The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LROO), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This collaboration will focus on a pilot project aimed at integrating seafarer certification systems and developing a new mobile application, reports Lloyd’s Register.
Reducing Administrative Burden
A pilot project aimed at digitizing seafarer endorsements and verifications was signed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London.
This initiative seeks to reduce the administrative burden associated with paper-based documentation while enhancing efficiency for key stakeholders, including flag administrators, Port State Control, seafarers, and shipping and ship management companies.
The maritime industry is transitioning towards digital solutions to improve safety and efficiency. This pilot project will explore potential pathways for digitizing certification processes, focusing on security, streamlined collaboration, and ease of use.
Paper certificates remain the industry standard despite the frequent renewal requirements and varying regulations across countries. This reliance on paper can lead to increased risks of errors, vulnerabilities, and delays.
Guy Platten, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Shipping, expressed enthusiasm for this pilot project, stating that it represents a crucial step towards a more efficient and sustainable maritime industry. Platten emphasized that this digital transition will not only minimize administrative burdens but also enhance efficiency and safety across the sector.
Digital Certification
The objectives of this collaboration align with recent amendments to the STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) code that came into effect on January 1, 2025, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to digital certification.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the collaboration between the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the London Ro-Ro Owners’ Association (LROO), and the Maritime Industry Authority of the Philippines (MARINA) on a pilot project to evaluate the technical and regulatory framework required for a global digital certification system.
As part of this project, ICS, LROO, and MARINA will develop an initial API (Application Programming Interface) integration concept to explore linking MARINA’s Integrated Seafarers Management Online System (MISMO) to the pilot platform. Following the successful validation of this concept, MARINA will engage with its seafarer community, comprising approximately 400,000 Filipino seafarers, to gather valuable insights into their needs and potential adoption pathways for digital certification.
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Source: Lyold’s Register
