The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has officially marked a new era in maritime education oversight by issuing its first Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) documents. This achievement, facilitated through Regional Offices I and II, follows the formal transfer of functions from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to MARINA as mandated by Republic Act No. 12021, also known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The successful issuance signifies the full implementation of MARINA Advisory No. 2026-03, which outlines the new guidelines for Special Orders (SO) and CAVs. By assuming full jurisdiction over these processes, MARINA is centralizing the transition of maritime education oversight to ensure a more cohesive and specialized approach to seafarer qualification.
In line with MARINA’s modernization and digitalization program, the process has been transitioned to a fully online environment:
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The MeCAV System: All applicants are now required to register and apply via the official digital platform to ensure transparency and document integrity.
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Efficiency & Security: Digital processing eliminates traditional bottlenecks, providing a more secure and verifiable trail for educational credentials.
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Cost-Free Service: To promote accessibility, these initial issuances were carried out free of charge, reflecting MARINA’s commitment to supporting the Filipino seafaring community.
“The successful issuance by our regional offices demonstrates MARINA’s operational readiness and our commitment to bringing services closer to our seafarers through effective decentralization,” the MARINA stated.
Under the new advisory, all applications for SO and CAV will be handled exclusively through MARINA’s online systems. This shift reinforces standardized procedures across the Philippines, strengthening the global standing of Filipino maritime professionals by ensuring their credentials are authenticated through a rigorous, specialized system.
