MANILA, Philippines — Officials of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) recently visited the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for benchmarking of best practices in maritime administration particularly on seafarers’ regulation and governance.

The four-day visit held last 07-10 October 2024 has greatly focused on exploring possible areas of collaboration to further strengthen the ties between two maritime nations.

During her statement, MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan flexed the country’s “continuous dedication and commitment to further improve international policies particularly those that concern seafarers.” It should be noted that the MARINA has submitted proposals on addressing gaps between Regulation I/2 and Regulation I/10 which were identified during the review of STCW Convention Code; Digitalization of documentation, including certificates issued under STCW; Addressing seafarers’ issues of violence and harassment; Reduction of the onboard training requirements; and Identified provision to be addressed in Regulation V/3.

The Administrator also expressed that these proposals “would not only benefit the Filipino seafarers but also your seafarers, and all other member states who work hard in securing that all maritime workforce we offer are nothing but the best.”

Further, the Ghana delegation was also briefed on the country’s long-term Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028 (MIDP 2028) which is currently being implemented by PH maritime agencies; as well as the country’s maritime education and training, and certification processes for Filipino seafarers.

As part of the PH visit, the Ghanaian delegation saw the seafarers’ examinations and certification facilities within MARINA, as well as government offices such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Migrant Workers(DMW), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). They also visited the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (AIMS) and the Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training, Inc. (PHILCAMSAT).

The collaboration between two maritime nations marks a significant milestone in MARINA’s efforts to position the Philippines as a global leader in maritime governance, with the GMA expressing readiness to partner in achieving shared goals for the maritime industry’s future.

View photos here