Philippines Marina Transforms Seafarer Certification with Fast, Cost-Effective Digital Processing

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has made significant strides in improving the processing of seafarer certificates through digital transformation. This has resulted in reduced processing times, elimination of queues, and a 50 percent reduction in costs. In 2024, Marina received an average of 4,000 applications daily and processed 3,000, marking a major improvement from previous years when applicants had to wait 2-3 months for evaluation schedules and processing.

Since February 15, 2022, Marina has fully transitioned to online application, evaluation, and electronic certificate issuance. The improved system now ensures that regular processing applicants receive evaluations on schedule, complete processing within 5-7 working days, and receive their certificates within a day of payment. Expedited applications are evaluated within an hour and released within two hours of payment, streamlining the entire process for seafarers.

Despite initial challenges with data encoding and adjustment to the digital system, Marina’s digital transformation has made certification faster, more convenient, and cost-efficient. This has not only eased the burden on Filipino seafarers but also enhanced maritime efficiency. The move towards digital processing has improved the overall experience for seafarers and Marina processors alike, making the certification process more efficient and accessible.

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