MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at integrating its digital system with international maritime platforms. This initiative involves collaboration with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO), focusing on enhancing the digitalization of seafarer certification processes.
MARINA announced in a recent statement that the project will integrate the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) system with the systems of ICS and LROO. The goal is to modernize the certification process for seafarers, providing a secure system that integrates all seafarer certificates and allows real-time access for stakeholders.
The collaboration was officially sealed with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed during the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping in London. This partnership is expected to align the MISMO system with international standards, thereby reducing administrative burdens and improving compliance and efficiency for seafarers, shipping companies, and port and flag administrations.
As part of the MOU, the three organizations will assess the technical and regulatory needs for a global digital certification system. This includes developing an initial concept for an application programming interface (API) to connect MISMO with the pilot platform.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized during the MOU signing that this project reflects the Philippines’ dedication to meeting global maritime standards and advancing digital transformation within the maritime sector. She highlighted that the pilot project is a crucial step towards creating a global platform that streamlines and enhances the certification process for Filipino seafarers.