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The Maritime Industry Authority’s Blockchain-Enabled Certification System for electronic processing and payment of applications is gaining more users
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Almost six months after its implementation, the system has registered 7,216 users and processed around 46,500 transactions
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The system was officially rolled out last July 1 and now processes an average of 2,500 transactions per week
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Next year, applications for issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience and other related applications will be covered by the system
The Maritime Industry Authority’s Blockchain-Enabled Certification System (MARINA BEST) for electronic processing and payment of applications is gaining more users.
Almost six months after its implementation, the system has registered 7,216 users and processed around 46,500 transactions.
MARINA BEST, which was officially rolled out last July 1, now processes an average of 2,500 transactions per week, MARINA Management Information and Systems Service director Joseph Victor Generato said in a recent press briefing.
READ: MARINA rolls out electronic processing of applications
Generato noted though there are still “peculiar transactions” that need to be addressed and some modules for inclusion in the system next year such as the issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and other related applications.
In the same briefing, MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the issuance of CPC and other quasi-judicial issuances are not yet covered by MARINA BEST because they are “complicated” but that they will be by 2025 “so all documents of our ships are electronic documents starting July 1.”
MARINA BEST allows maritime entities, including ship owners and operators, and ship building and ship repair companies, to electronically transact all processes with the agency, from application to release of certificates, licenses, letter approvals, and documents.
The system consolidates and integrates all information systems being used by the different MARINA service units and offices. The blockchain technology secures data from unauthorized changes.
MARINA BEST covers shipyard operators, seafarers, ship owners/operators, license manning agencies, payment gateways, employees, Department of Health-accredited clinics, assessment centers, maritime training institutions, maritime higher education institutions, and other concerned government agencies.
All MARINA clients must register with the system.
Certificates and issuances issued through MARINA BEST are QR coded, allowing for online verification and validation.
As a transitory provision, all permanent documents such as those without expiry dates issued before July 1, 2024 and without QR code will be re-issued free of charge, according to MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2024-28, which provides guidelines on the implementation of MARINA BEST.
Applications for seafarers’ certification will continue to be filed online through the MARINA Integrated Seafarers Management Online (MISMO) System, which will eventually be integrated with MARINA BEST. Malaluan earlier said they are looking at six months to integrate the data from MISMO to MARINA BEST.
MARINA earlier said the new system is part of its broader push towards digitalizing its services.
MARINA BEST aims to enhance the agency’s online services, paving the way for contactless transactions from application to release of certificates, licenses, letter approvals, and documents. The project uses blockchain technology to keep data secured from unauthorized changes.
It is meant to provide an efficient unified information system to improve internal productivity and secure data access.
With MARINA BEST, all applications with MARINA will be online and real-time, both through a web portal or mobile, and will make use of electronic certificates, licenses, and documents. It will also allow online payment and can provide updates and tracking of applications. It can also automatically notify users of the expiration of certificates, permits, and licenses.
MARINA said the real-time status monitoring of applications will significantly lead to reduced time, cost, and error. The standardization and digitalization of processes will also not only minimize the risk of fraud and data loss, but will also ensure better visibility and traceability and reduce opportunity for corruption through the entire process.
MARINA said the system will provide consistency and ensure all processes in all regional offices have the same view and order of transactions. – Roumina Pablo
