The Philippine maritime sector is making steady headway not only by opening more opportunities for seafarers but also by making the country’s waters safer for those who work and travel by sea.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) reported on Wednesday a record number of applications for seafarer credentials in the first half due to sustained demand for Filipino seafarers and continued growth in one of the country’s key labor export sectors.

From January to June, Marina received 162,770 applications for the Seafarer’s Identity Document (SID) and Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB), the highest first-half total recorded in the past five years.

The figure is 61.49 percent higher than the 100,791 applications recorded during the same period last year.

Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan said the agency is continuously improving its frontline services to make document processing more accessible and efficient for seafarers.

"We encourage our seafarers to continue scheduling their appointments using the eGovPH App via Marina’s Online Appointment System or OAS. There are still many appointment slots available at various Marina offices nationwide. We continue to improve our services to ensure you can obtain your SID and SRB more quickly and efficiently,” Malaluan said.

More than 13,000 appointment slots remain available in Marina offices nationwide for August and September.

The growing workforce comes as the Philippines continues to strengthen its position in the global maritime industry.

According to the latest report of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco), the country remains the world’s leading source of seafarers, with an estimated 1.6 million Filipino seafarers serving aboard vessels across the globe.

To further expand employment opportunities, Marina recently met with officials from the Embassy of Chile to discuss the reciprocal recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping certificates.

Once finalized, the agreement is expected to make it easier for qualified Filipino seafarers to pursue jobs in Chile while reinforcing both countries’ commitment to internationally recognized training and certification standards.

While strengthening global opportunities, Marina is also ensuring that progress reaches local communities where maritime safety begins.

In San Juan, Siquijor, the agency’s Regional Office VII conducted a four-day Mobile Registration, Licensing, and Safety Caravan, bringing government services directly to boat operators and fisherfolk.