THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on May 19, 2026, to establish a unified digital monitoring system for cadet onboard training.
Signed by PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan and Marina Deputy Administrator Nenita Atienza, the partnership monitors student records, coordinates oversight, and tracks compliance with maritime education standards.
The agreement replaces paper records with a digital framework to address irregular training practices. This digital process provides a verification system to confirm that logged sea service matches required training benchmarks.
Under the operational framework, Marina will maintain a database of authorized training ships. The PCG will use this data during inspections to verify that ships follow cadet training schedules and that student duties align with training objectives. Inspectors will also verify that a designated Shipboard Training Officer (STO) is present among the regular crew.
This digital system supports the national digitalization agenda and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The system also helps the Philippines maintain compliance with the STCW Convention. This compliance is required to maintain the country's position on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Whitelist, which recognizes the credentials of Filipino officers.
The electronic system also processes administrative documentation for new seafarers. Previously, validating paper Sea Service Certificates required manual verification and was subject to processing delays. The PCG-operated digital system logs vessel and training data directly, allowing verification and processing of certificates needed for professional licensing.