Marina starts giving online certificates for seafarers

Marina starts giving online certificates for seafarers
Lorenz S. Marasigan February 14, 2022 https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/02/14/marina-starts-giving-online-cer...

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) will start the online issuance of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates today, Tuesday.

Marina Administrator Robert A. Empedrad said this initiative is part of the agency’s digital transformation efforts, allowing for more efficient and convenient processes for Filipino seafarers.

Making the issuance of STCW certificates available online will spare seafarers from having to claim physically at the Marina their STCW certificates, Empedrad said.

Historically, seafarers getting their Certificates of Proficiency (COPs) and Certificates of Competency (COCs) had to physically request for these documents.

The COPs and COCs are also equipped with QR codes that can be verified online via the Marina verification portal.

Through the Marina Integrated Seafarers Management Online (Mismo) System, seafarers may now request for COPs and COCs and pay for them online.

These certificates can be printed and do not need the affixation of a dry seal.

Aside from democratizing access to COPs and COCs, the Marina is also mulling over the reduction of the costs of “up to 50 percent…to mitigate the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the onslaught of recent calamities that devastated parts of the Visayas and Mindanao Regions.”

“This proposal will be submitted to the Marina Board for its consideration during its next meeting this February,” a Marina advisory read.