The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is the Philippines’ regulatory body tasked with ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of the nation’s maritime activities. Established in 1974, MARINA has become a clear path in shaping the course of the Philippine maritime industry, overseeing its growth, and accepting partnerships to enhance its global standing. This article guide you into the history of MARINA, its profound influence on the Philippine maritime sector, the significance of partnerships, and a glimpse into its remarkable projects.
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For Filipino seafarers, MARINA serves a critical function. The authority not only establishes and enforces safety and security regulations, but it also administers licensing and certification for sea-men and sea-women. By ensuring adherence to international maritime standards, MARINA helps Filipino seafarers to be globally competitive. Through its various programs and initiatives, MARINA works towards enhancing the welfare of Filipino seafarers, facilitating their professional growth, and providing assistance in times of need.
Overview
MARINA’s origins trace back to Presidential Decree No. 474, signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. on June 1, 1974, which created the agency. This marked a very special moment in the country’s maritime history as MARINA took over the functions of the Board of Transportation’s Maritime Office. The objective was to put into process and consolidate maritime regulatory functions under a single authority, providing a more efficient and focused approach to maritime governance.
Over the years, MARINA has undergone transformations to adapt to the constant change of the maritime industry. Amendments to its enabling laws and the integration of international standards have empowered MARINA to better regulate shipping, shipbuilding, seafaring, and marine resources in the Philippines. The agency has been instrumental in developing policies that align with global best practices, ensuring the country’s maritime sector remains competitive and compliant with international standards.
Maritime in the Philippines
MARINA’s impact on the Philippine maritime industry lies in influencing various aspects of the sector for the better. The agency is a big part in ensuring the safety of maritime transport, issuing certificates of competency to seafarers, and enforcing regulations to prevent accidents at sea. Moreover, MARINA is committed to giving professional development to Filipino seafarers, through enhancing their skills and competencies to meet the demands of the global maritime market.
MARINA’s influence extends beyond safety and competency, encompassing environmental sustainability. The agency regulates the environmental performance of ships, ensuring compliance with international conventions aimed at reducing the maritime industry’s ecological footprint. By enforcing stringent standards, MARINA contributes to the Philippines’ commitment to global environmental goals while safeguarding its rich marine biodiversity.
Logo of MARINA
Partnerships
MARINA recognizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships to achieve its objectives. The agency actively engages with international organizations, other government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the private sector to make coordinated approach to maritime governance.
Internationally, MARINA collaborates with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other maritime bodies to align its policies with global standards. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the adoption of best practices, ensuring that the Philippines remains a responsible and respected player in the international maritime community.
On the domestic front, MARINA collaborates with other government agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Coast Guard, to address the diverse challenges facing the maritime sector. Through these partnerships, MARINA strives to create a comprehensive regulatory framework that promotes efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
MARINA’s Notable Projects
MARINA’s commitment to advancing the Philippine maritime industry is evident through a myriad of projects aimed at enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Some notable projects include:
Electronic Maritime Information System (eMARIS)
An innovative project that leverages technology to streamline maritime processes, eMARIS enhances communication and information-sharing among stakeholders, contributing to more efficient and transparent maritime operations.
Shipyard Standardization Program
In collaboration with the shipbuilding industry, MARINA has implemented a standardization program to improve shipyard facilities, ensuring compliance with international standards. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine shipbuilders in the global market.
Maritime Education and Training Enhancement Program
Recognizing the importance of a skilled maritime workforce, MARINA has initiated programs to enhance the quality of maritime education and training. This includes the development of modern training facilities and the establishment of partnerships with reputable maritime training institutions.
Green Shipping Initiative
In response to the global call for sustainable maritime practices, MARINA has launched a Green Shipping Initiative. This project encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies and practices within the Philippine shipping industry, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental impact.
MARINA with DepEd, TESDA, CHED
MARINA recognizes the importance of collaboration with other government agencies, including the Department of Education (DepEd) and other education agencies in the Philippines. This partnership aims to ensure that maritime education and training programs align with national educational standards and requirements.
Through this collaboration, MARINA works closely with DepEd to develop curriculum guidelines for maritime-related subjects in high schools, as well as to evaluate and accredit maritime schools offering senior high school programs.
Additionally, MARINA works with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to ensure that higher education institutions and training centers also comply with national standards and regulations for maritime education. This collaboration helps to promote a standardized level of quality in the country’s maritime education and training sector. So, MARINA not only works towards the development of the maritime industry, but also takes into consideration the education and skills required for a competent workforce.
MARINA and DOLE
While the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is primarily responsible for the regulation of labor standards, MARINA also works closely with DOLE to ensure that seafarers’ rights and welfare are protected in the maritime industry. This partnership involves the enforcement of international labor conventions so that seafarers are provided with decent working and living conditions, fair wages, and social protection.
MARINA e-Certification System
Through the creation of the MARINA e-Certification System, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has improved its services pertaining to the processing and issue of seafarer certificates in keeping with the ongoing promotion of ease of doing business.
The development of a standard Maritime Education and Training (MET) Program; the granting of operating authorization to MARINA-recognized maritime education and training institutions; the evaluation of prospective seafarers’ competency; and the certification of qualified seafarers in compliance with STCW Convention requirements are all encompassed in the new certification system that MARINA has implemented.
The Authority improved its document management system together with the MARINA e-Certification system, as part of the nation’s adherence to the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) audit.
The European Commission’s final report on the MARINA’s improved IT support system was turned in in October of last year. When the EMSA conducts their final audit in the Philippines in February or March of 2020, they will verify this most recent report as well as the first two reports that were submitted in April and October of last year.
Video: What is MARINA? Maritime Industry Authority (Philippines)
This video will give you some facts about the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines. Currently, the president of the country wants CHED and MARINA to take a strong step in shaping and enhancing the skills of maritime spirants. Pinoy Seafarers can have a huge contribution not just in the welfare of their families, but also in the PH’s economy.
Summary
MARINA’s journey from its inception in 1974 to its current standing as a key player in the Philippine maritime industry is marked by a commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability. Through its regulatory functions, partnerships, and innovative projects, the said agency has significantly influenced the course of maritime governance in the Philippines. As it continues to navigate the tides of change, the dedication to further partnerships, implementing progressive projects, and upholding the highest standards will undoubtedly shape the future of the Philippine maritime industry in the future.