This improved version of the usual briefing welcomed 40 joining crew members and featured expanded content designed to strengthen onboard readiness and crew engagement. 

The session marked a significant milestone in promoting crew preparedness and welfare, offering a comprehensive overview of internal policies, procedures, and support services. The enhanced format ensures that every crew member is well-informed and confident before boarding their vessel. 

Led by Olive De Vera, Team Leader of Crew and Family Services, the session served as a key onboarding activity for seafarers preparing to embark on their next assignment. 

It featured a strong lineup of speakers from across departments, each contributing valuable insights:
 

  • Crew and Family Services – Represented by Olive De Vera, provided guidance on crew benefits and services, along with important reminders.
  • Vessel Handling – Represented by Team Leader Vessel Handler Wilen Villamor, discussed deployment procedures, travel arrangements, and related reminders.
  • Planning, Training, and Recruitment Administration – Represented by Training Officer Saeza Mateo and Crew Planning Officer Peachy Ocampo, shared updates on crew rotation plans and training-related matters.
  • Documentation – Represented by Team Leader Documentation Perlas Belleza, clarified documentation requirements, visa processing, and travel timelines.
  • Finance – Represented by Finance Manager Princess Capuli, explained procedures on wages, allotments, and other monetary benefits available to crew. 

Each speaker addressed common concerns and encouraged an open discussion, creating a dynamic and interactive environment. Crew members were invited to raise questions and clarifications, ensuring they left with confidence and clarity before deployment.

The Enhanced Pre-Joining Briefing reflects MPS Manila’s commitment to holistic crew care—bridging operational needs with human support.

With positive feedback from participants, this pilot session lays a strong foundation for making the enhanced briefing a standard part of pre-deployment preparations.

MPS Manila remains committed to ensuring every crew member begins their journey fully equipped and supported.

The Enhanced Pre-Joining Briefing will now be conducted every Thursday at the Manila office and will be attended by all crew members scheduled to join.