MARINA highlights safe, sustainable sea transportation
AGUSAN DEL SUR – Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) Caraga Regional Director Dr. Ninfa D. Martinez who was
represented by their Legal and Franchising Sections Head, Atty.
Sherrylyn A. Famador emphasized the priority agenda on safety and sustainable
sea transportation at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on June 4 at Almont
Hotel, Butuan City.
During the 2nd Episode of Kapihan sa
Bagong Pilipinas, Atty. Famador relayed a message from Dir. Martinez in her
opening statement stated, “MARINA’s
role in ensuring safe and sustainable transport in all sectors in the
Philippines is crucial, as it enforces safety regulations, promotes
sustainability and encourages innovation. MARINA plays a vital part in creating
a transportation system that is reliable, efficient, and environmentally
friendly.”
“It is essential for policymakers and stakeholders in the maritime industry to continue supporting MARINA’s efforts and work together to build a safer and more sustainable transportation system in the future,” she said.
Their background, mandate, policies and transformation were discussed through an audio visual presentation. Accordingly, on June 1, 1974 through Presidential Decree No. 474 MARINA was created, and it is an attached agency of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) that is mandated to integrate the development, promotion and regulation of the maritime industry in the country.
Originally, MARINA was placed under the Office of the President, and it was transferred to the Department of Transportation for policy and program coordination.
MARINA assumed the functions of vessel registration, vessel safety regulation, and issuance of Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) by Executive Order No. 125/125-A (1987) and Republic Act No. 9295 (2004). The agency is also declared the single maritime administration responsible for implementing and enforcing the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended, and international agreements or related covenants.
When asked on the demarcation of the scope support of MARINA in terms of vessels or watercraft from the Philippine Coast Guard, Famador replied, “The MARINA is the sole maritime government agency responsible for licensing, registration, documentation of all vessels within the Philippines and the documentation, registration, and licensing of the seafarers or the manpower on board the vessels.”
“During typhoons or bad weather, the Coast Guard will sent a notice to MARINA regarding any cancellation of trips and on our part we also released a statement or memorandum to all the stakeholders regarding the notice of the cancellation issued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” she underscored.
MARINA is currently working on the construction of the MRO13 building, which is the regional office of Caraga located at the Baybay Parola, Gate 1, Philippine Port Authority (PPA) Compound P. Reyes St., Brgy Taft, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, and their other offices such as the Butuan Extension Office located at the PPA Bldg, Butuan Port Ares, San Francisco Street, Brgy Ignacio, Butuan City, and the Dapa Satellite Office at the PPA Compound Dapa, Surigao del Norte to be serve their clientele.
These offices promise to be a hub of efficiency, serving the maritime community with dedication and precision.
Included in the pipeline to enhance the efficient delivery of their services, MARINA is also organizing a Blockchain-enabled automated certification system led by Dr. Joseph Victor S. Generado, the Maritime Industry Authority Management Information and System Service director and team, and mobile registration and Modified Basic Safety Training (MBST). (KKG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
