Seafarers group slams delays in release of maritime documents

Seafarers groups testified about delays in releasing maritime documents during a Senate hearing. UFS president Judy Domingo highlighted a case in which a student’s Special Order Number had not been released since 2023, delaying licensure and officer certification. The union said such delays affect cadets and the shipping industry, contributing to a shortage of qualified ship officers. Participants hoped the inquiry would identify long-term fixes and accelerate SO Number processing. An official from MARINA acknowledged difficulties consolidating maritime education requirements after regulatory duties shifted from CHED to MARINA. Under Republic Act No. 12021, also called the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, CHED assigned regulatory functions to MARINA, which now oversees maritime education, training and certification. MARINA emphasized alignment with international standards such as the STCW Convention to ensure compliance.