SIRB Requirements 2026: How to Get Your Seafarer's Record Book (SRB) — Fees, eGovPH Appointment & Validity
Quick Answer: SIRB is now officially called SRB (Seafarer's Record Book), the same document renamed by MARINA in 2024. A new or renewal SRB or SID costs ₱1,000 each, and the SRB is now valid 10 years (SID stays valid 5 years). Book your appointment through the eGovPH app, which schedules you into sidsrb.marina.gov.ph. MISMO is a separate MARINA portal for licensing exams, not for SRB or SID.
About this guide: The fees, validity periods, and requirements below come from MARINA Memorandum Circular No. MD-2024-01 ("Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the Issuance, Revocation and Reissuance of SRB and SID") and the 2026 MARINA Citizen's Charter Handbook, 1st Edition (March 2026), both published on marina.gov.ph, plus MARINA Advisory No. 2026-24 (13 May 2026) on eGovPH booking and a MARINA advisory dated 5 September 2026 on regional processing limits. Government fees and processes change; confirm on marina.gov.ph or the eGovPH app before you file. Last checked: September 2026.
Table of Contents
- Why "SIRB" and "SRB" Both Show Up Everywhere
- SRB vs SID: What's the Difference?
- How Much Does SRB/SID Cost in 2026?
- What Documents Do You Need?
- How Do You Book an Appointment via eGovPH?
- Can You Apply for SRB/SID From Abroad?
- How Long Is the SRB or SID Valid?
- What If Your SRB Is Lost or Damaged While Onboard?
- Are There Delays at MARINA Regional Offices Right Now?
- Where Does the PEME Fit In?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why "SIRB" and "SRB" Both Show Up Everywhere
SIRB and SRB are the same document. MARINA Memorandum Circular No. MD-2024-01, issued in March 2024, states it directly: the Seafarer's Record Book (SRB) is "formerly known as SIRB." MARINA simply renamed it, it did not create a new requirement. The document still does the same job: it's the official record of a Filipino seafarer's sea service, required for anyone serving onboard ships 35 gross tonnage (GT) and above, and fishing vessels 50GT and above.
"SIRB" survives because it's what most seafarers, manning agencies, and older guides still call it out of habit, and the 2026 MARINA Citizen's Charter itself still lists the document as "SIRB/SRB" in its checklists. So if you search "SIRB requirements," "seaman's book requirements," or "SRB requirements," you land on the same 2026 process either way.
One coverage note worth knowing: seafarers on smaller vessels, below 35GT (or below 50GT for fishing vessels), don't need the SRB at all. They're covered by a different document, the Seafarer's Identification Booklet (SIB), under a separate circular, MC No. MD-2024-02. Fishermen working only in Philippine domestic waters are exempt from SRB and SID entirely.
SRB vs SID: What's the Difference?
The SRB and the SID are two different documents that often get applied for together, but they are not interchangeable, and not every seafarer needs both.
| SRB (Seafarer's Record Book) | SID (Seafarer's Identity Document) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Record of your sea service history | Biometric identity document under ILO Convention 185 |
| Who needs it | All covered Filipino seafarers (35GT+ ships, 50GT+ fishing vessels) | Only seafarers on vessels in international trade |
| Validity | 10 years | 5 years |
| New/renewal fee | ₱1,000 | ₱1,000 |
| Issued by | MARINA | MARINA |
If you're a domestic-only seafarer, you need the SRB but not the SID. If you're headed to an internationally trading vessel, you need both. MARINA now processes SRB and SID together at the same appointment, and if you already hold a valid one of the two, you only need to present it plus a photocopy rather than redo the full document checklist for the other.
Note: some older sites reference an "SRC" or "Seafarer's Record Certificate." This is not a MARINA-recognized document as of September 2026; it doesn't appear in the current Citizen's Charter or in MC MD-2024-01/02. If you see it referenced somewhere, treat it as a mix-up with the SRB or with the manning-agency-issued Certificate of Sea Service.
How Much Does SRB/SID Cost in 2026?
New and renewal SRB or SID applications cost ₱1,000 each under the current fee schedule, confirmed unchanged in the March 2026 MARINA Citizen's Charter.
| Application Type | Official Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| New SRB | ₱1,000 |
| New SID | ₱1,000 |
| Renewal/Reissuance SRB | ₱1,000 |
| Renewal/Reissuance SID | ₱1,000 |
| Onboard application (lost/damaged, SRB or SID) | ₱1,800 |
On top of these, MARINA's Online Appointment System (OAS) adds a payment convenience fee depending on your payment channel:
| Payment Channel | Convenience Fee |
|---|---|
| Cash | ₱50 |
| E-money | ₱50 |
| Online banking | ₱50 |
| Credit/debit card | 1.8% + ₱35 |
A note on the "free first-time SRB" claim you may have seen: a 2022 pandemic-era relief measure did waive the fee for first-time applicants and cut renewal fees by 50%. That promo does not appear anywhere in MC MD-2024-01 (2024) or the 2026 Citizen's Charter, both of which simply list the full ₱1,000/₱1,800 fees with no discount. Budget for the full fee; do not expect a free or discounted first-time SRB in 2026.
What Documents Do You Need?
New SRB and/or SID application, first sentence answer: you'll need your birth certificate or passport, NBI clearance, and Basic Training certificate, plus a documentary stamp if you're getting the SRB.
| Requirement | New Application |
|---|---|
| PSA birth certificate or Philippine passport (original + 1 photocopy) | Required |
| Marriage contract, if applicable, for married women | Required if applicable |
| Valid NBI clearance (original + 1 photocopy) | Required |
| Certificate of Completion of Basic Training or Certificate of Proficiency for BT | Required |
| Documentary stamp (SRB only, from BIR) | Required for SRB |
MARINA does not ask for submitted ID photos in this checklist; your photo and signature are captured digitally onsite through a Data Capturing Machine (DCM) at your appointment, so ignore any older guide telling you to bring "2x2 photos" in advance.
Renewal/Reissuance adds a few items: your old SIRB/SRB or SID, a Certificate of Sea Service or entry in your previous book's pages (issued by your manning agency), and a notarized Affidavit of Loss if your old book was lost. There's no separate "lost book" checklist outside of Reissuance for regular (not onboard) cases.
Onboard application, used when your SRB or SID is expiring, lost, or damaged while you're already at sea, requires a letter request from your manning agency, your POEA-approved employment contract, a signed crew list, a MARINA legal clearance, and a notarized company affidavit of undertaking. This route runs through your manning agency, not through you directly.
If you have a confirmed flight or embarkation date sooner than your OAS slot, ask your manning agency to file an Expedite Processing request through expedite-sidsrb.marina.gov.ph, with your e-ticket or embarkation letter attached.
How Do You Book an Appointment via eGovPH?
Since 13 May 2026 (MARINA Advisory No. 2026-24), all new SRB/SID appointments, whether for issuance, renewal, or replacement, must be booked through the eGovPH mobile app, available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery. MARINA framed this shift as an anti-fixer measure to stop appointment slots from being resold.
The app books you into MARINA's existing appointment system at sidsrb.marina.gov.ph (branded the SID/SRB Online Appointment System, or OAS). Note that this is a different portal from MISMO (MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management OnLine System), which handles seafarer licensing and certification exams, not SRB or SID appointments. If a guide tells you to use MISMO for your seaman's book, that's the wrong portal.
The booking flow, once you're in the app or the linked OAS site: create an account with your name, email, and date of birth, verify by one-time PIN sent to your email, then pick your processing site, appointment date and time, transaction type, and the document you're applying for. You'll get a reference number and must pay within 48 hours through a partner payment channel, or the slot auto-cancels.
On appointment day, bring a collared shirt and, for SRB applications, your BIR documentary stamp. Once at the counter, MARINA's own service-time target is roughly 2 hours for a regular application, same day.
Can You Apply for SRB/SID From Abroad?
Honestly, not fully. The eGovPH app lets you create your account and reserve a MARINA appointment slot from anywhere, including Riyadh, Hong Kong, or wherever you're currently deployed, since the booking and payment steps are online. But the actual biometric capture (photo, signature, and document verification) happens in person at a MARINA processing site in the Philippines. There's no remote or embassy-based path to a physical SRB or SID.
What this means in practice for an OFW seafarer abroad: use the time before you fly home to book your appointment through the app so you're not stuck arriving with no slot available; live slots have run weeks out during 2026. If your contract's embarkation date is sooner than your slot, your manning agency can file for Expedite Processing on your behalf, which is the one channel designed specifically for time-pressured seafarers who can't wait for a standard opening.
| Step | Can Be Done From Abroad? |
|---|---|
| Create eGovPH/OAS account, book appointment | Yes |
| Pay the application fee online | Yes |
| Biometric capture, document verification | No, in-person only |
| Expedite request (via manning agency) | Yes, agency files on your behalf |
How Long Is the SRB or SID Valid?
The SRB is valid for 10 years, and the SID is valid for 5 years, per MC MD-2024-01. This is a 2024 change worth flagging: older SIRB guides, and several tertiary sites still circulating in 2026 search results, say the seaman's book is valid for only 5 years. That 5-year figure is outdated for the SRB specifically; it happens to still be correct for the SID, which is where the confusion likely comes from.
One deadline to watch regardless of validity length: if you don't claim a processed SRB or SID within 6 months of its scheduled release, MARINA voids it and you have to reapply from scratch, fee included.
What If Your SRB Is Lost or Damaged While Onboard?
If your SRB or SID is lost or damaged while you're already deployed at sea, the fee is ₱1,800 and the process runs through your manning agency, not a personal walk-in. Your company files a letter request with MARINA, along with your employment contract, a signed crew list, a legal clearance confirming you have no pending case, and a notarized affidavit from you plus a confirmation from the ship's master.
Because this route depends on your manning agency initiating the paperwork, notify your agency as soon as you discover the loss or damage rather than waiting until you're back in the Philippines.
Are There Delays at MARINA Regional Offices Right Now?
As of a MARINA advisory dated 5 September 2026, some regional and satellite MARINA offices were experiencing SRB/SID processing limitations. MARINA's workaround for seafarers with an expiring or already-expired SRB is a validity extension stamped directly on the booklet at designated processing centers, so you're not stranded without a valid document while the backlog clears. Manning agencies can also request that an appointment be transferred to the MARINA Central Office through the expedite portal.
MARINA's own post estimated normal regional processing would resume within 10 to 15 days of that advisory, without naming which offices were affected. If you're booking an appointment now, check the live OAS calendar for your chosen site's actual slot availability rather than assuming same-day processing everywhere.
Where Does the PEME Fit In?
The Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) is a separate requirement from your SRB or SID entirely, it's a fitness-to-work exam your manning agency requires before deployment, not a MARINA document prerequisite. None of the SRB, SID, or SIB checklists list a PEME certificate as something you submit to get your seaman's book. For the current PEME process, accredited clinics, and cost breakdown, see our seafarer PEME cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SIRB the same as SRB?
Yes. MARINA renamed the Seafarer's Record Book from SIRB to SRB in Memorandum Circular No. MD-2024-01 (2024). It's the same document with the same purpose, recording your sea service; only the name changed.
What is the difference between SRB and SID?
The SRB records your sea service history and is required for all covered Filipino seafarers. The SID is a separate biometric identity document under ILO Convention 185, required only for seafarers on vessels in international trade. The SRB is valid 10 years; the SID is valid 5 years.
Do I need both SRB and SID?
Only if you're serving on a vessel in international trade. Domestic-only seafarers need the SRB but not the SID. If you already hold a valid one, you don't need to redo the full document checklist to get the other, just present the valid document you have plus a photocopy.
How much does a new SRB cost in 2026?
₱1,000, the same fee as a new SID or a renewal of either. Onboard applications for a lost or damaged SRB or SID cost ₱1,800. A payment convenience fee of ₱50 (cash, e-money, online banking) or 1.8% plus ₱35 (card) applies on top.
Is there still a free first-time SRB promo?
No evidence of one in the current fee schedule. A 2022 pandemic-era measure waived fees for first-timers and cut renewal fees by half, but that promo does not appear in MC MD-2024-01 (2024) or the March 2026 Citizen's Charter, both of which list the full ₱1,000/₱1,800 fees with no discount.
How do I book a SRB/SID appointment from abroad?
Download the eGovPH app and create your account; booking and payment can be done from anywhere. The biometric capture step still requires you to be physically present at a MARINA processing site in the Philippines, so book your slot before you fly out if you're heading back abroad soon.
Is MISMO the same as the SRB/SID portal?
No. MISMO (MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management OnLine System) is used for seafarer licensing and certification exams. SRB and SID appointments are booked through the eGovPH app into sidsrb.marina.gov.ph, a separate system.
What happens if I don't claim my SRB within 6 months?
MARINA voids it. You'll need to reapply from the beginning, including paying the fee again, so plan your pickup around your appointment's release schedule.
What if my SRB is lost or damaged while I'm onboard a ship?
Your manning agency files an onboard application on your behalf, ₱1,800, with your employment contract, signed crew list, legal clearance, and notarized affidavits. Report the loss or damage to your agency immediately rather than waiting until you disembark.
Are MARINA regional offices processing SRB/SID normally right now?
As of a 5 September 2026 advisory, some regional offices had processing limitations, with a validity-extension stamp offered as a stopgap for seafarers with expiring books. Check the live OAS appointment calendar for your specific processing site before assuming standard turnaround.
Ready to Book Your Appointment?
Getting your SRB or SID right, correct fee, complete documents, a confirmed eGovPH slot, saves you from a rejected appointment or a missed embarkation date. If you also need to sort out your medical requirements before deployment, check our guides on OFW medical exam costs and OEC requirements for the rest of your pre-departure checklist.
Looking for a DOH-accredited clinic near you for your PEME or other pre-deployment requirements? Search ClinicFinderPH to find one close to home before you fly out.