Marina hastens digitalization to ease transaction with stakeholders

Marina hastens digitalization to ease transaction with stakeholders
By Carmela I. Huelar June 9, 2021 https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/09/business/maritime/marina-hastens-...

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has somehow hastened the move of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) towards digitalization and the shift to online technology.

Marina Shipyard Regulations Service (SRS) Director Engr. Ramon Hernandez, who guested in the recent episode of the online show, Marino Filipino TV, disclosed that the Flag Administration had recently started conducting remote ship inspections and surveys.

"(Due to the pandemic), it is difficult for us to do physically the inspections and surveys of the vessels onboard. So we conducted remote surveys and inspections to ease the burden off some companies," Hernadez said.

He added that Marina was able to develop an online application system for shipping companies and ship repair entities.

"They don't need to go to Marina anymore to help ease doing business and make our stakeholders comfortable. They can now apply for certificates online."

Hernandez said there are three phases of digitalization in domestic shipping, "from registration, which include from the time of acquisition from local shipyards or importation of the vessel, up to the tonnage (of the vessels)."

Last March, Marina commenced with the first phase of the Integrated Domestic Shipping Information System (IDSIS), the online system for domestic shipping.

Marina Administrator Robert Empedrad described IDSIS as a breakthrough for stakeholders in the domestic shipping industry since they can file and pay their corresponding applications online and receive their processed documents online in the form of QR-coded e-certificates, which can be easily verifiable online.

The IDSIS is a web-based application system that will automate the processing of the different applications filed with MARINA related to domestic shipping activities covering the following:

Accreditation of Maritime Enterprises/Entities;
Vessel Name Clearance;
Authority to Acquire Ship;
Tonnage Measurement Certificate;
Vessel Plans Approval;
Certificate of Ownership (CO) / Certificate of Philippine Registry (CPR) Certificate;
Coastwise License (CWL)/Bay and River License (BRL)/Pleasure Yacht License (PYL);
Registration of Recreational Boats.

The system underwent pilot testing at its regional offices at the National Capital Region (NCR), Regional Office 1 & 2 in San Fernando City, La Union, and Regional Office No 4 in Batangas City.

It was implemented at its regional offices in the Visayas and Mindanao regions last April and May.

"The second phase (of digitalization) is on what we're doing at the SRS office like the issuance of Loadline and Stability certificates," said Engr. Hernandez, who also serves in a concurrent capacity as director of the Maritime Safety Service (MSS).

"Aside from that, we also have digitalization for technical offices. We're using now computer software for naval architecture like in the approval of ships' plans and stability. We're using naval architecture software to ease the process in the approval of plans."

The third phase is in Overseas Shipping Service (OSS); the registration of Philippine overseas vessels.

"Eventually, these three will be merged or integrated into one system, which will also include online payment, so the proponent will no longer go to Marina to pay for the charges."

"Hopefully this year we will be able to fully implement the digitalization for the online applications," the SRS/MSS director said.