Finding a licensed and reputable manning partner is essential for securing a safe, sustainable, and rewarding career at sea. Wilhelmsen Ship Management Philippines—operating in close coordination with Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc. and WilhMar Manning Philippines Inc.—serves as the primary crew sourcing, recruitment, and management hub in the Philippines for the global Wilhelmsen Group. DMW-accredited (formerly POEA), ISO-certified, and MLC 2006 compliant, Wilhelmsen operates under a strict zero-placement-fee policy to deploy qualified Filipino maritime officers and ratings across international ocean-going fleets.

History, Background, and Company Profile

Wilhelmsen was founded in 1861 in Tønsberg, Norway, by Wilhelm Wilhelmsen. Over more than 160 years, the company grew into a global maritime industry group managing hundreds of vessels and supplying maritime products and services across more than 70 countries.

In the Philippines, Wilhelmsen's crew management presence traces back through its long-standing partnership with Smith Bell & Co., forming Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc., as well as WilhMar Manning Philippines Inc.. Operating out of Manila and Pasay City, Wilhelmsen manages a vast pool of Filipino seafarers deploying on container ships, bulkers, tankers, specialized offshore support vessels, and renewable energy transport assets worldwide.

Top 5 Connected Shipping Sectors & Principal Fleets

Wilhelmsen connects Filipino seafarers directly to specialized vessel sectors across its international ship management network:

Container & General Cargo Fleets: Modern container ships and breakbulk carriers operating on major transoceanic trade lanes.
Dry Bulk Carrier Lines: Capesize, panamax, and handymax bulkers transporting dry bulk commodities worldwide.
Chemical & Product Tanker Divisions: Crude oil, product, and chemical tankers operating under strict international environmental and safety standards.
Liquefied Gas Carriers (LNG/LPG): Advanced gas carriers requiring specialized technical endorsements and crew training.
Offshore & Renewable Energy Support Craft: Offshore supply vessels (OSVs), subsea support units, and specialized vessels servicing offshore wind and marine energy assets.

Usual Requirements for Applicants

Sea Service Experience: Rank-appropriate sea time on relevant vessel types (Container, Bulker, Tanker, Gas, or Offshore).
Identity & Travel Documents: Valid Philippine Passport, Seaman’s Book (SIRB), and Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID).
Certificates & Licenses: Valid STCW Certificates, Certificate of Competency (COC), Certificate of Proficiency (COP), and DMW e-Registration.
Specialized Endorsements: Tanker Endorsements (Oil/Chemical/Gas) or offshore certifications for specialized vessel applicants.
Medical Fitness & Clearances: DOH-accredited Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME), Yellow Fever/Polio vaccination cards, and NBI Clearance.
Government IDs: Active SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and TIN numbers.

Application Process

1.Online Application or Walk-In Submission:

Step 1.
Submit an updated CV via email to bsb-mnl-recruitment@wilhelmsen.com or wsm-mnl-info@wilhmar.com, or visit their office in Makati or Pasay City.

2.Document Verification & Screening:

Step 2.
Recruiters verify sea service logbooks, license validity, STCW compliance, and travel document readiness.

3.Technical Assessment & Interview:

Step 3.
Undergo technical evaluations, practical assessments, and English proficiency checks with fleet assessors.

4.Principal Line-Up & Medical Examination:

Step 4.
Once selected for a target vessel, complete a Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) at a DOH-accredited clinic.

5.Pre-Departure Briefing & Contract Signing:

Step 5.
Finalize DMW/POEA contract processing, complete pre-departure orientation seminars (PDOS), and undergo safety briefings prior to boarding.

Recruitment Office Branches & Contact Information

Main Address (Wilhelmsen-Smith Bell Manning, Inc.): 38th & 39th Floors, BDO Life Megaplaza Building (formerly Petron Megaplaza), 358 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines
WilhMar Manning Philippines Inc. Address: 3rd Floor, DoubleDragon Center West Tower, Macapagal Blvd. cor. EDSA Ext., 1302 Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Landline Contact Numbers: +63 (2) 8812-8888 / +63 (2) 8580-0200
After Hours Contact: +63 918-914-2977
Email Addresses: bsb-mnl-recruitment@wilhelmsen.com / wsm-mnl-info@wilhmar.com
Official Website: wilhelmsen.com
Social Media: Official Facebook (/WilhelmsenGroup), LinkedIn (Wilhelmsen Group)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does Wilhelmsen charge placement fees?

A: No. Operating in full compliance with DMW/POEA regulations and MLC 2006, Wilhelmsen enforces a mandatory zero-placement-fee policy.

Q: Are walk-in applicants accepted?

A: Yes, walk-in applicants bringing their updated CV, original STCW certificates, and sea service logbooks are accepted at their offices in Makati and Pasay City.

Q: How can entry-level seafarers join Wilhelmsen?

A: Fresh graduates can apply through Wilhelmsen's cadetship and trainee programs or participate in recruitment drives organized with partner maritime universities.

Building a career with Wilhelmsen Ship Management Philippines provides access to Norwegian-backed maritime safety standards, modern fleets, and clear pathways for professional promotion across international ocean-going vessels. Keeping your STCW certifications, sea service logbook, and medical clearances updated ensures a smooth onboarding and deployment process.

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