Marina upbeat on PHL maritime road map; Marina submits maritime roadmap to IMO

Marina upbeat on PHL maritime road map
Lorenz S. Marasigan -November 26, 2018 https://businessmirror.com.ph/marina-upbeat-on-phl-maritime-road-map/

THE chief of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has presented its decadelong industry development program to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the specialized agency of the United Nations that regulates shipping worldwide.

In a statement, Marina said it “remained optimistic” even after the presentation of the maritime industry development program, a road map that guides the Philippines to achieving its goal of “becoming a nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime nation,” to the IMO during a council meeting in London.

During the meeting with IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, Marina Office in Charge Narciso Vingson Jr. presented the major programs under the 10-year industry development program, including the development of an international maritime hub and the development of coastal and inland twaterway transport system.

He also highlighted the Philippine maritime safety enhancement initiative and the establishment of the Maritime Information Management and Technology Center.

In the same statement, Marina reported that Lim “commended” the Philippine regulatory body in coming up with the development program and “expressed optimism on the future of the Philippine maritime industry.”

Vingson, likewise, met with European Commission (EC) representatives to update them on the country’s “continuing compliance with the noted areas of improvement in the assessment report of the EC relating to the country’s implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers 1978, as amended.”

The Philippines is home to over 800,000 seafarers, roughly half of whom are deployed overseas. They transmit about $5.8 billion in remittances annually.

Marina submits maritime roadmap to IMO
GENIVI FACTAO November 27, 2018 https://www.manilatimes.net/marina-submits-maritime-roadmap-to-imo/473886/

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has presented its maritime development roadmap to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aimed at becoming a globally competitive maritime nation.

Marina Officer-in-Charge Narciso Vingson Jr. highlighted the major programs under the maritime industry development program (MIDP), particularly the development of an international maritime hub; development of coastal and inland waterway transport system; Philippine maritime safety enhancement; and establishment of maritime information management and technology center.

The 10-year MIDP was presented to IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim during the IMO Council meeting in London last November 23.

Lim expressed optimism on the future of the Philippine maritime industry and commended Marina for its efforts to arrive with an MIDP.

Marina is mandated to formulate this MIDP pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 474, series of 1974.

Meanwhile, Vingson met the representatives of the European Commission (EC) to provide updates on the implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers 1978, as amended.

Marina has revised seven of its old Circulars to harmonize these with the STCW Convention, cascading its implementation with the raising of standards for certifications.

Marina‘s training standards were upgraded with the approval of the refresher course in advanced firefighting, the four mandatory training courses on passenger ships and the electro-technical officer’s course.

Marina has developed its comprehensive internal processes according to its quality management system that gave rise to a necessary information technology support system to evaluate and monitor maritime education and training institutions.

A joint memorandum was issued by Marina and the Commission on Higher Education making Marina (through STCW organization) as the lead evaluator in effectively monitoring maritime education programs. Marina has judiciously monitored the Maritime higher education institutions.

Marina has expressed its appreciation to top Filipino seafarer-employing nations for their support to the Philippines in producing world-class and competent seafarers.