Full steam ahead: MARINA to offer online services for seafarers, streamlining processes

Full steam ahead: MARINA to offer online services for seafarers, streamlining processes
Jerome Carlo Paunan 13th June 2024 https://www.pia.gov.ph/full-steam-ahead-marina-to-offer-online-services-...

MANILA, (PIA) — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) announced the launch of online services for seafarers and stakeholders starting July 1 this year to streamline processes and applications within the maritime sector.

The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitize government transactions, according to MARINA National Capital Region Director Marc Anthony Pascua.

“All our processes will be online. There will be QR codes from start to finish,” Pascua said during the second episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press conference with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) organized by the Presidential Communication Office and Philippine Information Agency-NCR.

These online services are part of the broader 10-point Maritime Agenda, which also includes the rollout of the MARINA Blockchain-Enabled Automatic Certification System (BEST) Pascua added.

The MARINA BEST is a web application leveraging blockchain technology to enhance online services and facilitate contactless transactions. This platform enables real-time online applications accessible via web or mobile, featuring electronic certificates and licenses.

Clients of MARINA can make online payments, track, and update their transactions, and receive notifications about certificate expirations. The system encompasses a wide range of agency processes, which would benefit primarily the shipyard operators and seafarers, among others.

Moreover, the use of QR codes will allow partner agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Ports Authority, to efficiently verify the authenticity of seafarer documents, combating fraud.

“Our enforcers will scan the QR code to verify if [documents] are registered with us to prevent fraudulent and spurious documents,” Pascua explained.

In his presentation, Pascua also discussed proposals for MARINA’s organizational structure and extension offices for 2025. These advancements aim to strengthen the agency’s capacity to protect the welfare and rights of Filipino seafarers.

“We really need to strengthen our capabilities in ensuring the safety of maritime stakeholders,” Pascua said.

The announcement comes as part of the DOTr’s efforts to address challenges within the public transportation sector. The DOTr also presented its solutions during the event. (JCO/PIA-NCR)