The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) recently conducted a successful public consultation regarding the proposed Memorandum Circular on the Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS). The move marks a significant leap in the agency’s mission to modernize the country’s domestic shipping industry.
The proposed circular, titled “Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Implementation of the Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS) for Inter-Island Passenger Ships,” aims to formalize and regulate digital booking processes across all domestic inter-island passenger vessels, including ROPAX, fast craft, and other designated ships.
Key shipping operators have expressed strong optimism regarding the transition, citing the need for more systematic and passenger-centric operations.
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Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc.: Representatives described the MARINA program as a “good start,” noting that full digitalization has been a long-held goal aimed at improving overall service quality.
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Island Water Ferries: Dean Guinocor emphasized that the circular will bolster their existing “Book at Ease” initiative, helping the company realize its goal of providing a smoother, more comfortable experience for travelers.
The Shipping Online Ticketing System is designed to solve long-standing challenges in maritime travel through four primary pillars:
| Objective | Impact on Passengers & Operators |
| Digital Transformation | Provides a secure, user-friendly platform for 24/7 booking. |
| Transparency | Prevents overbooking and fraudulent ticket sales. |
| Safety & Monitoring | Enables real-time capacity tracking and digital manifests. |
| Efficiency | Significantly reduces physical queues and wait times at ports. |
A Vision for Modern Maritime Travel
According to Dir. Annabell Lagas of the Domestic Shipping Service (DSS), the policy is a cornerstone of the agency’s modernization agenda. “The proposed policy is an important step to promote digitalization in the maritime transport sector and ensure a more efficient, transparent, and reliable ticketing system for passengers,” said Dir. Lagas.
Once fully implemented, the SOTS is expected to revolutionize the boarding process, ensuring that every passenger has a guaranteed seat before arriving at the pier, while allowing MARINA to maintain a higher standard of safety through digitized data.
