As an OWWA member, you get to enjoy many benefits such as getting an OWWA Loan, social benefits, and even educational assistance. If you are a seafarer, the agency also offers an education program as part of its continuing effort to improve the skills and knowledge of every overseas Filipino Worker.
Introducing, the Seafarers Upgrading Program. 
What is the program all about?
Also known as SUP, the Seafarers Upgrading Program is a job-related training that helps upgrade the skills and knowledge, and develop expertise among Filipino seafarers. Over the years, there will be technological advances and constant updating of global maritime standards as provided for by the International Maritime Organizations (IMO). Through SUP, Filipino seafarers will not only be knowledgeable and skilled to cope with the changes globally but also equipped with competitive advantage.
The Seafarers Upgrading Program is in a form of financial assistance worth P7,500.00. OWWA will assume the costs of training and you get to choose your preferred training course that are accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The accredited courses will also be conducted by OWWA’s recognized training providers where you plan to enrol.
What are the courses offered?
OWWA offers courses pertaining to Deck, Engine, Culinary, Specialized and Safety, and Galley and Steward Department.
OWWA updates its list of courses to keep up with the global standards. In 2016, OWWA expanded its coverage and included the following courses:
- Ship’s Catering Services NC 1
- Advanced Training for Liquified Gas Tanker Cargo Operations
- General Operator’s Certificate for Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
What are the requirements to qualify for this program?
- Must have valid OWWA membership contribution at the time of your application. This membership contribution could be single contribution for first time availment or availed once every three contributions.
- Proof of OWWA membership such as original receipt for payment of contribution
- Accomplished application form
- 2 2×2 picture
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book and/or Passport
Take advantage of these courses to improve your skills and knowledge. You might need them in the future.
Hi, i’m a seafarer and would like to inquire on how to avail the SUP program offered by OWWA and what are the steps to follow?
Hi Elmer. Please check this post to know more about OWWA Loan for seafarers – http://www.ofwloans.ph/owwa-loan-for-seafarers/
You may also want to consider OFW Lending Companies for your needs. Here is a comparison of the various lending companies – http://www.ofwloans.ph/owwa-loan-for-seafarers/
Good Day my tito is seafarer and every 3 months po contract nya then ask ko lang kung pwde ako po mag avail ng mga trainings nya im also fresh graduate of marine .. Then sabi po pwde daw pamangkin mag avail ako po gagamit ng trainings..
Hi. The Seafarers Upgrading Program is specifically for seamen only. Still, you may avail of other training programs as long as you meet the requirements.
Hi. Kasama ba sa courses nyu ang engine room simulator with engine resource management? thank you..
Hi, we’re not really sure with that. You may check with OWWA or MARINA regarding the courses allowed under the SUP. Thanks!
Hi maam,what are the required number of months or years in service as an overseas seafarer before i can avail this one?i want to use this for my ssbt training..
No required number of years. What is required is the contribution made to make you an active OWWA member and existence of an employment contract.
hi, what are the accredited training centers in order to avail this SUP? tnx
Hello Andy. You may check this link – http://stcw.marina.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/DIRECTORY-As-of-15-November-2017.pdf
Thanks!
Is there any monthly payments or yearly contribution to become a member of OWWA ?
Yes, you need to contribute $25 to be an OWWA member.
Hello I am a seafarer and would like to avail the OWWA program on seafarer upgrading system. Is it possible to process in Cebu since I am in the visayas area particularly in Bohol and would like to have the training in Tacloban.
Hello Juan. Possible naman, as long as the training center is accredited by OWWA. Also, you may contact OWWA Regional Office in Cebu at 254-3199, 254-0305, or 415-5203. Thanks!
can i ask maam/sir if pwede ba yung practical assessment for oic-ew ay ma avail sa owwa?
Hello. Most trainings po are conducted by TESDA and other agencies accredited by OWWA, but not by OWWA 🙂
Hello sir and mam, ilang certificate po ba pwede kunin sa worth of 7,500php kahit 3certificate basta sakto sa 7,500 pwede po ba?
Hello Lorenz. We’re not sure with that. From our understanding, this is one-at-a-time financial assistance as long as hindi lalagpas sa P7,500 and training is accredited by TESDA and MARINA. It is best na isang training muna and then apply nanaman ng panibagong financial assistance.
good day po ask ko lang if may accredited din po ba na mga traininfg centers sa provinces instead na sa manila mag training kasi po 1 month lang vacation ko and gusto ko po sana makasama ung family ko habang nag training ako.baking course po.
Hi George! For sure there are accredited training centers sa provinces. You can check the TESDA website regarding this. Thanks!
hi OWWA staff, may I ask if IMO model course 6.09 can still be partly covered/sponspored? Thanks for responding
Hi Angelo! Please prepare and submit the requirements indicated in this post to determine if you can avail of this OWWA benefit. Thanks!
Hi. Is the Advance Training for Chemical Tanker pwede din po ba mahingian ng tulong from OWWA? thanks
Hi Alfie. Please submit the requirements indicated in this post to enjoy this OWWA benefit. Thanks!
Gud pm mam/sir.ask ko lng po kng pwd n oec sirb at passport pr mk avail ako ng sup.
Hi Richard! Aside from the OEC and passport, may iba pa pong requirements na kailangan i-submit para po mag-qualify kayo sa SUP. Please refer to this post to check the other requirements na kinakailangan i-submit. Salamat po.
Good day po, plano ko po na kumuha GOC, regardless po ba ang free assistance ng OWWA kung kelan ka nagdisembark or may rules po sila about dito? Thank you.
Hi Renzon. Maximum training fee is P7,500 po so if pasok ang amount, then you may qualify for OWWA assistance.
hello mam…wala po akong owwa id…and i would like to avail sponsorship sa training ko.. ok lang mam kung sirb at passpirt lng?
Hi Eric! Do you have a copy of your OWWA contribution? You should present that po as proof that you are a documented OFW 🙂
Hi Sir/Mam! Nagamit ko po yung SUP last 2016 para sa crowd management training ko. Now it’s 2018 i just want to clarify if i am still qualified to avail the SUP for another training. THANKS!
Hi Win! You can avail of this again after three contributions 🙂
maam/sir, balak ko po sanang kumuha ng training sa meralco ng marine electrotechnology pero worth 7500php na sya ngayon, pwede ko po ba magapply ng assistance then shoulder ko na lang ung 3000php?
Hi Nel! SUP is worth P7,500 po since OWWA can cover the entire costs 🙂
good day sir/maam:
seaman po ako… inquire ko lang po kung may offer the agricultural loan.
Hi Hilario! We’re not aware po of any agricultural loan by OWWA. What OWWA offers is the OWWA Loan, which can cover businesses for agricultural purposes. Salamat!