From three (3) days down to just two (2) hours and 30 minutes—this is the significant improvement recorded by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in the processing and issuance of the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB), according to data from its Manpower Development Service (MDS).
MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan underscored the agency’s commitment to efficiency and digital transformation in maritime services.
“The Maritime Industry Authority, through the Manpower Development Service, has continuously streamlined its processing system for SID and SRB issuance. This initiative has reduced processing time to just about two (2) hours and 30 minutes under normal conditions, a vast improvement from the previous waiting period of three (3) to five (5) days,” Administrator Malaluan stated.
In 2023, waiting time to get appointments ranged from three (3) to four (4) weeks. Last year, substantial reduction ranging from three (3) days to five (5) days has been recorded and currently, seafarers needing SID/SRB can get an appointment as early as the next day, while processing takes only about two (2) to 2.5 hours.
This remarkable efficiency boost is largely attributed to MARINA’s digitalization efforts. The shift from paper-based to digital platforms—through the MARINA Online Appointment System (OAS) and the SID/SRB System—has significantly expedited processing while ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
Beyond speed, this digital transformation has also strengthened administrative operations within the maritime sector. Notably, MARINA has received zero negative feedback from the Civil Service Commission’s Contact Center ng Bayan (CSC-CCB) for 2024, reflecting its commitment to seamless and quality service delivery.