Upon the recommendation of a Tripartite Technical Working Group following a series of discussions with representatives of manning agencies, seamen's organizations and protection and indemnity clubs, the amendments to the revised employment contract governing the employment of Filipino seamen on board ocean-going vessels (Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1983) are hereby adopted and approved.  The attached Amended Revised Employment Contract^[*] therefore shall henceforth govern the employment of seamen on board ocean-going vessels within thirty (30) days from the issuance of this Circular or on 01 July 1985.

Please be informed that except for: (1) the increase in the permanent total disability allowance from 100% to 120%; (2) the increase in burial allowance from P12,000 to P18,000; and (3) a clearer statement on the applicability of the schedule of disability or infirmity, and its corresponding allowances to diseases or illnesses contracted during the period of employment, all other amendments were improvements in syntax, style and grammar for a clearer and precise presentation of the terms and conditions of the contract.

Be informed also that the upgraded benefits enumerated above shall apply to any seamen who is on board any ocean-going vessel as of 01 July 1985, or thirty (30) days from the issuance of this Circular.

It is understood that, as previously provided in Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1983, the terms and conditions provided in this amended revised employment contract are the minimum requirements acceptable to this Office for the employment of a Filipino seaman on board any ocean-going vessel.  The parties to an employment of a seaman may therefore improve on these minimum terms and conditions but such improvements or amendments shall be made in writing and appended to this contract when submitted for processing and approval by this Office.

For compliance.

Adopted: 31 May 1985


Re-issued: 18 Feb. 1992

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^[*] Available upon request at POEA, Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong Manila.