LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – The Philippine delegation, spearheaded by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), highlighted its digitalization initiatives on seafarers’ certification through a presentation of the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) system at the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) on 12 February 2025 at the IMO headquarters.

STCW Office – Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisor (METSS) and Certification Division Chief Madiline Joanna F. Galve presented the benefits of the MISMO system, emphasizing its role in streamlining seafarer certification, enhancing efficiency and transparency, and preventing fraudulent and spurious certificates. The presentation underscored MISMO system’s alignment with MARINA’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of seafarers’ certificates and documents, reinforcing trust and confidence in the competence of the country’s maritime workforce.

Further, Ms. Galve shared in the presentation the MARINA’s plans on implementing systems integration with the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), aiming to foster greater interoperability, streamline international seafarer certification processes, and enhance the mutual recognition of maritime credentials.

The Philippine delegation is composed of MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan, STCW Office Executive Director Samuel L. Batalla, Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to IMO Minister Raffy Hermoso, Philippine Maritime Attaché in London Atty. Sharon L. De Chavez-Aledo, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Executive Director Atty. Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina, other DMW officials, key personnel of the STCW Office, and representatives from the Philippine Association of Maritime Training Centers, Inc (PAMTCI).

By leveraging technology, the MARINA continues to improve service delivery, strengthen regulatory compliance, and contribute to the global shift toward digitalization in the maritime sector. By enhancing supply chain integration and reducing administrative burdens, digitalization underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions for a more connected and efficient future.

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