Seaman Books service fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahamas Seafarers’ Record Book | USD 60 (≈ AED 220); digital USD 50 | BMA MN050 v3.2, effective 1 April 2026 | From USD$50+ or AED220+ For Exact Figure and Itemized Quote Contact us on WhatsAPP |
| Panama seaman book (non-national) | Check Official Fee Chart | AMP fee schedule F-84 | From USD$50+ or AED220+ For Exact Figure and Itemized Quote Contact us on WhatsAPP |
| Liberia SIRB |
| LISCR | From USD$50+ or AED220+ For Exact Figure and Itemized Quote Contact us on WhatsAPP |
| UAE Seafarer’s Discharge Book (MoEI) | AED 300 (≈ USD 82) | MoEI service page, 5 Oct 2026 | Not a Seaman Books service |
| Philippine SRB / SID (MARINA) | Not listed on the MARINA appointment site | MARINA | Not a Seaman Books service |
Your total depends on the flag, your rank, and whether you need urgent handling. After the free check you get a written, itemised quote that separates the government charge from our fee. Get an itemised quote → · WhatsApp
How long does it take to get a seaman book?
| Step | Typical time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| STCW Basic Training (4 courses) | About 5 days of attendance, plus 1–2 weeks for certificates | Training centre practice |
| Seafarer medical | Usually one appointment | Approved clinic |
| Panama: processing certificate (lets you sign on) | 3–5 business days, valid 90 days | Seaman Books canonical figure, 21 Sep 2026 |
| Panama: printed 5-year book | Up to 25–30 days; urgent route within 10 days (separate fee) | Seaman Books canonical figure, 21 Sep 2026 |
| Philippine SRB/SID (MARINA) | Within 3 working hours after data capture at the appointment | MARINA SID/SRB appointment site |
| UAE Seafarer’s Discharge Book | 2 days (when the e-service is running) | MoEI |
Every flag-state time runs from the day a complete, verified file and paid fees are in hand, not from your first message. Seaman Books answers your eligibility check within 24 hours and tells you which date your flag can realistically meet.
Philippines: MARINA SRB, SID and seaman book requirements for new applicants
MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) is the only authority that issues the Philippine Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB) and Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID). No agency can apply for you. A new applicant generally needs:
- PSA birth certificate on security paper, or a Philippine passport
- Valid NBI clearance
- Valid Basic Training (BT) certificate from a MARINA-accredited centre
- One documentary stamp for the SRB
- A confirmed appointment and personal appearance (MARINA asks applicants to wear or bring a collared shirt). Your photo and signature are captured at the appointment
MARINA states that SRB/SID issuance is completed within three working hours after data capture. If your existing SIRB is still valid for more than six months, you do not need to apply for an SRB and SID. MARINA has opened additional SID appointment slots at its Central Office for 13 October to 18 December 2026 (MARINA notice, 9 October 2026).
Sa madaling salita: PSA birth certificate o passport, NBI clearance, Basic Training certificate, at isang documentary stamp. Personal na pumunta sa appointment.
Sources: MARINA SID/SRB appointment system · MARINA advisories.
Joining a foreign-flag ship? Your MARINA SRB stays your national record. The ship’s flag may also require its own book, a separate document. Seaman Books prepares Panama, Liberia, Bahamas and Palau books for Filipino seafarers from Dubai, with no appointment needed. Check which flag book you need →
UAE: Seafarer’s Discharge Book (MoEI) requirements
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) issues the Seafarer’s Discharge Book (SDB) to UAE nationals and residents working on commercial ships. The ministry lists these documents: Emirates ID, passport and passport copy, personal photograph, medical report and medical fitness certificate, maritime safety certificate, relevant seafarer certificates, and a letter from the operating company. Fee AED 300; stated processing time 2 days.
Status note, 13 October 2026: the MoEI SDB service page shows the notice “The service has been temporarily suspended.” Check the MoEI service page or call 800 6634 for the current position.
If you are joining a ship registered with Panama, Liberia, the Bahamas or another foreign flag, that flag’s seaman book is a separate document, and it can be applied for now. Seaman Books prepares and files flag-state seaman books for UAE residents of any nationality from our office in Business Bay. A flag-state book does not replace the UAE SDB where a UAE-flagged operator requires the SDB Full guide: how to get a seaman book in Dubai?.
Can I get a seaman’s book without a maritime degree?
Yes, for ratings. A first seaman book for an Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, messman, steward or cadet needs Basic Training, a medical certificate and identity documents, not a degree. A maritime degree or a Certificate of Competency only matters for officer ranks. Getting the book is not the same as qualifying for a watchkeeping post: some rating certificates (for example STCW II/4 or II/5) need approved sea service as well.
Seaman Books checks which rank your current training qualifies you for, and which flag will accept your file. Free check →
Six mistakes that get a first (New) Seaman Book application returned or rejected
- The medical expires mid-process. It must still be valid when the flag issues the book. If yours expires within the next two months, renew it first.
- Phone-photo scans. Scan flat, straight, in daylight, with all four corners and every stamp and signature visible. Save multi-page documents as one PDF.
- Non-compliant photographs. White background, no glasses, no headwear, the flag’s size.
- Your name spelt differently across passport, medical and training certificates. Fix it before filing.
- Unsigned certificates or forms. Check every signature line.
- Training from a centre not approved for that course. Ask for the approving administration and reference before paying for training.
Seaman Books (Atomiq Group) Expert checks for all six before a file reaches the flag administration.
How to verify your seaman book after it is issued
A genuine flag-state seaman book can be checked with the issuing administration, without going through the agent who filed it.
| Flag | Public verification |
|---|---|
| Liberia | LISCR seafarer search (needs at least three known details) |
| Bahamas | BMA certificate verification |
| Panama | AMP Gente de Mar online enquiry |
| Palau | Palau seafarer certificate verification |
Step by step: how to verify a seaman book online.
Renewing or replacing a book instead?
A renewal and a lost-book replacement follow different routes from a first application. See seaman book renewal or lost or stolen seaman book replacement .
Who we are
| Brand | Seaman Books |
| Legal entity | Atomiq Management Consultancies L.L.C. |
| Dubai trade licence | 1082315 (Dep. of Economic Development, Government of Dubai) |
| Quality certification | ISO 9001:2015, certificate [: number], issued by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) |
| Operating since | 2011 |
| Office | #903 Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE (PO Box 113014). Open 09:30–18:00 ( Monday to Friday) |
| Contact | WhatsApp +971 55 458 3416 · Phone +971 52 943 5973 · dubai@seamanbooks.com |
| What we are not | Not a flag-state authority, government body or training provider of record. Flag administrations issue seaman books. Training is delivered by approved centres |
| Reviews | Google Business Profile: see current rating and reviews |
How to Apply Seaman Book: All Seaman Book Requirements Steps
- Complete your medical and Basic Training first. These have their own schedules and are prerequisites almost everywhere.
- Register online with your maritime authority. Create an account, upload scanned documents, and wait for online evaluation.
- Pay the fee and book an appointment. Bring your original documents for final verification.
- Attend biometrics capture and claim your seaman’s book. Processing ranges from same-day release to a few weeks depending on the country.
How Long Is a Seaman’s Book Valid?
Validity varies by issuing country — commonly 5 to 10 years. The Philippine SIRB, for instance, is valid for 10 years, while the related Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) is valid for 5 years. Renewal is simpler than a new application, but you must keep the book updated: every sign-on and sign-off should be recorded and stamped by the ship’s master.
what’s the easiest way to apply for a seaman’s book and what documents do I need?
A Seaman’s Book—officially known as a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) or Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB)—is an official maritime passport issued by national or flag-state maritime authorities. It verifies your identity as a certified seafarer and logs your official sea service time across voyages.
The fastest path to applying involves completing your mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) and maritime medical fitness check first, followed by an online submission through your regional maritime authority’s portal.
Required Documents Checklist
Before submitting an application, you must assemble the following standard documents. Requirements remain largely uniform under the STCW Convention and ILO Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006):
| Document Category | Required File / Item | Purpose / Verification |
| Proof of Identity | Valid Passport (minimum 6–12 months validity) | Establishes citizenship and legal identity. |
| Safety Training | STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Certificate | Proves completion of mandatory safety, fire, survival, & first aid modules. |
| Medical Fitness | Maritime Medical Fitness Certificate | Issued by an officially accredited/approved maritime doctor. |
| Identity Proof | National ID or Birth Certificate | Verification of legal age (16-18+ depending on jurisdiction). |
| Background Check | Police / Government Clearance (e.g., NBI / PCC) | Proves clean criminal record for international port access. |
| Photos & Signature | Passport-style photos (white background) + digital signature | Used for biometric identity recording in the booklet. |
| Proof of Employment | Employment Contract, Manning Agency letter, or Cadet enrollment | Proves intent to serve on commercial vessels. |
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for a seaman’s book in 2026?
A valid passport, a seafarer medical certificate valid for up to two years (one year if under 18), STCW Basic Training certificates for the four Regulation VI/1 courses, proof of identity such as a birth certificate, and passport photographs on a white background. The issuing administration adds its own items, such as an NBI clearance for MARINA in the Philippines.
Is a seaman’s book free for first timers?
No. Every issuing administration charges a fee. The Bahamas Maritime Authority charges USD 60 for a Seafarers’ Record Book, and the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure lists AED 300 for its Seafarer’s Discharge Book. An agency fee, where you use one, is separate and should be itemised.
How much is the seaman’s book for a new applicant?
It depends on the issuing administration. Published government fees include USD 60 for a Bahamas Seafarers’ Record Book (from 1 April 2026) and AED 300 for a UAE Seafarer’s Discharge Book. Seaman Books gives an itemised quote that separates the government fee from its service fee after a free eligibility check.
What documents are required for seafarers?
For a first seaman book: passport, seafarer medical certificate, STCW Basic Training and Security Awareness certificates, birth certificate or national ID, and photographs. Officers also need a national Certificate of Competency and, for a foreign-flag ship, that flag’s endorsement under STCW Regulation I/10.
Can I get a seaman’s book without experience?
Yes. No sea service is required for a first seaman’s book. Sea service is recorded in the book once you start working. First-time applicants qualify on their documents, medical certificate and Basic Training.
Can I get a seaman’s book without a maritime degree?
Yes, for ratings such as Ordinary Seaman, Wiper, messman or steward. A first seaman’s book needs Basic Training, a medical certificate and identity documents, not a degree. A maritime degree and a Certificate of Competency matter only for officer ranks.
What training is required for a seaman’s book?
STCW Basic Training under Regulation VI/1: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. Most centers add Security Awareness under Regulation VI/6. Requirements vary by flag; the Bahamas does not list Basic Training for its record book.
How many days of training do I need to get a seaman’s book?
About five days of attendance for the four Basic Training courses taken as one block, plus half a day if Security Awareness is added. Certificates are typically issued one to two weeks after the course.
How long is a seaman’s book valid?
It depends on the flag. Liberia: five years for a first-issue SIRB. Panama: renewal every five years. The Bahamas: no expiry date, with a fresh application recommended after about ten years to update the photograph.
Do I need to be a citizen of the flag state?
No. Panama, Liberia, Palau, the Bahamas, Belize, Honduras and St Kitts & Nevis operate open registries and issue seafarer documents to seafarers of any nationality who meet their requirements.
What is the minimum age for a seaman’s book?
Sixteen is the international minimum under MLC 2006 Standard A1.1. Flags set higher ages for some ranks: Liberia requires 18 for Able Seafarer and 20 for Bosun, and the Bahamas requires 18 for Master, Chief Engineer and Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch.
Is a seaman’s book the same as a passport?
No. A passport proves nationality. A seaman’s book proves seafarer status and records sea service. Seafarers joining a vessel abroad usually need both.
Can Seaman Books issue my seaman’s book?
No. Flag-state administrations issue seaman books. Seaman Books, operated by Atomiq Management Consultancies L.L.C. in Business Bay, Dubai, prepares, checks and files the application, and shows you how to verify the issued book with the administration.
More questions: seaman book FAQ
Free eligibility check
Three steps:
- Send your details. Rank, nationality, flag or vessel if known, and your training and medical dates.
- Get a written eligibility answer within 24 hours, reviewed by a person: which flags you qualify for, and what is missing.
- Receive an itemized quote, with the government fee shown separately from ours. No obligation.
Prefer to talk? WhatsApp +971 55 458 3416 · Call +971 52 943 5973 · dubai@seamanbooks.com #903 Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE · 09:30–18:00
Seaman Books is a documentation consultancy, not a flag administration. Government decisions rest with the issuing administration.
Start Your Maritime Career the Right Way
Getting your seaman’s book is easier when your medical, Basic Training, and documents are handled in the right order. Our maritime training center offers STCW Basic Training and application guidance for new seafarers — enroll today or contact our team to get document-ready for your first voyage.
