What is a Seaman Book or CDC?

Seaman Book is one of the requirements you need if you want to work on a ship or any maritime job. Like a passport, the book will verify your identification and if you are capable to work as a seaman. A Seaman Book is also known as CDC or Continues Discharge Certificate. This document is needed if you are a seafarer and getting on board. It will certify a Seafarer as the evidence of his all services done.

You can only get this record book once you pass a maritime training. Many maritime schools offer trainings, but make sure you got a training center that certified by the Maritime Industry Authority. (Visit http://www.pntc.edu.ph/, they are one example of maritime training center here in the Philippines.) Let’s know about what is a seaman book is.

Seaman Record Book

Once you got on board, the captain will sign the book that shows that you are part of the boarding ship included the time duration and position.

A CDC is mostly valid for 10 years and need to renew 6 months before its expiry date. But if you are still on board when the CDC expires, the end day of your trip will be considered as your CDC expiration date.

Every country has their authority agencies that issue this book. In the Philippines, MARINA is the one who handles maritime industry and they are also the one who issue a record book. See how to get the seaman book in the Philippines.

The Seaman Record Book contains information about the Seafarer. His/her basic information, country, birth place, past jobs done and feedback from the captains. It is a vital record you need to know in any seaman. And in case it lost or something happens, case of emergency information is included in the book.

The CDC all over the world have the same format. This is why it is easy to understand its contents.

A Seaman Record Book is an important weapon to a seaman without this they can’t travel.

I hope this will help you to know more what a Seaman book is and its purpose.