The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) opens another opportunity for seafarers who are OWWA members to have job-related training/courses most particularly in some maritime courses that were being identified by the Maritime Training Council. This program is made possible through OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
The purpose of this scholarship program is to help Filipino seafarers who wish to develop their expertise through the expansion of knowledge and skills development. Filipino seafarers who are OWWA members are lucky enough that there are agencies like OWWA that help them to carry out their dream by granting financial assistance that might help support short-term courses.
This article will greatly help you to know more about OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) because it will provide you with a piece of in-depth information and will guide you to administer your knowledge regarding this program so if you are interested to apply in OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) you better read this out.
What is the OWWA Seafarer’s Upgrading Program (SUP)?
Another free scholarship program has been offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to the Seafarers OWWA members who wished to have training related to their job to attain competency advancement in dwelling with competency standards set by the International Maritime Standards. With the help of OWWA, this program provides financial support to the grantees amounting to PHP 7, 500 cash assistance.
The goal of this scholarship program is to uphold seafarers’ skills and expertise in international standards of the maritime industry. This aims to have quality Filipino seafarers across the universe which is why OWWA provides this job-related training opportunity through OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
The grantees of the said program can choose one course from the given list or courses offered by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) or Technical Educational And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to enroll in which is also recognized and approved by OWWA.
List of Seafarer’s Courses or Programs
The following is the list of courses that are available to seafarers:
- Advanced Messman Course
- Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker (ATCT)
- Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (ATFF)
- Advanced Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker (ATLGT)
- Advanced Training in Oil Tanker (ATOT)
- Auxiliary System
- Basic Baking
- Basic Culinary
- Basic Food Service Management
- Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operation
- Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
- Catering Management- Chief Cook Course
- Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Control Engineering
- Crisis Management
- Crowd Management
- Deck Watch Keeping (DWK)
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Engine Room Simulator
- Engine Watch Keeping (EWK)
- Galley and Provision Management
- General Operator’s Course for Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GOC for GMDSS)
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
- Housekeeping Management (Steward Course)
- International Cooking
- Lathe Machine Course
- Marine Diesel Engineering
- Marine Pollution Consolidated (MARPOL I-VI)
- Medical Care (MECA)
- Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA)
- Proficiency In Survival Craft And Rescue Boat (PSCRB)
- Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting, and Use Of Arpa (RNRPUA)
- Radar Simulator Course Radio Electronic Officer’s Course (REOC)
- Ship Simulator Bridge Team Work (SSBT)
- Shipboard Welding and Lathe Machine
- Shore-Based Fire Fighting Specialty Cuisine
- Trim and Stability
Benefits
The following are the benefits that SUP grantees can acquire if they are qualified for this program.
- The OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is a free scholarship program intended for Filipino seafarers.
- The scholarship program provides financial assistance to the grantees amounting to PHP 7,500 cash assistance.
- This is open to all Filipino Seafarers who are active OWWA members.
- The grantees can be able to take courses/training to improve their skills and knowledge regarding maritime courses.
- You can able to use this course/training to uphold your skills and expertise for you to go along with international maritime standards.
Qualifications
Below is the list of the qualification standard that the scholarship applicants must meet to be qualified for the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
- Must be a Filipino Citizen
- Before applying to OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program make sure that you are a registered OWWA member.
- The scholarship grantees may then use the SUP after paying the three additional membership contributions and completing the training within the time frame specified.
Requirements
The following is the list of all the documents needed including all requirements that applicants need to provide and secure before applying for the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) to avail of the program.
- Duly Filled Out Application Form
- 2×2 ID Pictures (2 copies)
- Evidence or Proof that you are an OWWA Member (Official Receipt of Contribution)
- Seaman’s Identification and Record Book (SRIB)
- Latest Residence Certificate
How to Process Seafarer’s Upgrading Program Scholarship from OWWA
The following is the step-by-step process on how to apply for the financial grant OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
Step 1: The first that you need to do in applying the scholarship grant is to go to the nearest OWWA Regional Satellite Office to get a copy of the application form you can also download the link of the application form online through this link – https://polowashingtondc.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Application-Form-Evaluation-Other-Forms-for-Education-Training-Program.pdf
Step 2: After securing the application, complete and filled it out.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled out application form to the nearest OWWA office near you.
Step 4: Then, you can now start collecting the other required documents stated above.
Step 5: Wait for the notice from the OWWA office if you are qualified or if you are in the applicant’s slot.
Step 6: You will be given a notice right after your application is approved.
Step 7: You can now enroll and choose which training course would you like to take.
Important Reminders
Below are some of the important points that you need to remember especially if you are applying for the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
- The SUP applicant will receive notification via Notice of Award or otherwise known as NOA.
- The validity of NOA will only last 45 days after the applicants accepted the Notice of Award (NOA). If you are interested to apply for the scholarship program and you already received the notice, make sure that you will not waste your time to miss this opportunity because you cannot get another NOA if you will not use it. You need to wait for another scheduled appointment to get another one. Always remember that opportunity knocks once so you better grab it.
- If you are an interested applicant you need to comply and complete all requirements needed for the scholarship.
- For the new applicants, you must have a single contribution to OWWA for you to recognize them as an OWWA member. Take note, to avail of the scholarship grant you need to be an OWWA member.
- Always remember that the scholarship program can provide a PHP 7,500 maximum amount and a minimum amount of PHP 1, 200 in Philippine currency. Any other expenses exceeding the covered assistance will be shouldered by the applicants. If the amount of your chosen course training exceeds, the remaining amount will be paid by the seafarer.
- Interested applicants residing in NCR or NCR residents can process and submit their requirements within two (2) working days.
- However, applicants residing outside the National Capital Region can process and submit their required documents within seven (7) days period and subject to verification by other OWWA Regional Offices.
- Complete your training to avoid the invalidity of your application for free training.
- After acquiring three (3) OWWA membership contributions the grantees continue to receive the financial subsidy of the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
Video: Free Training for Seafarers – How to Avail OWWA SUP Training Subsidy for Free
This is video is very beneficial and helpful to any aspiring seafarers to benefit from OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) as it will give you knowledge and information about the things that would you like to know about the program.
The video also discusses what is the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) and the goal of this program as well as who are qualified to avail the said program from OWWA.
Additionally, the documentary requirements on how to avail the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) were also discussed in the video. The video also presents and discusses the process and the programs or the free training courses they offered as well as the benefits that seafarers can get if they avail of this scholarship grant.
It is highly recommended that you watch this video in order to understand the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) better.
If you are a seafarer and you are interested to know more about the scholarship program offered by the OWWA you can freely visit the nearest OWWA office to ask for further assistance on how to avail of the program or better yet you can also visit the official website of OWWA through www.owwa.gov.ph or you can also go to their official Facebook page www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial if you have more questions and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
The OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is the program offered by OWWA to Filipino seafarers who wish to attain a free training course for the advantage of dwelling in the maritime international standards. The program aims to help seafarers who wish to develop their expertise through the expansion of knowledge and skills development when it regards their job-related course that is why the OWWA offers opportunities for them through the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) by providing them a financial subsidy worth PHP 7,500 maximum amount and a minimum amount of PHP 1, 200 Philippine currency provided that they will continue the training course they choose.
2. What are the benefits I can get from the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
If you are interested to apply this program and you are qualified you can able to have the following benefits:
- The OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is a free scholarship program intended for Filipino seafarers.
- The scholarship program provides financial assistance to the grantees amounting to PHP 7,500 cash assistance.
- This is open to all Filipino Seafarers who are active OWWA members.
- The grantees can be able to take courses/training to improve their skills and knowledge regarding maritime courses.
- You can able to use this course/training to uphold your skills and expertise for you to go along with the international maritime standards.
3. What are the qualifications intended to be a grantee of the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
The qualifications intended to be a grantee and can avail of the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) are as follows:
- Must be a Filipino Citizen
- Before applying to OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program makes sure that you are a registered OWWA member.
- The scholarship grantees may then use the SUP after paying the three additional membership contributions and completing the training within the time frame specified.
4. Does a Notice of Award (NOA) has an expiration?
Apparently yes, the Notice of Award (NOA) has expiration 45 days after you accepted the Notice of Award (NOA) so it is better to facilitate it right away because you cannot get another NOA if you will not use it within the time frame so you will reschedule another appointment or you will wait for the next scheduled appointment.
5. Where can I apply for the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
You can apply directly to the OWWA office or you can visit the nearest OWWA office in your location to further ask for assistance if you have questions you can also visit the official website of OWWA or you can also go to their official Facebook page www.facebook.com/OWWAofficial if you have more questions and concerns.
6. How many times can I apply for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
There is no limit regarding how many times you can apply for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) as long as you are qualified for the said program offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA). However, subsequent applications are only allowed every 6 years or every after three (3) recorded membership contributions.
7. Is the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) only available to only active seafarers?
No, the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) is not only limited to active seafarers. First-time Filipino seafarers or returning seafarers can still avail this program as long as they have an active OWWA membership and they are qualified for the program, they are encouraged to apply.
8. What are the courses I can enroll in for OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP)?
The Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP) covers a broad scope of in-deck, engine, and specialized training courses or programs in line with international maritime standards. These courses are as follows:
- Advanced Messman Course
- Advanced Training in Chemical Tanker (ATCT)
- Advanced Training in Fire Fighting (ATFF)
- Advanced Training in Liquefied Gas Tanker (ATLGT)
- Advanced Training in Oil Tanker (ATOT)
- Auxiliary System
- Basic Baking
- Basic Culinary
- Basic Food Service Management
- Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operation
- Basic Training for Oil and Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Cargo Handling and Care of Cargo
- Catering Management- Chief Cook Course
- Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
- Control Engineering
- Crisis Management
- Crowd Management
- Deck Watch Keeping (DWK)
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
- Engine Room Simulator
- Engine Watch Keeping (EWK)
- Galley and Provision Management
- General Operator’s Course for Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GOC for GMDSS)
- Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
- Housekeeping Management (Steward Course)
- International Cooking
- Lathe Machine Course
- Marine Diesel Engineering
- Marine Pollution Consolidated (MARPOL I-VI)
- Medical Care (MECA)
- Medical Emergency First Aid (MEFA)
- Proficiency In Survival Craft And Rescue Boat (PSCRB)
- Radar Navigation, Radar Plotting, and Use Of Arpa (RNRPUA)
- Radar Simulator Course Radio Electronic Officer’s Course (REOC)
- Ship Simulator Bridge Team Work (SSBT)
- Shipboard Welding and Lathe Machine
- Shore-Based Fire Fighting Specialty Cuisine
- Trim and Stability
Summary
Hence, this is the process in applying for the OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program. Just take note of the documentary requirements and the qualifications discussed in this article as it provides you with all the necessary information regarding OWWA Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP).
When applying for the Seafarers Upgrading Program (SUP), fill out the application form completely and accurately and attach all the required documents when submitting your application – this is to ensure that you have follow all the instructions properly so that you may not miss out this opportunity.
This is a scholarship that seafarers like you will find helpful for your career growth and development as you can acquire free training courses that can develop your skills and expertise regarding your job-related course. This program also aims to help seafarers to acquire the international maritime standard to have a better position and acquire better jobs for the betterment of their lives. Hence, you can also read here the information that you needed for you to apply.
Thus, we hope that you find this article helpful when you plan to apply for this seafarer scholarship program. If you wish to know about the other scholarship programs offered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), you can visit their website here – www.owwa.gov.ph.