GUIDELINES for the application of Special Order (SO) for graduation and the Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) of documents of maritime students and graduates has now been released by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
Marina Advisory 2026-03 provided the guidelines on the application, processing, and issuance of SO and CAV.
In line with its modernization program, Marina requires that all applications for SO and CAV be processed exclusively through its official online systems.
The advisory states that all Maritime Higher Education Institutions (MHEIs) are required to submit applications for Special Orders through the Marina Stakeholder Portal at https://stakeholder.marina.gov.ph using their registered credentials.
MHEIs without an existing account shall submit a Letter of Intent to the STCW Office, through the Information and Communications Technology Management Division, via email at stakeholdersportal@mail.marina.gov.ph, for the creation of a Mismo account.
Meanwhile, all students, cadets, and seafarers applying for CAV are required to register in the Mecav System at https://mecav.marina.gov.ph.
Marina emphasized that the issuance of Special Orders and CAV is free of charge.
The detailed procedures and documentary requirements for the application and verification of SO and CAV, including sample certificates, are provided in the annexes of the Advisory and may be accessed through https://stcw.marina.gov.ph/marina-stcw-advisories/.
This initiative is pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 12021, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, which transferred jurisdiction over maritime education to Marina.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Marina has officially assumed the responsibility of processing and issuing CAV and SO for maritime students and graduates.
CAV was formerly processed and issued by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) but following the full implementation of RA 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, CHED functions were transferred to Marina.
The Magna Carta’s Section 75, Jurisdiction over Maritime Education; Section 76, Shipboard Training; and Section 78, Requirements for Maritime Higher Education, indicates that CHED’s regulatory functions will be transferred to Marina.
