The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) presented its major accomplishments, regulatory reforms, and strategic priorities during its Year-End Press Conference held on 16 December 2025 at the 12th Floor Conference Room, MARINA Central Office in Manila.

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The press conference was headed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Manaluan, together with key MARINA officials, including STCW Executive Director Samuel L. Batala, Director of Enforcement Service Luisito U. DeLos Santos, and Director of the Management, Financial, and Administrative Service Atty. Marivic S. Ramos The briefing was attended by members of the media, journalists, and press covering the maritime sector, providing a platform for transparency and stakeholder engagement

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The press conference was headed by MARINA Administrator Sonia Manaluan, together with key MARINA officials, including STCW Executive Director Samuel L. Batala, Director of Enforcement Service Luisito U. DeLos Santos, and Director of the Management, Financial, and Administrative Service Atty. Marivic S. Ramos The briefing was attended by members of the media, journalists, and press covering the maritime sector, providing a platform for transparency and stakeholder engagement

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MARINA also cited recognitions for good governance and regulatory excellence, including an unmodified audit opinion from the Commission on Audit for CY 2024 and high compliance ratings acknowledged by the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center

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MARINA–CHED Transition and Maritime Education Reforms

A major focus of the press conference was the MARINA–CHED Transition Plan, which detailed the phased realignment of maritime education, training, and certification functions to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to maritime students and institutions. MARINA confirmed that the processing of permits, program recognition, and issuance of Special Orders and Certifications will begin transitioning in January 2026, with full implementation extending into Academic Year 2026–2027.

As part of this reform, MARINA announced the creation of the Office of the Deputy Administrator for Education, Training, and Certification (ODAETC), supported by phased plantilla allocations and an approved funding requirement to strengthen oversight of maritime education and training

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STCW Review and International Submissions

MARINA also presented updates on the Philippines’ active participation in the Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention and Code. The Authority confirmed the submission of nine (9) Philippine papers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), addressing identified competency gaps, simulator use for sea service requirements, leadership and teamworking skills, emerging technologies, alternative fuels, and clarification of certification and seagoing service provisions. Several of these papers have already been posted in IMODocs and co-sponsored by other IMO Member States

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Implementation of Updated BT-PSSR

The briefing further covered the issuance of certification for the Updating of Basic Training – Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (BT-PSSR) and Revised Basic Training. MARINA confirmed that compliance will be mandatory starting 01 January 2026, with accredited instructors and Maritime Training Institutions approved to deliver the updated courses in line with international standards

PHOTO COURTESY: MARINA

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Fees, Charges, and Intensified Compliance Inspection

MARINA discussed the proposed Memorandum Circular on Fees and Charges, aimed at establishing a unified and transparent fee schedule across MARINA services following extensive technical reviews and public consultations conducted from 2024 to 2025.

The Authority also reported on the results of its Intensified Compliance Inspection (ICI) program, which involved nationwide, random, and unannounced inspections of passenger ships and landing craft tanks (LCTs). The inspections strengthened regulatory enforcement, identified compliance gaps, and required corrective actions to ensure adherence to maritime safety standards

PHOTO COURTESY: MARINA

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IMO Council Re-Election and Maritime Safety Initiatives

MARINA reaffirmed the Philippines’ re-election to the IMO Council under Category C for the 2026–2027 biennium, underscoring the country’s sustained role in advancing maritime safety, environmental protection, digitalization, and seafarer welfare at the international level

The briefing also included updates on Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025, outlining MARINA’s heightened safety inspections, passenger assistance mechanisms, and enforcement measures to ensure safe, secure, and efficient maritime travel during the holiday season

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Concluding the press conference, MARINA reiterated its commitment to good governance, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, emphasizing that the reforms and initiatives presented during the briefing serve as a foundation for a safer, more resilient, and globally competitive Philippine maritime industry moving into 2026.