The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a landmark agreement to strengthen oversight of cadet onboard training through a unified digital monitoring system designed to protect maritime students from exploitation and ensure legitimate shipboard training experience.
The agreement, signed on on May 19, 2026, establishes a unified framework for sharing cadet training records through the PCG’s Cadet Onboard Training Monitoring System. This aims to streamline oversight of onboard training, ensure compliance with maritime standards, and protect cadets from exploitation and irregular training practices.
The MOA was signed by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan and MARINA Deputy Administrator for Planning Nenita S. Atienza, representing MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan.
In her message, Atienza said the partnership supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s digitalization agenda, strengthens implementation of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and helps maintain the country’s compliance with the STCW Convention and its standing on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Whitelist.
Gavan meanwhile emphasized that improving the quality and integrity of maritime education is critical to sustaining the Philippines’ position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of seafarers. He said the digital monitoring system would help eliminate irregularities in onboard training and ensure that cadets receive legitimate shipboard experience.
Database
Under the agreement, MARINA will develop and maintain a verified database of accredited training vessels, while the PCG will use its inspection and enforcement functions to validate the actual presence and number of cadets onboard ships.
Coast Guard personnel will also check whether vessels maintain active training schedules and ensure cadets are assigned tasks directly related to their training objectives.
The PCG will likewise operate an electronic monitoring system to record vessel and cadet training data, allowing faster validation and processing of cadet Sea Service Certificates.
