The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is gearing up to launch a new online system aimed at enhancing services for Filipino seafarers and other maritime clients. According to Transportation Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Sarmiento, MARINA’s blockchain-enabled automatic certification system (BEST) will facilitate real-time processing and updating of all applications online. This new system will enable MARINA clients to make online payments, monitor and update their transactions, and receive notifications for certificate expiration.
Furthermore, Sarmiento highlighted that the system will also allow the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to verify the authenticity of documents presented to them. In addition, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is advocating for an online ticketing and advance booking system for passenger ships to alleviate queues, particularly during peak travel periods like long weekends and holidays. Sarmiento emphasized the need for this system due to the surge in passenger numbers post-pandemic, citing how manual ticket selling on the day of travel has led to congestion and long queues at ports, especially during holiday seasons.
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