The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through its Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Office, has been honored with a Special Citation by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for its groundbreaking digital initiative: “Online Application for Issuance, Revalidation of STCW Certificates of Competency and Proficiency (COC and COP).”
The prestigious recognition was conferred under the 2025 Productivity Challenge, specifically the Paper-less – 1 Million Sheets Saved campaign, a program spearheaded by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Center of Excellence on Public-Sector Productivity (COE-PSP). The campaign champions government institutions that implement sustainable, paperless solutions to enhance operational efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and drive innovation in public service.
MARINA’s award-winning initiative marks the successful transition from a manual, paper-based certification process to the fully digital MARINA Integrated Seafarers’ Management Online (MISMO) System. Initially deployed in 2019 and expanded to include digital certificates in 2022, the system has fundamentally streamlined applications for over 800,000 Filipino seafarers.
A key milestone was the implementation of the Zero-Contact Policy in 2023, which completed the shift to a fully online process. Seafarers can now apply, pay, and receive their certificates without the need to visit any MARINA office.
“This digital innovation has not only dramatically cut down on paper consumption and reduced operating costs but has also significantly strengthened the integrity of STCW certificates by eliminating the risk of document fraud,” said a MARINA representative.
The MISMO System delivers improved service efficiency, provides seafarers with real-time application updates, and reinforces MARINA’s commitment to excellent public service.
The Special Citation was officially presented during the DAP’s event, “Powering Productivity: Unlocking Ideas, Enabling Innovation,” held on November 11, 2025.
Receiving the award on behalf of MARINA were:
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Mr. Samuel L. Batalla, Executive Director of the MARINA STCW Office.
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Ms. Madiline Joanna F. Galve, Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisors (METSS) and Certification Division Chief.
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Mr. Harold Tarun, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Executive Director.
This recognition from the DAP is a strong testament to MARINA’s dedication to digital transformation, continuous improvement in maritime governance, and public service excellence. It aligns with the government’s overarching thrust toward efficiency, transparency, and sustainability, ultimately empowering Filipino seafarers to navigate a more efficient and sustainable future.
