LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM –The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO) to launch a pilot project exploring a system interface with MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) System.

Signed during the Philippine-hosted cocktail reception at the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) on 12 February 2025, the MOU underscored MARINA’s commitment, together with the ICS and LROO, to modernize seafarer certification processes in alignment with international standards, aiming to reduce administrative burdens while enhancing compliance and efficiency for seafarers, shipping companies, Port State Control, and flag Administrations.

Through this collaboration, MARINA, ICS, and LROO would explore the feasibility of a secure system integrating all seafarer certificates, allowing real-time access for key stakeholders and empowering seafarers with greater control over their data.

Under the MOU, MARINA, ICS, and LROO would evaluate the technical and regulatory requirements for a global digital certification system, including an initial API integration concept linking MARINA’s Integrated Seafarers Management Online System (MISMO) to the pilot platform.

MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to adopting digital innovations that streamline and secure seafarer certification. “The pilot project marks a significant step in providing a global platform for a streamlined and seamless certification process for the Filipino seafarers. This collaboration reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to aligning with global maritime standards and moving towards digital transformation in the maritime industry.”

Administrator Malaluan, along with ICS Secretary General Guy Platten and LROO Co-CEO & CPTO Nicholas Goubert, signed the agreement.

Through the said project, the MARINA, with the help of maritime stakeholders, remains steadfast in its mission to modernize seafarer documentation, ensuring that Filipino seafarers continue to be globally competitive in an increasingly digital maritime landscape.

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