THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) are establishing web-based e-navigation and digital manifest systems to modernize Philippine maritime traffic and passenger safety.
Marina and the IMO convened the Smart-C Traffic Project workshop in Manila from March 9-11, 2026. The project establishes a web-based e-navigation service in pilot test beds to enhance traffic management. Integrating data from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria), the framework aligns with international standards to reduce maritime accidents.
Engr. Ramon Hernandez, Overseas Shipping Service Director at Marina, said these services modernize operations and support efficient shipping. For operators, digital navigation improves vessel monitoring and sustainability. This shift replaces manual processes with a unified digital ecosystem for navigational safety.
Marina is also deploying “tap-and-go” and QR-based digital manifest systems. Following the Iloilo-Guimaras pilot, Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan designated these systems as the national standard. Electronic scans replace manual logs, ensuring vessels adhere to passenger capacity limits and improving accountability.
The digital manifest system currently operates at Parola Wharf, Jordan, and Buenavista ports. Operators use these platforms to automate records and ticket issuance. Automation reduces boarding times and streamlines port clearance for short-distance routes.
Marina is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to expand these systems to additional shipping lines, focusing on river and short-distance routes. To support smaller operators, Marina offers flexible options that function in areas with limited internet connectivity. These initiatives improve traffic monitoring and operational efficiency.
