THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has mandated an online ticketing system for domestic ship operators to eliminate long-standing inefficiencies and safety gaps in sea travel.
Marina has issued Memorandum Circular DS 2026-01, requiring all domestic inter-island passenger ship operators to implement the Shipping Online Ticketing System (SOTS), also known as the Ships E-ticketing Application System (SEAS). The policy applies to Ropax and fast crafts, while exempting motorbancas and non-commercial vessels.
The system digitizes booking and manifest procedures to prevent overbooking and ticket scalping. It features real-time capacity monitoring and automated Electronic Passenger Manifests for emergency response. Per the mandate, the system must automatically apply statutory discounts for senior citizens, students and PWDs, and comply with international web accessibility standards.
Implementation begins with pilot testing in the second quarter of 2026, followed by a third-quarter rollout. Operators are required to maintain assisted booking offices for passengers without internet access. Compliance incentives include a 100 percent discount on the Annual Tonnage Fee for up to three years.
“With SEAS, every Filipino passenger can finally travel with peace of mind. No more scalpers, no more long lines, and automatic passenger manifests mean faster response in emergencies — making sea travel safer, fairer, and more convenient for everyone,” said Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan.
