Honestly speaking, every seafarer has its own complaints about the services they are getting from MARINA’s STCW Division. However, new hope rose as the change of administration came into effect summer of 2016. As Pres. Duterte took the nation by storm , we, seafarers could not wait for a “change” as they say it, change is coming. But are we seeing the change that we always wanted? We might now! MARINA STCW Office’s FB page recently highlights their plans and programs for the upcoming year to try to fix the old system that has been in place for decades.
Read the good news!
GOOD NEWS PO TAYO!
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR 2018👊❤
PART I of the 2018 plans and programs of STCW
1) Automation and on-line application for COC, COE, COP and MARINA Professional ID using the SCS accounts in line with the paperless system. MARINA-STCW will evaluate your uploaded documents based on your submitted application sent through your SCS account. So kahit nasa barko po kayo o sa bahay, malalaman po ninyo agad kung may kulang kayong documents o qualified kayo para sa sa certificate na inyong ina-aaplyan dahil sasagot ang MARINA-STCW sa inyong SCS account. Mag-uusap na lang po tayo on-line. Parang FB messenger o viber. Ang procedures po para dito ay amin pong ipupublish once finalized na ang ating system. Ilang tulog na lang dahil na-pilot demo na po natin ito.
2) On-line appointment for application of theoretical examination, payment and releasing of documents. Malaya na po kayong makakapili ng petsa na na-aakma sa inyong schedules.
3) On-line payment system.
4) One-Certificate System. Mawawala na po ang inyong napakabigat na clear book na punong-puno ng mga dokumento.
5) Additional examination center in Ilo-Ilo.
( MARINA hopes to open more examination centers if additional budget and personnel will be granted)
6) Online verification of government issued documents; documents from maritime training institutes, manning agencies and maritime higher educational institutions.
7) Free coffee for seafarers processing in Manila Central Office. (for the meantime while budget is being worked out; nauna na po ang free wifi sa STCW processing areas.
This was taken from STCW Office FB page.
Our take…
Firstly, we might encounter problems and difficulties at first. In due time, a convenient system will be in place.
Second, all changes that are being highlighted are of great help to us, seafarers. I hope and many of us do, that we will achieve a more convenient, hassle free transaction with our lone agency.
Lastly, We are standing by for updates in the coming weeks!
(all photo credits to MARINA STCW Office FB page)