NL
ENMaritime ashore
Filipino marine technicians for shipyard, service and maintenance
The Philippines supplies more seafarers than any other country, and Dutch and Belgian shipping and dredging companies have sailed with Filipino crews for decades. That same background is available for work ashore: marine electricians, marine automation technicians, engine technicians and shipbuilding welders trained to international standards and used to working on vessels and in yards. SkillShift recruits these profiles for shipyards, marine electrical companies, engine dealers and service companies in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Why the Philippines for this sector?
Largest supplier of seafarers
Filipino seafarers work on vessels of shipping companies around the world, including under the Dutch and Belgian flags. Marine engineering is an established trade in the Philippines with its own training programmes.
STCW and international standards
Many candidates hold STCW certificates and have experience with class requirements, safety procedures and English-language technical documentation.
Shipyard and dry dock experience
Some candidates have worked at shipyards or in repair docks in Asia or the Middle East, on newbuild, repair and refit projects.
From sea to shore
Seafarers with experience as ETO, motorman or electrician often deliberately choose a permanent job ashore. They are motivated candidates with hands-on knowledge of the systems they will be working on.
Job profiles
- Marine electrician
- Marine automation technician / ETO
- Marine engine service technician
- Shipbuilding welder
- Shipbuilding pipefitter
- Service engineer marine systems
- Maintenance technician ship installations
Training and certification
Candidates generally have a maritime or electrical engineering background, complemented by STCW certificates and hands-on experience on board or in a yard. Foreign certificates do not automatically replace Dutch, Belgian or client-specific requirements; where needed, SkillShift arranges additional certification or a practical test.
What we assess
- Systems worked on (propulsion, generators, automation, navigation)
- Troubleshooting and commissioning
- Reading electrical and mechanical drawings
- STCW and other certificates
- Shipyard experience (newbuild, repair, refit)
- Safety awareness
- Recent hands-on experience
- English in a technical context
Practical test and technical screening
On request, SkillShift has shortlisted candidates tested in practice in the Philippines, for example on welding process and position or on electrical troubleshooting. The setup is agreed with you in advance.
How SkillShift supports
- Feasibility assessment
- Recruitment and sourcing
- Technical screening and practical test where useful
- Interviews
- Documentation and certificate checks
- Permits
- DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements
- Relocation
- Housing & relocation
- Onboarding
- Aftercare
Which parts SkillShift carries out depends on the agreed scope of service.
Housing
Shipyards and marine service companies are often located outside the major cities. For housing, we therefore look at the distance to the yard or work location and the expected duration of the assignment. For staffing or secondment placements through SkillShift, housing is arranged as standard; for direct hires, we can develop a housing plan together with the employer.
Hands-on selection
Technical screening before you speak to anyone
SkillShift screens technical candidates in the Philippines on actual hands-on experience: which systems, which processes, which certificates, and how recent. Where useful we arrange a practical test, for example at specialised welding test centres. You receive a short, substantiated shortlist, not a pile of CVs.
Netherlands and Belgium
Working in the Netherlands or Belgium
The available route depends on the country, the role and the applicable permit framework. SkillShift assesses each vacancy individually.
Netherlands
Which work permit applies depends on the role, the level of education and the employment conditions, for example a single permit (GVVA) or the highly skilled migrant scheme. SkillShift assesses per vacancy which route is feasible and guides the application.
Belgium
For marine roles ashore in Belgium, the applicable permit route and any additional certification are assessed per vacancy. SkillShift assesses this before recruitment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do Filipino marine technicians have experience with European vessels and systems?
This varies per candidate. Many seafarers have sailed on vessels of European shipping companies. SkillShift assesses per candidate which systems and brands they have worked with.
Can seafarers work ashore?
Yes. Work ashore in the Netherlands or Belgium requires a regular work and residence permit, in Belgium the single permit, not a seaman's book. SkillShift assesses which route fits.
Does SkillShift also recruit seagoing crew?
No. SkillShift focuses on roles ashore: shipyards, service, maintenance and marine electrical work.
Can we employ the technician ourselves?
Yes. You choose: direct employment with your organisation, or through SkillShift as the employer. For each option we assess which work permit fits and what it requires.
We are a staffing or secondment provider. Can SkillShift support us too?
Yes, in most cases we can. A staffing or secondment structure is usually more complex than direct employment because the employment relationship, client agreements, immigration route and Philippine DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements must fit together correctly. SkillShift assesses the proposed structure in advance and can help set up and coordinate the process where it is legally and practically feasible.
Related sectors
- NEN 4400-1 certified
- IND recognised sponsor and registered for Single Permits in Belgium
- Licensed DMW partner in the Philippines
- Offices in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Manila, Philippines
Discuss a vacancy
Looking for this type of professional?
SkillShift assesses the vacancy, sector-specific requirements and the applicable route before recruitment starts.