Cebu
UN/LOCODE PHCEB · Philippines · IMO-designated crew-change hub
Why this port is a crew-change hub
Cebu is one of 115 ports named in IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1636 as a designated crew-change hub. Ports made the list on the basis of accessible international airports, established agent networks, welfare-centre infrastructure, and — during the pandemic — visa-facilitation frameworks that allowed sign-on and sign-off crew to transit without lengthy quarantine. That combination continues to make these ports the practical corridors most seafarers move through today.
Airport and transit
Nearest major airport for crew changes is Mactan Cebu International Airport (CEB), roughly 24 km from the port. Confirm the exact terminal handover point with the ship's agent — many hubs have multiple terminals with different immigration processes.
Shore leave and practical briefing
Cebu is the Philippines' second-largest port and home to a major share of Filipino seafarer recruitment (Cebu School of Maritime and several maritime academies feed the international fleet). Shore leave follows the same Filipino procedure as Manila. Welfare provision via Stella Maris Cebu + Mission to Seafarers Cebu + the strong Cebu chaplaincy network.