Marina finalizes shipping laws and safety reforms

Marina finalizes shipping laws and safety reforms
Genivi Verdejo and Yashika F. Torib January 7, 2026 https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/01/07/business/maritime/marina-finalize...

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) concluded 2025 with a dual focus on empowering the Filipino maritime workforce and modernizing the domestic fleet. Under the leadership of Administrator Sonia Malaluan, the agency balanced the enforcement of global compliance standards with legislative reforms designed to stimulate local industrial growth.

Malaluan highlighted that the agency’s work in 2025 was defined by its impact on human lives, emphasizing that their performance metrics represent “livelihoods protected, journeys made possible, and people that arrive home safely.”

This commitment to the workforce was evident in the sheer volume of credentials processed to ensure job stability. Marina issued a total of 583,642 STCW certificates throughout the year, confirming the continued preference of international employers for Filipino talent. These included 520,750 Certificates of Proficiency, 39,397 Certificates of Competency, and 23,486 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System certificates. Additionally, over 64,000 Seafarers’ Identification Documents were processed, alongside more than 9,000 licenses for domestic seafarers.

To secure long-term employment opportunities abroad, Marina successfully established Memoranda of Understanding with Sweden, Belgium, and Latvia. These agreements guarantee the mutual recognition of STCW certificates, ensuring that Filipino officers and ratings meet the technical requirements of major European flag states.

Domestically, the agency also broke new ground in career advancement by launching the Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Framework. Mandated by the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, this system creates a credit-transfer pathway that allows mariners to convert accumulated sea service and vocational certifications into formal academic degrees.

Modernizing domestic shipping

Parallel to its workforce initiatives, Marina aggressively pursued the modernization of the local maritime industry. The domestic fleet saw significant expansion in 2025, with the registry adding 314 imported ships and 125 locally built vessels. To support efficient trade, the agency issued 761 new Certificates of Public Convenience.

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) concluded 2025 with a dual focus on empowering the Filipino maritime workforce and modernizing the domestic fleet. Under the leadership of Administrator Sonia Malaluan, the agency balanced the enforcement of global compliance standards with legislative reforms designed to stimulate local industrial growth.

Marina finalizes shipping laws

Malaluan highlighted that the agency’s work in 2025 was defined by its impact on human lives, emphasizing that their performance metrics represent “livelihoods protected, journeys made possible, and people that arrive home safely.”

This commitment to the workforce was evident in the sheer volume of credentials processed to ensure job stability. Marina issued a total of 583,642 STCW certificates throughout the year, confirming the continued preference of international employers for Filipino talent. These included 520,750 Certificates of Proficiency, 39,397 Certificates of Competency, and 23,486 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System certificates. Additionally, over 64,000 Seafarers’ Identification Documents were processed, alongside more than 9,000 licenses for domestic seafarers.

By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

To secure long-term employment opportunities abroad, Marina successfully established Memoranda of Understanding with Sweden, Belgium, and Latvia. These agreements guarantee the mutual recognition of STCW certificates, ensuring that Filipino officers and ratings meet the technical requirements of major European flag states.

Domestically, the agency also broke new ground in career advancement by launching the Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Framework. Mandated by the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, this system creates a credit-transfer pathway that allows mariners to convert accumulated sea service and vocational certifications into formal academic degrees.

Modernizing domestic shipping

Parallel to its workforce initiatives, Marina aggressively pursued the modernization of the local maritime industry. The domestic fleet saw significant expansion in 2025, with the registry adding 314 imported ships and 125 locally built vessels. To support efficient trade, the agency issued 761 new Certificates of Public Convenience.

Administrator Malaluan pointed to the finalization of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill and the Philippine Ship Registry Bill as critical milestones for the sector. These legislative frameworks are set to introduce fiscal incentives — such as VAT exemptions on imported raw materials and income tax holidays — aimed at transitioning the Philippines from a labor provider into a regional maritime manufacturing hub.

Safety and environmental sustainability were also central to the domestic agenda. Marina issued eight key policies to reduce maritime casualties, including stricter vessel stability standards and mandatory seafarer insurance. On the environmental front, the agency deployed the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (Medians). This digital tool tracks vessel fuel consumption and carbon emissions in real-time, establishing a data baseline for the country’s maritime decarbonization strategy.

“In 2025, Marina navigated the waves of change with purpose and heart,” Malaluan said.

“Through policy reforms, maritime safety campaigns, and maritime workforce empowerment, we sailed alongside every Filipino seafarer, guiding them toward safer and brighter journeys.”