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UN/LOCODE PHMNL · Philippines · IMO-designated crew-change hub
Manila 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.
Nearest major airport for crew changes is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), roughly 10 km from the port. Confirm the exact terminal handover point with the ship's agent — many hubs have multiple terminals with different immigration processes.
Manila is the Philippines' principal port and the world's single largest source country for international merchant seafarers. Shore leave is granted with a seaman's book + shore pass under standard procedure. Welfare provision via Stella Maris Manila + Sailors' Society + multiple Philippine seafarer welfare organisations. Almost every Filipino seafarer passes through Manila for crew change at some point in their career.