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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Maritime Industry Authority) |
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) celebrated its 50th anniversary last June 1, 2024, reflecting on its role in shaping the Philippines’ maritime landscape. Established in 1974 through Presidential Decree No. 474, MARINA’s primary objective was to consolidate efforts toward integrating, promoting, and regulating the maritime industry. Initially under the Office of the President, MARINA aimed to streamline maritime affairs and foster industry growth. In 1979, with the creation of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), MARINA was attached for policy and program coordination, ensuring alignment within the transportation sector.
Its authority grew in 1985 with Executive Order No. 1011 which transferred the Board of Transportation’s quasi-judicial functions for water transportation. This solidified MARINA’s role in domestic maritime operations, particularly regarding safety standards. Executive Order No. 125 in 1987 further defined MARINA’s responsibilities, solidifying its role not only in promoting and developing the industry but also in ensuring the safe operation of shipping vessels. Today, MARINA remains vital to the Philippines, ensures the smooth running of the local maritime sector, promotes Filipino seafarer welfare, and contributes to economic growth. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista attended the anniversary event, highlighting MARINA’s role in a safe and sustainable maritime sector, saying, “MARINA has led the industry towards a more sustainable, innovative future. We must continue to address the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”
On January 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed MARINA to modernize and standardize its systems to align with international standards. In accordance to the said directive, online services for seafarers and stakeholders are slated to be launched on July 1, 2024 in its efforts of streamlining processes and applications in the maritime sector. During the June 4, 2024 Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas forum, MARINA National Capital Region (NCR) Director Marc Anthony Pascua said that the online services are part of President Marcos’ directive to digitalize government transactions. “All our processes will be online. There will be QR codes from start to finish,” said Pascua. The online services are part of the 10-point Maritime Agenda, which includes the rollout of the MARINA Blockchain-Enabled Automatic Certification System (BEST), according to Pascua.
The QR codes will allow partner agencies in the maritime sector, like the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to easily verify the authenticity of documents, Pascua added. “Our enforcers will scan the QR code to verify if (documents) are registered with us to prevent fraudulent and spurious documents,” he said. Pascua also discussed the proposed MARINA organizational structure and extension offices for 2025, in which he said would strengthen MARINA’s efforts to protect the welfare and rights of Filipino seafarers. "We really need to strengthen our capabilities in ensuring the safety of maritime stakeholders,” said Pascua.
