The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) hosted a delegation from the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) at the MARINA Central Office, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation on key maritime governance issues.
The high-level discussions centered on modernization and best practices in maritime administration, with a particular emphasis on the Philippines’ pioneering efforts in digitalizing seafarer certification.
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan presented the agency’s successful digital transformation of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) process. Administrator Malaluan detailed the system’s evolution from a web-based application platform in 2019 to the full issuance of digital certificates in 2022. This landmark achievement has significantly curtailed the proliferation of fraudulent documents and provided Filipino seafarers with the convenience of applying for their STCW certificates online from anywhere in the world.
“Our meeting with the Ghana Maritime Authority underscores a shared, global commitment to excellence in maritime governance,” said Administrator Malaluan. “By exchanging best practices, particularly in digital certification, we strengthen our collective ability to protect our seafarers, enhance the quality of our maritime professionals, and contribute to a safer, more competitive global industry.”
The Ghanaian delegation also received a comprehensive overview of the country’s maritime education and training (MET) system, including the expanded mandates given to MARINA under the recently enacted Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The visit included a guided tour of the MARINA-STCW Office’s Examination and Assessment Division and Certification Division, where GMA representatives were briefed on the rigorous processes for developing test questions, assessing seafarers’ competence, and issuing official STCW documents.
The exchange reaffirms the joint dedication of both maritime nations to enhancing maritime education, training, and certification systems, promoting seafarer welfare, and strengthening cooperation toward developing globally competitive maritime professionals.
