THE HUNT FOR SCHENGEN

Quite recently I had a small chat with an acquaintance of mine during my early sailing years, The chat we had in Face book was the difference between his company (Blue Manila) and my current company (Career Ship management ). According to what we had discussed the salary offered to an ordinary seaman rank is 1250 USD - 300 US Dollars more than the salary rate here in Career, plus the overtime work pay is open compared to career's fixed overtime pay.  Overall the discussion lead me on the conclusion that the benefit's and pay of blue manila outmatch career's in some extent, the only difference that Career has is that the ships here are way larger than and comfortable compared to blue manila's. 6,000 GRT is no match for 42,000 GRT.

Aside from that,  me and Glemz Juanitas discussed on what happened on why both of us changed companies. Glemz told me he switched because Seacap has serious problem on the rotation schedules , while I on the other hand told Juanitas that I was kicked out. I guess both me and Juanitas was dissatisfied in Seacap in a variety of ways and what I can say on my end why I left , is on how the way I was treated there - not to mention how rude the kind of people and crew they have.

Overall I'm not saying seacap was a bad company - just a disappointing one.

In other news,

Still got a few remaining minor objectives to take care of and these are.

1.Go back to Maritime Medical and see if the Physical Examination form has been forwarded to Career Shipping.

2.Verifiy to Career shipping if the Physical Examination form has been forwarded and check if there is no problems.

3.Attend BSD seminar of Career shipping.

4.Signup for PDOS seminar.

5.Go to Taguig and get the CAV cert from TESDA.

Overall I only got 2 minor objective left and whether or not I finish this, The general outcome will still be the same and that I'd still will be boarding on Career's ship. Either  way , win or lose , I will still benefit from it.

First off before I proceeded on these objective's , I need financial aid in accomplishing this and for the moment I could say that I'm terribly suffering a lot of shortages in financial funding and that I could not relay alone on my sister for it since also her resources are stretched to the limit as well. I only stored enough supplies for two months and beyond that , It's obvious that I'm going to have some serious problems. I already drawn up two plans to get some fresh financial help and hopefully at least these plans will pump more juicy on my agenda, enough to finish the job.

Going back,

On Monday I had to drop off the idea of attending the BSD seminar , for numerous reasons , Overall the bottom line is that BSD seminar is not that strategically important compared to attending PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Seminar). If I read it correctly PDOS is a MANDATORY seminar needed compared to BSD, Aside from that I recall correctly that a few weeks ago Captain Ledesma said that if ever that I will be deployed early and will not be able to finish the said seminar then I'd just simply inform him of the situation, indicating that this seminar is not that really much of an importance.

Old Street map of Manila i use for travelling and walking

Immediately when I arrived, I proceeded to the reporting counter to submit the photocopies of the BPI account numbers of my mom and sister. "Lucita" to wait a few minutes for my name to be called back, while she searched for my records. A few minutes later she asked for the photocopies and told me if I also submitted a copy of my NBI certificate other essential documents like Social Security, Tax Identification Number and other stuff. I replied back that everything is in order and I submitted it a month ago. Since everything is all cleared out , "Lucita" signed my checklist slip which meant I'm all cleared on that counter. Next stop on my agenda was paying a visit to the License counter , the reason was because I could not remember at all if I signed up for the physical examination form. Fortunately "NIDA" is friendly enough top search the medical records, It only took her a minute or two and said to me that I don’t have to worry about it and that indeed I had signed the Physical Medical Form.

Next counter I went is the accounting counter to inquire about a cash advance. The lady said that I need first to attend PDOS then be given a cash advance 2 to 3 days before leaving the country. Was really dismayed when I heard it and had to wait that long for the said money. For the moment that was my only agenda in visiting career shipping and I still have one more agenda left. Late at night I received a phone call coming "Gilda" from the visa counter of career, she informed me that I had to report back to career at 11am to be informed about my Dutch visa.

The Following day, I went back to career to find out the real score on why "Gilda" called, As expected when I reached the VISA counter. "GILDA" mentioned that I had to get my SCHENGEN Visa (Dutch) to the Netherlands Embassy in Paseo Roxas Street, Makati and while I'm at it -I'd try also to retrieve 12 other passports that have a SCHENGEN VISA.

Since I lack the money to get to that place I decided to walk from Evangelista Makati all the way to Paseo De Roxas Makati. Good thing though that I had already anticipated this scenario yesterday and had already prepared 3 spare t-shirts and 2 litres of water on my bag along with a Street map of Metro Manila, so walking wont be a problem. I headed north until I reached Dusit Hotel inside makati and headed northward again till I reach Makati Shangrila hotel and Manila Peninsula Hotel, It was a landmark and it indicated I was walking on the right direction on the map I had. Unfortunately the underpass has no direct walkway going to Paseo De Roxas Street, So I had to turn left (Westward) to ayala avenue and walk my way there till I reach the west end of Paseo de Roxas Street. Good thing that Ayala avenue underpass has a direct walkway there, When I reached Paseo De Roxas Street I asked the security guard on McDonalds for directions, I stopped there for a few minutes and changed some dry clothes in the comfort room and took a quick snack. Afterwards I headed north east of the street till I reached (or saw ) equiptable PCI tower were the Dutch embassy was located on its 26th floor. Once there I gave the claim letter "Glida" gave me earlier to the security guard and the guard told me to wait.

During my wait, I could describe that the Dutch embassy isn't "Flashy" and large as that of the US embassy. It was just simply a small office on the 26th floor of a building with a few people working in it. After two hours , My name was called by the receptionist and was asked if I had any other I'D with me. I replied I only had my old Seaman's Book and my passport is part of the batch that I'm going to retrieve. She said if that was the case then that wont be a problem. Minutes later she put all the 13 passports on the security box and it opened for me to get it. Didn't knew that the 13 passports aren't exactly 13 at all and I was surprised to see that this was a ton of document passports I had to carry back. I put them all in my backpack bag and took the elevator headed for the ground floor then got outside and headed back to Career Shipping Office. Didn’t had any problems walking my way back and it was no longer time pressure, just re traced my step earlier and at 3pm I was already the shipping office.  There I changed clothes again to something dry, and the went ahead to the VISA counter. I gave "GILDA" the passports and see said if I knew the details about my SCHENGEN, I replied that I didn't paid any attention to it. She took a look on my passport and said that the VISA I got from SCHENGEN is good for 5 years this time and it's a multiple entry visa which meant that my Visa is not only limited to Netherlands entry but can be used also to other countries in the European union, She said that if I'm going to join or disembark anywhere on European Union Member countries like France, Italy , Spain , Portugal etc. SCHENGEN visa is valid and recognized.

My actual U.S. Transit Visa CD-1  

In other words "Gilda" said that my visa is upgraded and can be used (European)  Continent Wide.  Deep inside I was relieved and happy that Career Shipping gave me this opportunity.

Before I left Career office and call it a day, "Gilda" said to me that I should be on stand by and that next time career will call back , They will gave me a direct order to pack up and get ready to work onboard.

My newly upgraded Multiple entry schengen Visa (dutch / european union visa) courtesy of career shipping office . Good for 5 years 

THE UPGRADE AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Career has been very generous and kind on me, Not only did they promoted me from Deck Cadet to Ordinary Seaman but they did a lot of tinkering and upgrading on my documents. I had a lot to thank for them for giving me a US Visa and upgrading my SCHENGEN Visa as well, In addition they gave me also a Marshal Islands Seaman's Book and on top of that they put me into a lot of benefits by signing me up into AMOSUP TCCC rate. I only asked for career to take me in, but they gave me so much more.

Looking back I can't help but sometimes compare my Old life in Seacap and My new life in Career.

To be honest despite Seacap telling me that they treat their employee's like a family, I was never once treated like one, I originally came from seacap however due tp unfortunate events that I wrote . Funny right ?! Which family will I consider the one who  turned me down or the one who took me in.

BRIDGING THE GAP

After a week of delays , I had now finally got back again to get some action and packed up all my gear for another session of paper works and find out what happened on where I left off. My agenda's are

1.Find out what happened on my 2nd medical which I took on the 19th of April.

2.Get the medical clinic to fill out the Physical Medical form which to be used for the marshal island SIRB

3.Finish the application for the Marshal Island SIRB at the License counter of Career

4.Signup the contract for the Ship Cape Tallin.

First off I visited Maritime medical clinic again located in UN Ave Malate , and got to found out what the hell happened to my second medical which I took last April 19. When I got there I went immediately to the second floor to the Registration building to inquire. The receptionist said that I should go first back again on the laboratory and that my status is still pending. What the hell ?!! Pending ?! I immediately went to the laboratory department to sort out this issue and what I found out was that all it needs was just a simple signature coming from the laboratory med tech and it will all be over. Geez ! Are those pencil pusher really that lazy ? , I mean come on guys ! All it needs is a simple wave from their stupid hand  and I'd be on my way, and all this time my medical papers was all in pending status because of that ??.  Anyway I'm glad I got to sort it out and went back to the clinic to check what's going on. After a small effort I made , I went back again on the registration and the receptionist told me that the certificate will be forwarded to my respective agency. I did also took the time to give them the medical physical exam form for my marshal island SIRB, The receptionist took it and said that the form will be forwarded to the company also. First and Second objective

I took the train afterwards and dropped off to EDSA station, same drill as usual.

At around 11 am, I was with career office to pass my application form for the Marshal Islands Seaman's Book. "NIDA" thoroughly checked my application form and my photocopied documents, Initially my application form was turned down because the typewritten entries I made was full of mistakes and had to redo everything, including the ID pictures I submitted. "Nida" said that the ID pictures I submitted were passport size and not the 1.75 x 1.75 measurement. In other words I wasted money in taking ID pictures on the wrong size. Luckily "Nida" gave me a hint that the house just outside Career shipping does typewriting jobs on filling out the application form , aside from having  a small photo studio for taking ID pictures. "Nida" handed me a spare application form again. Immediately I went to the said house were "Nida" pointed and there it was, The old granny inside the house told me to wait for 20 minutes to have the application form properly filled out via typewritten format and while I was waiting I could go to the photo studio for the ID pictures.

In a matter of a few minutes , both my application from and my ID pictures were taken care of. However it cost me my 150 PHP on my wallet as a downside, leaving me down to around 130 PHP on my wallet. At about 2pm I passed my application form to the license counter along with the photocopies and everything went fine, "Nida" asked were the hell is my medical physical examination form, I replied that according to the receptionist on the medical clinic , the form will be forwarded along with my medical results.

After sorting out thing on the License counter at career , I then proceeded next to the "processing counter" on "reggie's" booth to sign up for the contract. Reggie handed me out a couple of forms to sign up with and mentioned that the principal Columbia Ship management is a member of this so called AMOSUP organization. From what I read on one of the papers there is this so called a CBA form included also. After a few minutes I gave back the forms to Reggie, and she typed something on the computer, I took a peek and saw that I'm going to travel on a group. From what I saw at the computer there's a 2nd mate, BOSUN, 2 AB's, an OS (its me), a Deck fitter, a Chief cook and a Mess man. So basically there's 8 of us going in for the ride. Another thing that I saw on the computer screen was there's no tentative date yet on which we will be deployed. Its favorable on my end on the fact that I'm having shortages in funds and that the cost of expenditures is quite high and It could buy me sometime to get more money.

Documentary Requirements to get a Marshal Islands Seaman's book

 TIPS AND USEFUL INFORMATION

AMOSUP Dormitory

AMOSUP - Basically stands for Associated Marine Officers and Seafarers Union of the Philippines. The largest "organized" sailor's organization here. Its main office and headquarters lies deep within inside the walled compound of Intramuros, Manila. According to what they say on their papers they have a maritime school of their own (MAAP respectively) , a so called "slop chest" which is basically is a super mart for sailors, its own hospital (Inside the intramuros) , Its own training center , and its very own training ship. Aside from their facilities they also have some sort of insurance and retirement fund called "provident fund" for aging sailors and even a housing loan and "sailors village" , Heck they also even have a dormitory for sailors But seriously I'm not exactly sure on how effective this organization is and how will it help me on the long run. All I know is that some of their policy claims are not that good as like to those of social security, Government health care and housing. Click here for their website for more info

 TESDA - Technical Skills and Development Authority, From what I know this is a government education agency that handles training to vocational courses however their Primary (and only) role here in the maritime profession is the issuance of a C.O.C. certificate. Main office by the way is located somewhere in taguig,

Actual Marshal Island SIRB

Marshal Island's Seaman's Book - This is a seaman's book , plain and simple and it functions just the same as our Philippine Seaman's book, but hey almost every other nation in the world has its own variant counterpart seaman's book right ?! The only difference I could think of from our Philippine Seaman's Book is that Marshal Islands Seaman's book is a lot easier to get and a lot less documents needed compared to our very own Seaman's Book. By the way the only reason you have to get a Marshal Island's Seaman's book is that if your working on a ship that is flagged on Marshal Islands.

LIFE ON THE JOB HUNT AND GEAR USED

A School Backpack , one of the universal gear used by filipino sailors to hide their album sized documents 

Fashion Style as a sailor isn't really that much of an importance, for some reason sailors dress simple - way too simple. I myself don’t dress fashionable whenever I go to the shipping office. I just dress on my travel clothes and that’s about it, The only exception where I dress well is whenever I'm going to speak in front of the superintendent. The Gear I wore isn't fashionable probably because its designed for protection. Every sailor (or perhaps even a student sailor) carries some sort of multi-pocket, multi-compartment  backpack or bag to store his / her documents and inside it a sailor carries a Filofax kind of some sort , or a document holder to store those paper documents. The Bag and the document holder is the universal gear a sailor will carry for the rest of his life as a sailor, I haven't saw one sailor yet that doesn’t carry those two gear s I mentioned. I myself carry those two gear as well.

An Example of a Filo Fax Document folder used by Filipino Sailors

TIMER STARTED

For the moment there isn't anything that career requires of me, and they are also waiting for my U.S. Visa to arrive at their office. Once it arrives thought that’s the part where career would be rushing me and tell me to hustle up.


Minor Objectives still almost remain exactly the same and that the only thing that was accomplished was the Major objective of getting and securing a U.S. Visa at the embassy, The rest of the "TO DO" things are still pending up to now due to the lack of funding. My sister was a big help in giving me the necessary funds needed to pursue this agenda and I'm forever in debt on her efforts, as a matter of fact a huge majority if not all the funding came from her.


So far this is still the objectives that need my attention.


1.Photocopy my sisters ATM Card and submit the photocopy to Career shipping.
2.Open an ATM bank account under my moms name and pass the photocopy of it to career.
3.Report back to Captain Ledesma and attend the two remaining seminars.
4.Go to the "TESDA" office in Taguig area , and get a copy of a CAV certificate of my C.O.C document, Submit the copy to career shipping
5.Get the coverall Uniform
6.Get the cash advance from the accounting counter.
7.Aquire 2x2 and passport size ID picture from the photo studio (at least 6 copies each)and pass it to the Visa / License counter in career.
8.Go to maritime medical clinic yet again and pass the physical examination form for the marshal island seaman's book.


In other matters, relating to my visit to career shipping, there isn't much to write about it. My last visit was that I just went to the Uniform counter and had me signing up for the measurements for the coveralls and the safety shoes. Another thing I made during the recent visit was to see Captain Ledesma about the remaining training seminars, he gave a most recent schedule which is still way May 06.


Last part of my visit is to go to the PRC / License counter of Career, on that counter I was told to apply for a Marshal Islands seaman book , and was given an application form along with a set of instructions on what documents I would pass.




In other news, I had been busy packing my luggage for the long trip (estimated 9 months onboard) and considered that the stuff I should be carrying would at least last on the whole duration of the journey. For now I had a full list of the things and stuff id be needing and only need funding to buy them all.  For the best knowledge of the public I will publish the equipment and gear that id be bringing along onboard, so that people who would be reading this would know what important gear and equipment will be needed especially to first time sailors (Deck Cadet and Engine Cadet).


Funny thing, that every time I prepare this list, It always feels like I'm going on to a space travel on a spaceship launch. Well my reasons are valid anyway and given the circumstances that id be trapped on a ship for 9 months, the best possibility of survival or to the very least lasting for the duration is to have as many equipment and supplies as possible.  Trying to imagine the scenario that if I would be left on an island (probably marooned for 9 months), what would be the things that I should be bringing along in order for me to live and survive a harsh environment ?  Aside from that I should consider also bringing "Anti-personnel" equipment to prevent people (to be direct , co-workers) from stealing my equipment.


So far, here are the things that id be bringing along.




1. 3 digital Watches , one for GMT , one for local time , one for Philippine time
2. 2 mechanical pencil,
3. 1 eraser
4. 1 pencil
5. Compass divider
6. Calculator (FX Casio brand)
7. 1 silver type small thermostat flask
8. 1 silver type  coffee mug
9. 2 notepads
10. 6 PCS. gel pen black
11. 6 PCS. Ordinary black pen (panda type)
12. 1 set assorted Gel pen color
13. 2 PCS red ball pen
14. 1 magnetic compass
15. 1 set sewing kit
16. 1 sharpener
17. 1 book  (cargo notes , withersby publication)
18. 1 pair of scissors
19. Pentel pen (Black color)
20. 10 Pcs Photo ID , 2x2 and Passport size
21. 1 Notebook hardbound




22. Winter Jacket
23. Flashlight
24. Head flashlight (for safety helmet) and w/ spare batteries
25. 2 Pcs Denim pants
26. 3 pairs of plastic rubber gloves
27. AAA, AA, D rechargeable batteries with charger
28. 1 PCS adjustable Wrench
29. 4 PCS quick Glue
30. Can opener
31. 1 set small high precision screw driver
32. 1 cardboard box cutter
33. 2 pairs of denim gauntlet gloves
34. 2 PCS white T-shirt (Round Neck)
35. 3 PCS Shorts (any Color)
36. 1 PC Swiss Army Knife
37. 1 PC Multi Purpose Pliers
38. 1 Roll DUCT Tape
39. 1 PCS Raincoat parka
40. 4 PCS magnets
41. 2 pairs of knee pads (airsoft Type or sports type)
42. 1 set standard screw drivers
43. 1 Tube of epoxy resin
44. High powered Flash light or lamp (or Safety flashlight)
45. 2 PCS "Electricians Belt"
46. 1 PCS Garrison Belt
47. 2 PCS "Swat vest"
48. 2 PCS pistol belt
49. 1 pcs Sidearm belt
50. 6 pairs of socks
51. Army Knife
52. Safety ear muffs
53. Safety chipping Goggles (1 PC ok , 2 REQ) , welding goggles will do
54. Sewing Kit (needle, scissors, 3 thread colors minimum, )
55. 3 pcs PADLOCKS
56. 2 pcs of sweater jacket
57. 2 pcs of sweater Pants
58. 2 sets of electrical strap
59. Sewer's measuring tape
60. 3 sets of spare cutter blades 9mm , 8mm
61. 1 PC Energizer headlight
62. LED Headlight
63. 1 pair airsoft type combat gloves
64. 2 PCS Philips screw negative and positive type
65. MMDA Facemask
66. MMDA Side Pouch
67. MMDA Pouch


68. 4 Shavers
69. 2 PC Tooth Brush
70. 40 PCs Mefenamic Tablets
71. 40 PCS Antibiotic  Tablets
72. 2 small Bottles rubbing alcohol
73. 2 Bottles of Shampoo (PANTENE BRAND)
74. 1 Dextrose bottle
75. 8 Bottles Vitamin E (Myra 400 mg Brand)
76. 8 Bottles Vitamin C
77. 8 Bottles Vitamin B complex
78. 12 Pcs Band Aid strips
79. 2 Rolls cotton Gauge
80. 1 PC Cuticle Nippers
81. 1 PC Nail Filers
82. 1 Pc Nail Clippers
83. 1 PC pusher's
84. 1 Pc Nail Brush
85. 1 PC ear wax cleaner
86. 1 roll medical tape
87. 2 PCS Soap (any brand)
88. 200 Pcs Centrum Tablets 
89. 2 Small Tubes of toothpaste
90. 1 bottle of "Bactidol" mouthwash


91. 2 Sets of formal clothes (For Holiday Occasions , For disembarkation)
92. 7 Pcs of Underwear (Bench Brand)
93. 7 Pcs of Socks (dunlop brand)
94. 2 pcs Denim pants
95. 1 Pc of Bonnette
96. 2 pcs garrison belt
97. 1 pairs of rubber shoes
98. 1 pair of low cut shoes
99. Net book with accessories
100. 1 pc computer Tablet with accessories 

Show here are most of the stuff id be carrying Onboard my next ship, Hope that this will be enough to last for the duration of my contract and stay in the ship

VERDICT OF CHOICES

Weather's getting harsher and I'm suffering from heat exhaustion every now and then. Imagine its now officially 36.6 degrees Celsius according to the government weather service and its only an average temperature, Unofficially its about 40 plus degree's now in the metro city and getting worse. Weathers so bad that I'm having a very bad cold because of it plus heat exhaustion and fatigue. General rule that I had to do this summer is to stay out of the sun (and any direct contact to sunlight) from 9am to 4pm, otherwise heat and dehydration will nail me. I'd take in mind to drink water and antioxidant meds everyday.

For the moment I didn’t bother attending the remaining two seminars left and focused my attention in checking my equipment and other stuff that might be needed later on, So far the latest news based on what I check on my equipment is that most of it is still intact and in good order, though some needs repair and replacement and some needs to be cleaned. Overall I could say that I might borrow some cash to replace and restock my supplies if ever this agenda in career escalates even further.

For the moment I had several pending small objectives that needs to be accomplished and one major objective awaiting my attention. Honestly I don’t think I'd be able to finish all task in a months time. Well I could finish it however given the limited funds that I had at my disposal, I find it doubtful to finish it in time.

1.Photocopy my sisters ATM Card and submit the photocopy to Career shipping.

2.Open an ATM bank account under my moms name and pass the photocopy of it to career.

3.Report back to Captain Ledesma and attend the two remaining seminars.
4.Go to the "TESDA" office in Taguig area , and get a copy of a CAV certificate of my C.O.C document, Submit the copy to career shipping

5.Get the coverall Uniform

6.Get the cash advance from the accounting counter.

And one MAJOR OBJECTIVE, which is

1.Go to the U.S. Embassy and get a U.S. Visa.

In the morning of the 17th of April, I was contacted again by career shipping on my cell phone and said that there is some sort of additional medical test to be done on my medical , and it was a new requirement coming from the principal and I need to report back and get an addition medical test. Puzzled I asked a bit further and said what kind of medical test, the person on the phone only hinted its more on a blood chemical thing. What the Hell ??? Am I going to take another medical and sticking something in my arm again ? I hope this "Extra" medical screening is just simply purely to please the principal and nothing of the serious kind , Cant help but think and worry about this extra medical test. Career orders me to go to their office immediately, However for the moment I cant do anything about it and that it has to wait until tomorrow since I don’t have enough money to go there in the office. This order simply has got to wait for tomorrow.

The following day…

Was lucky enough to borrow some money , and I immediately went to career shipping with haste to determine what is the exact nature of the phone call I received yesterday, Aside from it I had to report back to Captain Ledesma and get the schedules of the remaining two seminars , another objective that id be doing is go to the visa counter to be briefed on what I'm going to do by Friday at the embassy.

My Medical record at the clinic and at career

When I got there I went to the medical counter and said I'm here for the extra medical requirement. I was handled out with a small brown slip just as before along with my medical records. I was also advised that the test this time around has something to do with the cholesterol levels in the blood and that I had to do some fasting , which I assume that I wont eat any food or drink any kind of liquid for 8 or more hours before my blood is drawn up again. Medical wasn’t really that serious and I manage to see what my medical certificate looks like. Anyway I was told that I had to take the medical the next day , even if I told to the counter to have it rescheduled on some latter date given the fact this day she is referring to is the date of my VISA interview. (Damn !!! Alright I'd take the medical exam but let it be known that if ever I get to be boiled down by tomorrow and get to choose which of the two should I set priority first, id choose the VISA interview not the medical )

Behold the Receipt of the 21 century, hi- tech eh ??? duh 

Waited for at least 6 hours again and at around 4pm , I went to the Gilda at the visa counter to ask for the appointment schedule on the US embassy for the visa. Gilda told me to wait for a few minutes. It was already at about 6pm when my name is a called along with four others. Gilda briefed us that in the U.S. embassy consular interview, we have to remember specific joining port details and our previous "sign on / sign off" details of our previous ship along with our working history just in case.

When it was my turn to Gilda's desk , she said that the ship I will mention in the embassy is not "Cape Tallin" but "Cape Bastia" for now. She added that I shouldn't pay attention on it and that this new change of ship is just only used as a front for the US embassy. Gilda said that I should memorize the date of joining port and the port it will be at berth in the US.

Gilda reminded us that the security measures inside the embassy are really tight and that we don’t have to bring any electronic equipment around such as cell phones, tablets, laptops etc. even sharp and pointy objects are not allowed as well as bringing of any kind of food (preferably liquid in nature). She also added that we should be there at least an hour before the said interview schedule, Gilda handed us out other documents like our passport, seaman's book, some letter to the embassy, our dummy POEA contract and a note of details concerning the name of the ship and port of entry. Gilda said to us before proceeding tomorrow that we will immediately know if our visa application is denied or granted if the consulate would collect or not our passports (if collected it means that we passed).

Immediately went home since by the following day I will have two objectives, one will be of course the VISA and the other is the medical. I need to prepare and memorize all the details.

The next day…

Woke up early in he morning because of two things, One is because of the heat from the weather and the anxiousness of getting the visa. My mind was circling at kept asking the same question , what will the consulate ask and what could be the repercussions if I fuck this one up. I do recall what Captain Galang told me a month ago that they will accept me on the company but with one condition. I must get a US Visa or else I will get fired and have to pay everything. I dispelled those thoughts and hurriedly prep for my agenda with the embassy. I went out on the house at about 4:45 am.

I was near at the embassy at around 6am and was looking for a place where I could change from my travel clothes to a formal clothing from my back pack, I tried to search for at least 30 minutes in the surroundings but could not anything more suitable than a public park nearby. I was awkward changing clothes out in the open but there is nothing I could find, Good thing it was still in the morning and there isn't any people passing on the park and at 6:45 am I immediately changed my clothes. Incidentally after finishing to change clothes , one my batch mates who is also assigned to get a U.S. Visa on that day saw me. We talked for a while then headed off to the U.S. embassy.

Letter of appointment, present this to the guys in the tent outside the embassy premises. This piece of paper serves as proof that you have indeed a scheduled appointment interview. 

When we arrived , there were three people clothed in business suits standing on a small tent there ,we approached them and was asked to show off our appointment slip along with our passports. We promptly gave it and they put a sticker on our passport then scanned it and gave it back. While waiting outside the vicinity and falling in line I've notice that the embassy looked more like a fortress rather than an office building , complete with electric fence and search towers.  Once we got inside , my bag was scanned by the security guard on the X-ray machine looking for any electronic thing inside and I went thru a metal detector , The guard kept reminding us that we should not in anyway have any electronic device of any kind to be carried nor even had any liquid with us. One guy in front of me which has a mineral water bottle in his bag was advised by the security guard that he should throw that in the trash can as it is not allowed inside the embassy, he did what he was told to.

Second process was me and my batch mate came thru to this booth which we had to show our passports along with the letter that Career gave us. The primary purpose of the booth was more like a ticketing booth from a theme park as I could describe it, The number I got was 3191. After the booth I proceed into an open waiting area were there was a  huge amount of people sitting at the line of seats, and there an electronic queue signage posting a tickets numbers of people that will be interviewed. Minutes later one of the embassy staff aides yelled " are there any seamans around here ?? If so please fall in line in this area".Me and my batch mate hear what she said and quickly got up from our seats and fell in line immediately, seconds later we were escorted to the front door of the embassy building then inside we went again to another security check and passing another metal detector. The security guard manually checked and opened bags this time.

Afterwards inside the building the lady guide told me to go into the line in one of the window counters and show my passport for the encoding along with my 2x2 ID picture. There wasn’t any problem for me on that part and was simply told by the staff at the counter that I should wait for my number to come up again on the electronic screen for finger print scanning. One of my batch mates had a problem with his photo as it was not accepted by the staff at the counter, so I had to accompany him outside at the waiting lounge area to take another 2x2 id picture at the nearby photo id booth within the area. It took us about 15 minutes at the photos ID booth before going back again. Once inside I accompanied my batch mate to where he left off, then I went to booth number 18 for my finger prints to be scanned. For some reason the finger scanner machine there had difficulty scanning my finger prints and I had to press the scanner really hard just to get it right, The staff was already getting frustrated on my situation and said that I had to press the scanner as hard as I could. Did finished scanning the finger prints thought it took her a while. She told me to wait again for my number to flash again on the electronic queue for the final interview. From what I saw on the signage at the embassy, windows counters 1 to 4 are used only to conduct final interviews to applicants

this is the letter of invitation, present this to the consul who will conduct an interview along with the passport, if successfully passed. The consul will collect this with the passport and return it via mail on the company.

Several minutes passed by and me and my batch mates were sitting comfortably on the waiting chairs inside the building , suddenly my queue number flashed and that I had to go to the window 4 to be interview by the American staff there. When I went there the person right in front of me was turned down on his visa application, scared the shit out of me why I saw that. From what I saw the person is an employee of Unlad maritime shipping agency, which if I recall correct is the shipping company owned by Captain Jaime Jimenez. When I came to the booth, I handed out my passport to her along with the letter coming from my career, I was very tense and was expecting that the questions would be difficult, what I had in mind was the sort of like questions asked in a beauty pageant contest and the consul would make a meticulous check of everything I said, fortunately she only gave me three simple questions, about what is my job position onboard the ship, and how long have I had been a sailor and last question was what countries have I had been to. (To be cunning the first country I mentioned was USA). Everything happened so fast that in less than 3 minutes the interview was all over, The consul said that I should expect my visa to be granted within a week and expect it via mail. She directly said to me that my visa application is approved and collected my passport. I couldn’t contain myself on the joy in hearing that and after the interview I was smiling. My batch mate had also the same luck as I am and we both immediately hurried outside the vicinity and went off in separate ways , both of us were glad that the outcome of the Visa application was very positive.

After the first major objective was accomplish , my task for this day wasn’t over yet and I took a detour and proceeded to Maritime Medical and Laboratory Clinic, Inc to have another set of medical test. As usual, the staff was rude and very unhelpful, took them at least an hour and a half before handling out my medical records and instructing me to go to each and every medical department to sign on my medical records. When I got my records ,I read that my medical screening test package was "upgraded" to fit on my shipping principal standards. From what I saw I was no longer in the Columbia Ship Management principal and was shifted to "mutual steamship" principal ,

When I was at the laboratory section, The med tech wasn't that gentle when it comes to drawing blood and it was still excruciatingly painful stick the needle on my right arm, after that I had no trouble getting the signatures from the other departments and just simply dropped the line that my file was "transferred" and that’s it.

THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE EMBASSY.

First off , I would like to tell that the US Embassy isn't that comfortable to get a visa with. There is so much security that the word "comfort" is not exactly written on their dictionary. You have to go to two security checks with metal detectors and have the bags searched, the general rules here is to never bring any kind of electronics inside the embassy. If you have a cell phone, tablet , laptop , camera , vibrators (just joking here) or any kind of electronics, you have to leave it behind your house. Apparently the U.S. Embassy is suspicious on anything electronic as it may post as a triggering device for any bombs that might explode within the premises. In addition do not also carry any mineral water or anything liquid in nature inside the embassy as they might mistook it as a "liquid" bomb or any poisonous chemical agent. If the liquid is detected within the scanner, then the guard will simply ask you to throw it away on the trash can outside the security check.

Now this will be extremely uncomfortable if you just simply want a drink to get yourself rehydrated from the hot weather here in the Philippines and more problematic if you have a liquid type emergency medicines like insulin for diabetics or the aerosol type for asthmatic people. Despite a persons plea's to bring this around , security checks here in the embassy do not permit to bring these and you have to leave those behind , no exemptions. Rule of the thumb here is if your going to the embassy be sure that your fully prepared.  Fortunately there is a store inside the embassy were they sell refreshments and even souvenirs ( if you feel you're kind of patriotic to uncle Sam), I don’t know exactly how much a simple mineral water cost there as I didn't pay attention to it.  

For the attire, it is safe to say that you can get inside the U.S. embassy even in smart casual clothes, but for the sake of formality and to be on the safe side at least semi formal to formal attire clothes would be the best approach. For a sailor , if you have a Polo shirt, denim pants and rubber shoes would be fine. Attire isn't really an issue there, just simply answer the questions given by the consul on the counter and a sailor would be fine.

For the interview (I am saying this in reference to what I experience on a "CD-1" type of U.S. Visa applications), Its not exactly more of like a "final" job interview where you get to be put on a small office with a person behind a big chair and you sit in the corner. The interview is more like you stand in front of a glassed counter and talk to the consul. The interview will just basically be very short , not even lasting for more than 3 minutes. It’s a straight forward and direct to the point questions and the consul will directly say if you passed or not on the interview.

Final interviews for visa application will be conducted in this kind of setup , as what is pictured here in the circle is the area were consuls will conduct personals interviews, Do not expect interviews inside a small office room or be similar like an actual "job interview".

BEYOND LIES CAPE TALLIN

With the help of my sister , I was able to secure the endorsement in BPI bank to open an account there in Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. Career gave me two endorsement forms one for my sister and one for my mom, As of the moment hopefully by next week I'd be able to finish this allottement issue.

Able also to finally take and finish the "Anti-Piracy" seminar from career at room 307. This seminar isn't that difficult and that it just basically describes what to do in the event of a pirate attack on a commercial ship. They also included information that 21st century pirates don’t come with eye patches and daggers in between their teeth with wooden large ships, nowadays they come on inflatable fast rafts with external motors and a ladder and wield some Ak-47's and a huge rocket propelled grenade  (R.P.G.). The lecture seminars described a safe room in the ship called a "Citadel" (also called a "Panic room" here in the land based) were in the advent of a pirate attack all crew should be gathered there and be locked up from the outside until help arrives.

During break time to take lunch, I made a mistake and overspend an order in the fast food store which eventually resulted in me walking from Cubao to Marikina after the class. Anyway it was my fault but walking from that distance wasn’t really that hard. Though I did suffer another heat fatigue - yet again.

Certificates that i took in career

While walking my way home , Career phoned in on my cell phone and informed me of my apparent scheduled interview in the consulate office in the U.S. Embassy at April 19 , 2013 Friday. The caller also added that I would report back in the office at April 18 Thursday for a brief on the instructions and what to do at the Visa Interview. I was also instructed to go back to the Career on a latter day and report to the "processing" counter to sign up for the contract and see my salary.

All of a sudden , career called back again on my home phone and informed me that the new vessel id be assigned on wasn't going to be "Dale" but instead will be "Cape Tallin" . The difference between the two is that "Cape Tallin" is three times larger than "Dale", but that’s not the worst part - to my dismay I wont be able to join Captain Nicholas Betts in "DALE" and without the him watching my back there's a very huge possibility than I'd be maltreated just like before on my previous ship ( a lesson I learned hard on STOLT Strength). Seriously I have trust issues with strangers and here in the maritime industry it difficult to put my trust  on people. Anyway in spite of the possible difficulty I might encounter ahead, it’s a good thing that I already knew how to deal with it and better come there well prepared with anti-personnel equipment (padlocks etc.)

Anyway for the general information , The specs of "Cape Tallin" that took my notice is this.

Vessel Type: Oil/Chem Tanker (Product Tanker)

Gross Tonnage: 42,010 Tons

Length: 228 Meters

Beam: 32 Meters

Draught: 8.5 Meters

IMO:9441154

Flag: Marshall Islands

MMSI: 538003422

Callsign: V7QQ9

Following Morning, I went back again at career to finish a few paper works. Notably going to the "Processing" counter and signing up the contract. I do understand the urgency on why I had to sigh up for the contract and that its needed for the Visa, for the moment I could say that the contract I signed up with is more like a dummy contract and I had to yet to signup again if ever I passed the and got the U.S. Visa. From what I saw on the contract that I signed up with , my salary is about 905.75 U.S. Dollars per month and here is the break down slip of my salary according to the processing counter.

The Salary Rate Slip that was given to me

Basic Salary : 445 USD

Overtime pay: 248 lump sum

In Excess 85 hours: 2.91 USD

Leave pay: 163 USD

Seniority Bonus: 5.25 USD

Retirement pay: 44.50 USD

Quite honestly I wasn’t happy when I saw the salary rate that was being offered to me , and that the salary rate was almost the same as a Philippine Flag (POEA) rate for an O.S. which I recall is 900 USD also. However in spite of the cheap salary offer that was being given I did consider signing up because of the "Benefits" of having a U.S. Visa around. Having a Visa gives me an edge as a rating if I do secure one.

Aside from signing up on the "dummy" contract. I took also the time of visiting the medical counter to pass my typhoid fever "yellow card" vaccination along with my Yellow fever "Yellow Card" vaccination. Once I already passed it it means I officially have cleared the medical counter.

Last part was that I had to visit was the TESDA / NAC counter and inform them that I already took the 3 seminars assigned which is VSTC, MST and Anti-piracy . The receptionist told me that there is still two remaining and that I have to see her back again and report back once its finished.

Finished the said task and went home in the afternoon.

During late night I was watching a some sort of talk show program. Wasn't very fond of watching those kind of programs since I was a kid but one part of the talk show caught my attention. A guy named Andrew Alcantara who is now a rising Filipino fashion designer and was a former Sailor (Specifically BSMT) , It caught my attention on the part on how he describes his life back then when he was still a sailor and what lead him to leave and settle for the land based. Based on his testimony the reason why he became a sailor was on the fact that he looked up to his dad as a role model as a sailor and that he was living a comfortable life because of it. When his dad died because of cancer , he took up being a sailor without any further knowledge on what is the general job description of it.

Soon after he finished college, He immediately went to work onboard a ship and much to his surprise he was culturally shocked on what was going on. According to his story there were times, he was being waken up and bed as early as 5 am and being scolded by his superiors saying he was lazy and didn’t do anything. In the end was extremely dissatisfied and left his job - Now feeling burned out , he decided one day to venture out in the land based and see how he fares there. He landed as a fashion designer, On the talk show He was asked why he took up the job as a fashion designer, He simply answered two reasons, One is plain happiness, no matter how high paying the job is , it doesn’t necessary mean that you'd be happy on the job. Second is that he longed for the life of glamour and comfort , Something a life of a Filipino sailor will never be part of.

This is andrew alcantara's facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Designsbyandrewalcantara

TWO ALTERNATE WORLDS

My personal comment on this story is that indeed working onboard a ship Is full of hardship and sacrifices. And that people there are very primitive and short on good manners especially people who originated "down south" .

In working as a sailor the main concern that a person should pay attention is the people whom you are working alongside and not the job itself.  For the working environment all I could say is that the environment there is somewhat similar to a construction maintenance and the tools and equipment being used is very alike, In fact the equipment used here are a hard hat , coverall's , safety shoes with steel toe, cotton and leather gloves, and ear muffs for ear protection.

Contrary to what is generally perceived by the public. A Sailor will never ever get to wear the summer white uniform - as in ever through the course of their practice in their job ( the only exception is if the sailor worked in a passenger cruise line or Wearing it in a license ceremony). A sailor will only get to wear the gear I mentioned earlier, though its still open to modifications as what I did during my previous ship. Last part I could comment is the lifestyle, being a sailor the life style is very different and that the fashion clothes a person wears is very different , I had already posted it on my previous post on how a sailor dress like.

Typical standard school uniforms of a sailor in the philippines

Uniform Overalls used by a Sailor in actual work place

Actual Modified Coverall Uniforms i used during my previous Deck Cadet Years .this is not in anyway the standard company uniform and I only customized and modified the Uniform to suit my needs on the actual shipboard work