MARINA reaffirms commitment to maritime modernization

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the nation’s maritime sector and updating seafarer training standards during the 207th Maritime Forum held at its central office.

Loumer P. Bernabe, retired navy rear admiral and agency deputy administrator for operations, welcomed industry leaders, stakeholders, and maritime education representatives to the hybrid event, organized by The Maritime League.

Bernabe stressed the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration as rapid technological shifts, including artificial intelligence, reshape the global maritime landscape.

“Innovations like artificial intelligence are transforming the maritime sector, but meaningful dialogue remains essential to moving the industry forward,” Bernabe said.

Retired Navy Vice Adm. Eduardo Ma. R. Santos, chairman and president of The Maritime League, presided over the discussions, which focused on aligning local training with international conventions and introducing digital safety enforcement tools.

Herbert V. Nalupa, maritime education and training standards supervisor for Marina’s STCW Office, outlined ongoing global reviews of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

Nalupa cited that the agency is adapting curriculum guidelines to cover emerging competencies, including alternative ship fuels and automated systems.

Addressing domestic shipping safety, the agency detailed Project Marina SEA-GUARD, a proposed data-driven enforcement initiative designed to assess risk and improve compliance across domestic vessels.