Seafarer certification, assessment now available at MARINA 6

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=899105
• Tuesday, June 28, 2016

(PNA), PGL/CBFERRER/CBF

ILOILO CITY (PNA) -- Seafarers no longer have to travel to Manila to secure certifications and assessments as these services are now available at the regional office of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Western Visayas.

MARINA-6 Senior maritime industry development specialist Juliet Nacion said that the services have been cascaded at the regional office here, which was chosen as one of the three pilot areas to perform the functions of providing examinations and giving of certifications and assessments to seafarers. The other regional offices are Cebu and Davao.

“Before, it was only performed by the central office but now, our regional office could handle these functions to fast track renewals and applications of seafarers. A MARINA advisory regarding the transfer of functions was already released,” she added.

She added, however, that the conduct of examinations to seafarers is yet being processed and maybe available later this year.

Nacion said that the new strategy has its advantages as it allows seafarers to cut on their expenses because they no longer have to travel to Manila. They can also spend more time with their families and communication is easier because the staff of MARINA here speaks their language.

Further, Nacion also said that it will also lessen the large number of seafarers applying at the central office.

A a separate space at the regional office will be identified to accommodate seafarers who will be processing their papers.

The regional office can accommodate more than 100 seafarers a day.