Pursuant to Department Order No. 4, Series of 2000, the following guidelines on the implementation of the Amended Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Employment of Filipino Seafarers on Board Ocean-Going Vessels are hereby issued:

1.  The terms and conditions provided therein are the minimum requirements acceptable to the POEA for the employment of Filipino seafarers on board ocean-going vessels. The parties to the contract may therefore improve on the minimum terms and conditions provided such improvements shall be made in writing and appended to the contract of employment. Such improvements in the contract shall have prospective application.

2.  Effective 25 June 2000, manning agencies shall use and submit to the POEA the full text of the seafarer's employment contract herein attached including improvements, if any, for approval and processing.

3.  Manning agencies are directed to inform and provide copies of the amended standard terms and conditions to all its accredited principals.

4.  Every departing seafarer is required to show a copy of the processed and approved employment contract, including its improvements, if any, at the POEA's Labor Assistance Center (LAC) at the international airports.

5.  Manning agencies are directed to include the discussion of the amended standard terms and conditions governing the employment of Filipino seafarers on board ocean-going vessels in the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar/Briefing of all its hired seafarers.

All Circulars and issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed and superseded accordingly.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 14 June 2000

(SGD.) REYNALDO A. REGALADO
Administrator