THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) vowed to implement more reforms for a sustainable and competitive domestic shipping industry. Several issues were raised on Friday during the general membership meeting of the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association Inc. (PCSA), including lack of manpower for the maintenance of domestic ships. “We assure our stakeholders that the Marina will conduct examinations monthly for the issuance of licenses for our boat captains and marine diesel mechanics and as frequently as possible should there be any demand,” said Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan. The PCSA is composed of former members of three Cebu-based shipping organizations — the Philippine Roro Operators Association, the Visayan Association of Ferry Boat and Coastwise Ship-owners Operators, and the United Trampers Association of the Philippines. Malaluan recognized the contribution of the association to the improvement of the country’s maritime industry. She called on PCSA members to support the implementation of the Updated Maritime Industry Development Plan 2028, the forthcoming launch of Marina’s digitalization and automation system through its Blockchain Enabled Certification System.

LINK: https://seafarertimes.com/2020-21/node/8826