THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) continues to strengthen maritime safety by making its services more accessible to operators of local passenger liners and wooden and recreational boats in Boracay and nearby areas through its Mobile Licensing Initiative.
Since empowering its regional offices in 2013 to carry out on-site reviews and inspections, Marina has sustained the program, with compliant vessels now completing inspection and licensing in less than three days. Vessels found noncompliant are given guidance and up to one month to address deficiencies before reapplying.
Local operators have cited improved efficiency and reduced costs. In a recent mobile licensing drive by Marina Region 6 in Boracay on March 25, Christine Joy Amfony, administrative aide of Boracay Island Hopping Adventure Multi-Purpose Cooperative, said the process has become shorter and easier — from safety checks to manning and load marking. If documents are complete, she said, processing can be finished within a day, adding that requirements have also become more specific and affordable. Jose Paulo Moreno, manager of Horizon Tours, shared a similar view, describing the process as cost-effective and significantly easier.
Through the initiative, Marina has enhanced public safety while easing the burden on operators in the tourist hotspot — enabling quicker inspections, timely guidance, and streamlined compliance without requiring visits to central offices.
