Philippine Navy Recruitment 2026: NOCC and SBC Qualifications, AFPSAT and How to Apply

Last updated: October 30, 2026

Do you want to serve our country as part of the Philippine Navy? The Philippine Navy, also known as Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, is the naval warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The Navy accepts applicants for two main programs: the Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC) for future officers and the Sailor Basic Course (SBC) for enlisted sailors. Here are the qualifications, requirements and how to apply.

Apply through PNATS

The Philippine Navy now uses an online system called the Philippine Navy Applicant Tracking System (PNATS). Here is how it works, based on the PNATS FAQs:

1. Create an account and verify it using the email OTP and SMS OTP.
2. Fill in your personal details and address. Your civil status must be Single.
3. Enter your education details.
4. Upload your prerequisite documents, including your AFPSAT Individual Record Form (IRF).
5. Wait for AFPSAT verification. After you submit, your application goes to the next recruitment steps and you may get instructions for the Special Written Exam (SWE) and neuro-psychiatric exam.

PNATS accepts applicants aged 18 to 28 at the time of registration, but each program has its own age limit (see below).

AFPSAT

The AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) is the qualifying exam, and the IRF is the official proof of your result. You may still need to submit the original IRF to the recruitment office.

Navy AFPSAT dates change from time to time. Watch for announcements and read our AFPSAT exam schedule and requirements guide. You can also review with our AFPSAT reviewer.

Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC) qualifications

• Natural-born Filipino citizen
• Bachelor’s degree holder (technical courses preferred)
• At least 20 years old but not a day older than 26 on the date of application, and not a day older than 27 upon appointment as Probationary Ensign / Probationary 2LT
• At least 5’0″ (152.4 cm) tall
• Single, never been married, never borne or sired a child
• Of good moral character
• Physically and mentally fit for training

Requirements

• Diploma
• Transcript of Records
• PSA birth certificate

Sailor Basic Course (SBC) qualifications

• Natural-born Filipino citizen
• Completed K-12, or at least 72 college units, or a TESDA technical course with National Certificate (NC II)
• At least 18 years old but not a day older than 25 years and 5 months upon appointment as Candidate Sailor/Soldier
• At least 5’0″ (152.4 cm) tall
• Single, never been married, never borne or sired a child
• Of good moral character
• Physically and mentally fit for training

Requirements

• Diploma
• Transcript of Records
• TESDA NC II (if any)
• PSA birth certificate

Age limits can be adjusted by the Navy for each recruitment cycle, so always double-check the latest announcement before you apply.

Salary in 2026

The Navy follows the base pay schedule for military and uniformed personnel. Under Executive Order No. 107 (s. 2025), the 2026 monthly base pay is:

• Candidate Soldier/Sailor: ₱19,516
• Apprentice Seaman: ₱31,151
• Probationary Ensign: ₱40,284
• Ensign: ₱46,020

Allowances are added on top of base pay, such as subsistence allowance of ₱350 per day starting January 1, 2026. See our Philippine Navy ranks and salary post for more.

Benefits

• Serve the country as a sailor or Marine
• Study abroad with pay and allowances
• Free postgraduate studies in top Philippine universities
• Travel abroad and work with foreign navies
• Foreign postings such as military attaché and military observer

Related posts

• Philippine Navy hiring qualifications and requirements
• How to be a Navy nurse
• Philippine Marines recruitment and qualifications
• Base pay schedule of military and uniformed personnel
• Latest government job openings

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any government agency. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the content nor ensure that all details are current. For any concerns, you can contact us anytime.

For Job Postings: We are not a government entity, and the job listings on this site are presented solely to assist individuals in their job search efforts or the job posting on this website. Users can verify the details of any job listing directly with the respective government agency.