For decades, the Philippines has supplied top-tier mariners and hospitality talent to international fleets. At the forefront of this industry is United Philippine Lines, Inc. (UPL), one of the country's oldest and most respected manning agencies. Recognized with multiple POEA/DMW Awards of Excellence and Hall of Fame honors, UPL serves as a primary bridge connecting Filipino maritime professionals to ocean liners, commercial tankers, and luxury cruise ships.

Whether you are an experienced marine engineer, deck rating, chef, or hotel service staff, navigating your application with UPL requires a clear understanding of their hiring standards. This guide covers UPL’s history, partner fleets, top job positions, requirements, application steps, branch locations, and FAQs.

History, Background, and Company Profile

Early Origins

United Philippine Lines, Inc. (UPL) was established in 1960 by Filipino shipowners. It initially operated its own ocean-going liner service across cargo routes connecting Manila, Yokohama, Long Beach, and New York. Over the subsequent decade, UPL diversified into general agency services, husbanding, ship management, and deep-sea fishing.

Pioneer in Crew Manning

In 1972, UPL secured its official manning license and pioneered the crew agency business in the Philippines. It quickly established long-term partnerships with global brands like Holland America Line (since 1972) and Shell International (since 1973).

Today, UPL deploys thousands of seafarers and cruise staff annually. Through its modern recruitment portals (such as Husay and Pinpoint), UPL continues to recruit, train, and deploy technical marine officers, food and beverage personnel, culinary chefs, and front desk staff to fleets worldwide.

Top 5 Shipping Lines & Partners Connected with UPL

UPL works with leading international cruise operators and commercial fleets:

Holland America Line (HAL): A flagship partner since 1972. UPL recruits thousands of Filipino crew members annually for HAL's premium passenger cruise fleet.
Carnival Cruise Line: A partner since 2014, hiring extensively for hospitality, culinary, entertainment, and marine technical positions on "The Fun Ships" fleet.
Shell Ship Management Ltd.: A partner since 1973. UPL supplies qualified marine officers, cadets, and ratings to Shell's global fleet of crude oil, LPG, and LNG tankers.
Viking Maritime & Recruitment Group: A key client for UPL's ocean cruise, river cruise, and luxury yacht recruitment sectors.
Seabourn & Windstar Cruises: Luxury, small-ship cruise brands that rely on UPL for high-end hospitality, service, and culinary talent.

Top 10 Job Positions Recruited by UPL

UPL handles job placements across passenger cruise ships, commercial tankers, bulk carriers, and superyachts.

Commercial & Marine Technical Roles:

Marine Engineers: Chief Engineers, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Engineers.
Marine Deck Officers: Captains/Masters, Chief Mates, and Deck Watchkeepers.
Deck & Engine Ratings: Able Seaman (AB), Ordinary Seaman (OS), Oiler, Fitter, and Machinist.
Electrical & Reefer Technicians: Managing onboard power systems and refrigeration units.

Cruise & Hospitality Roles:

Culinary Professionals: Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Sous Chef, Commis/Assistant Cooks, Pastry Chefs, and Bakers.
Food & Beverage (F&B) Staff: Bartenders, Bar Waiters/Waitresses, Wine Stewards, and Busboys.
Kitchen & Galley Stewards: Kitchen Assistants, Dishwashers (GPA SA), and Galley Utility staff.
Front Desk & Hotel Operations: Front Desk Attendants, Receptionists, and Guest Services staff.
Housekeeping & Utility Staff: Cabin Stewards, Laundry Attendants, and Cleaners.
Specialized Vessel Staff: Plumbers, Carpenters, Security Guards, and Messmen.

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Usual Requirements for Applicants

To be eligible for deployment through UPL, applicants must meet DMW (POEA), MARINA, and international STCW standards:

Standard Identification Documents:

Valid Philippine Passport: Must have at least 1 to 2 years validity remaining.
Seaman's Book (SIRB / CEDB): Issued by MARINA.
NBI Clearance: Valid for overseas employment.
Government Registration Numbers: SSS, TIN, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

Maritime & Departmental Training:

STCW '95/'2010 Basic Safety Training (BST / BT).
Ship Security Awareness (SSA) / Designated Security Duties (SDSD).
Passenger Ship Safety Training (PSST): Mandatory for cruise line applicants.
MARINA License & Board Certificates: Required for deck and engine officers.
Fit-for-Sea PEME Medical Clearance: Issued by a DOH-accredited clinic.

Work Experience Guidelines:

Commercial Ships (Shell, etc.): 12–24 months of sea service onboard similar vessel types (Tankers, Bulk Carriers).
Cruise Ships (Carnival, HAL, Seabourn): 1–2 years of experience in a 4-star or 5-star hotel, fine-dining restaurant, high-volume kitchen, or passenger liner. Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.

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Application Process

The step-by-step application workflow at UPL involves the following stages:

Online Profile Submission:
Register and submit your application online through the official UPL career portal (apply.uplines.net or Husay).
Initial Document Screening:
UPL recruitment officers review your CV, sea service history, or hotel/restaurant work background.
Preliminary Interview & Exam:
Candidates undergo an initial screening interview (in-person or online) and basic assessment tests to evaluate English communication and technical proficiency.
Principal / Client Interview:
Shortlisted candidates are scheduled for a interview with fleet representatives (e.g., Holland America Line, Shell, or Carnival Cruise Line).
Medical Check (PEME) & Processing:
Upon receiving a conditional job offer, you will be directed to undergo a Pre-Employment Medical Examination at an accredited medical clinic.
DMW Contract Signing & Deployment:
Finalize your contract processing via DMW, complete required Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS), and await vessel assignment.

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Recruitment Office Branches & Contact Details

Main Office (Manila):

Official Address: One Fort Santiago / Plaza Santiago Building, Sta. Clara Street, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines
Telephone Number: +63 (2) 8527-7491
Fax Number: +63 (2) 8338-0087
Email Address: mailadmin@uplines.net

Web & Digital Channels:

Official Website: www.uplines.net
Application Portal: apply.uplines.net
Social Media: Search for official pages on Facebook and LinkedIn under United Philippine Lines, Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does United Philippine Lines charge placement fees?

No. Under DMW regulations and international maritime conventions (MLC 2006), licensed manning agencies do not charge placement fees or recruitment fees to seafarers.

Q2: Can fresh graduates or entry-level applicants apply at UPL?

Yes. UPL accepts cadetship graduates for commercial vessels (e.g., Shell) and entry-level hospitality positions (such as Assistant Cooks, Kitchen Assistants, or Bar Busboys) for passenger cruise ships.

Q3: What is the typical contract duration?

Commercial Ships (Tankers/Carriers): Generally 4 to 6 months for officers, and 6 to 9 months for ratings.
Cruise Ships: Typically 6 to 8 months for hospitality staff, followed by scheduled vacation leave.

Q4: Where is the UPL office located in Manila?

The head office is situated inside historical Intramuros at One Fort Santiago / Plaza Santiago Building, Sta. Clara Street, Intramuros, Manila.

United Philippine Lines, Inc. continues to stand as a trusted partner for Filipino seafarers and hospitality professionals seeking long-term global careers. With over six decades of operational excellence and strong partnerships with brands like Holland America Line, Carnival, and Shell, UPL offers secure deployment and professional growth. Prepare your documents, keep your certifications updated, and start your application through the official UPL online portals.

Safety Tips: Never pay anyone for job application, test or interview. A genuine employer will never ask you for the payment in any case.