London: The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is set to pilot a project exploring the integration of its digitalization system with the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and maritime digital solutions platform Lloyd's Register OneOcean (LROO). In a news release on Thursday, MARINA announced that the collaboration with ICS and LROO aims to integrate the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) system with these international platforms, modernizing the seafarer's certification process.

According to Philippines News Agency, the collaboration will evaluate the feasibility of a secure system that integrates all seafarer certificates, facilitating real-time access for key stakeholders while empowering seafarers by giving them greater control over their data. The partnership was formalized with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed during the 11th session of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) in London.

MARINA emphasized that the international integration of the MISMO system would align with global standards, thereby reducing administrative burdens and enhancing compliance and efficiency for seafarers, shipping companies, port state control, and flag administrations. As part of the MOU, the parties will assess the technical and regulatory requirements for a global digital certification system, including an initial application programming interface (API) integration concept to link MISMO to the pilot platform.

MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that it demonstrates the Philippines' commitment to aligning with global maritime standards and advancing digital transformation in the maritime sector. "The pilot project marks a significant step in providing a global platform for a streamlined and seamless certification process for the Filipino seafarers," Malaluan remarked.