The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has reflected on the country’s performance in 2025, highlighting the empowerment of the local maritime workforce and the modernisation of its domestic fleet.
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan spotlighted the industry’s progress over the past 12 months, from the increased number of credentials to the securing of opportunities with several European countries.
Growth in maritime certification
A total of 583,642 certificates of Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) were issued, according to The Manila Times.
The majority of the STCW certificates were Certificates of Proficiency, followed by Certificates of Competency and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System certificates.
Malaluan further noted the completion of Memoranda of Understanding with Sweden, Belgium and Latvia.
With these agreements, the STCW certificates are mutually endorsed, and they guarantee that the Filipino maritime workforce meets the standards of European states.
MARINA moreover successfully launched the Ladderized Maritime Education and Training Framework, a programme that will help Filipino seafarers to convert sea services and vocational certifications into academic degrees.
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Fleet expansion, shipping laws
The expansion of the domestic fleet was another major improvement emphasised by Malaluan, with the local registry adding 314 imported ships alongside 125 locally built vessels.
The finalisation of the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill as well as the Philippine Ship Registry Bill were also marked as milestones.
The Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill seeks to gather investments and incentives that will enhance the shipbuilding and ship repair industries.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ship Registry Bill aims to enhance the active participation of vessels sailing under the Philippine flag in global trade, done through a ship registration system and backed by international standards.
“Through policy reforms, maritime safety campaigns and maritime workforce empowerment, we sailed alongside every Filipino seafarer, guiding them toward safer and brighter journeys,” The Manila Times quoted Malaluan as saying.
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Adam Peaker 
Newsjustnews writers 
Carmela Calling