Page 8 - 2025 - Q1 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS Headlines

Landmark MoU signed to seafarer documentation requiring regular
renewal, with differing requirements and
simplify the future of digital processes between countries. This can
cause challenges such as increased risk of
seafarer certification errors and vulnerabilities and longer delays.
The purpose of this pilot is to test the
feasibility of a system where all seafarer
#MoU certificates can be securely stored and
consolidated, allowing real-time access
for all key stakeholders. This will also allow
seafarers to take ownership of their data
On 12 February 2025, the International and control how it is used, with the system
Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register facilitating travel and movement for the
OneOcean (LROO), and the Maritime In- benefit of the entire industry.
dustry Authority (MARINA) of the Republic Significantly, the objectives of this collab-
of the Philippines Department of Transpor- oration align with recent amendments to
tation signed a landmark joint Memoran- the STCW (Standards of Training, Certifi-
dum of Understanding (MoU) in London. cation and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)
The MoU outlines the collaboration on a code that came into effect on 1 January
pilot project to explore the integration of 2025, supporting the maritime industry’s
seafarer certification systems and to de- transition to digital certification.
velop a new mobile application. The new MoU sets out the collaboration
Signed at the International Maritime between the three parties on the pilot proj-
Organisation (IMO) Headquarters in ect to evaluate the technical and regulatory
London, the initiative aims to reduce framework needed for a global digital cer-
administrative burdens associated with tification system. ICS, LROO, and MARINA
paper-based seafarer endorsement and will develop an initial API (Application Pro-
verification while ensuring efficiency for gramming Interface) integration concept
key stakeholders in the industry, including to explore linking MARINA’s Integrated
flag Administrations, Port State Control, Seafarers Management Online System
seafarers, and shipping and ship manage- (MISMO) to the pilot platform.
ment companies. Upon successful validation of the concept,
As the industry moves towards digital solu- MARINA will engage with its seafarer com-
tions to maximise safety and efficiency, munity – approximately 400,000 Filipino
this pilot will assess potential pathways seafarers – to gather insights on digital
for digitising certification processes with certification needs and potential adoption
a focus on security, streamlined collabo- pathways.
ration, and ease of use. Paper certificates
continue to dominate the industry despite Source: ICS

6 ISSUE 31 / Q1 2025