How to Get a Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB): Global Standard
The Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)—also referred to globally as a Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC), Seaman’s Book, or Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB)—is the single most vital professional document for anyone working at sea.
Functioning as a combination of an official maritime passport and a career service logbook, the SRB tracks your sea service, rank updates, and vessel assignments. Regulated globally by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and governed by the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), having a valid SRB issued by a recognized maritime administration is mandatory for merchant mariners, cruise ship crew, and offshore personnel.
This guide outlines the universal requirements for obtaining an SRB and breaks down step-by-step application procedures in five major maritime nations: the Philippines, the USA, Poland, India, and Nigeria.
Universal Global Prerequisites for an SRB
Before applying for an SRB in any jurisdiction, all prospective seafarers must meet baseline international standards set by the IMO:
Age Requirement: Applicants must generally be at least 18 years old (16 or 17 for specific maritime cadets or apprentices).
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST / BT): Mandatory completion of basic safety modules from an approved maritime training center:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- Security Awareness Training / STSDSD
Medical Fitness Certificate: An official medical clearance issued by a government-approved maritime physician conforming to ILO/IMO guidelines.
Identity & Background Proof: A valid national passport and clear criminal background check.
Country-Specific SRB Application Guides
1. Philippines: Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB)
In the Philippines, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) handles the issuance of the SIRB.
Required Documents:
- PSA Birth Certificate or valid Philippine Passport
- Valid NBI Clearance (specifically for seafarers)
- STCW Basic Training (BT) Certificate
- Valid Medical Certificate from a DOH-accredited clinic
Application Process:
- Create an account on the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) portal.
- Upload clear digital copies of your documentary requirements.
- Select your preferred MARINA regional office and book an online appointment slot.
- Pay the processing fee online (approx. ₱800 – ₱1,500 depending on processing speed).
- Report to the MARINA office on your appointment date for biometric capture and document verification.
2. United States: Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
The U.S. does not issue a standalone "Seaman’s Book." Instead, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) issues a consolidated booklet called the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), which combines the traditional Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD), STCW endorsements, and continuous discharge record.
Required Documents:
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
- Completed CG-719B (Application for Merchant Mariner Credential)
- USCG Medical Certificate (Form CG-719K) signed by a licensed physician
- DOT 5-Panel Drug Screen result (Form CG-719P)
- STCW Basic Training Certificates
Application Process:
- Apply for and obtain a TWIC card via the TSA website.
- Complete required medical exams and drug testing.
- Pay credential fees via Pay.gov.
- Submit your completed application packet to your local USCG Regional Examination Center (REC) via email, mail, or drop-off.
3. Poland: Książeczka Żeglarska (Seafarer's Book)
In Poland, seafarers obtain the Książeczka Żeglarska, which aligns strictly with European maritime safety standards and Polish maritime law.Issuing Authority: Maritime Office (Urząd Morski) in Gdynia, Szczecin, or Słupsk
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- National ID card or Passport (plus photocopies)
- STCW Basic Safety Training Certificates
- Valid maritime medical fitness certificate
- Certificate/Diploma from a maritime educational institution or proof of contract with a vessel operator
- 3 passport-style photos ($3.5 \times 4.5\text{ cm}$)
- Proof of administrative fee payment (approx. 200 PLN)
Application Process:
- Complete STCW modular training at an approved Polish maritime center.
- Submit your application in person or via the ePUAP electronic government portal to the competent Maritime Office (Urząd Morski).
- Pick up the finalized book in person upon presentation of original identity documents.
4. India: Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) oversees the issuance of the Indian CDC via an online e-Governance system.
Issuing Authority: Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Required Documents:
- Indian National Database of Seafarers (INDoS) Number
- Valid Indian Passport
- 10th Standard Passing Certificate / Marksheet
- STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) & STSDSD certificates
- Approved Pre-Sea Training completion certificate or relevant maritime qualification
- Medical Fitness Certificate from a DGS-approved doctor
Application Process:
- Obtain an INDoS profile through an approved maritime institute.
- Log into the e-Governance portal on the DG Shipping website (dgshipping.gov.in).
- Fill out the online CDC application form and upload scanned original documents.
- Pay the required fee (approx. ₹700) online.
- Once verified, the physical CDC is printed and dispatched directly to the applicant's registered home address by Speed Post.
5. Nigeria: Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB / CDC)
In Nigeria, maritime documentation is governed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Required Documents:
- Valid Nigerian International Passport
- NIMASA-approved STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) Certificate
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
- Medical Fitness Certificate issued by a NIMASA-recognized medical practitioner
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
- NIN (National Identification Number) registration
Application Process:
- Complete approved STCW mandatory training at a NIMASA-accredited maritime training institute (e.g., Maritime Academy of Nigeria or recognized private centers).
- Register and create a seafarer profile on the NIMASA Seafarer Portal.
- Complete the online application form for the Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book.
- Upload scanned original copies of required certificates and identification.
- Generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) and pay the statutory processing fee online.
- Present physical documents for verification and complete biometric capture at a designated NIMASA regional office (e.g., Lagos, Port Harcourt, or Warri).
Global Summary Comparison
| Country | Document Name | Governing Body | Digital Portal | Key Eligibility Rule |
| Philippines | SIRB | MARINA | MISMO Portal | BT Course + NBI Clearance |
| United States | MMC | USCG (NMC) | Pay.gov / REC Email | TWIC Card required first |
| Poland | Książeczka Żeglarska | Urząd Morski | ePUAP / In-person | Polish/EU Maritime qualification |
| India | CDC | DG Shipping | DGS e-Governance | Active INDoS Number required |
| Nigeria | SIRB / CDC | NIMASA | NIMASA Portal | NIMASA Medical + NIN |
Securing your Seafarer’s Record Book is the crucial first step to unlocking a career in international shipping, offshore energy, or cruise navigation. Always verify that your STCW certifications and medical clearances are issued by facilities recognized by your flag state's administration. Keep your SRB up to date, store it securely alongside your passport, and ensure every sea service entry is properly stamped by vessel masters throughout your maritime career.
Safety Tips: Never pay anyone for job application, test or interview. A genuine employer will never ask you for the payment in any case.
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