MARINA Training Institute (MarTI) Takes Off in Iloilo

by | Last updated Nov 24, 2023 | MARINA Updates | 0 comments

The Maritime Industry Authority launched its academic arm, the MARINA Training Institute or MarTI, which aims to improve, modernize, and streamline the country’s maritime education and training systems and reach its full potential.

MarTi is located in a four-story building at the MARINA Regional Office, Western Visayas branch inside Panaad Park, Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

10-Year Plan

Part of MARINA’s Maritime Industry Development Plan is a ten-year road map (2019-2028) for the country’s advancement of the maritime sector. This strategy provides direction and actionable steps toward achieving our goals.

Hence, the MARINA Training Institute was created as the country’s Maritime Innovation and Knowledge Center under the Program 8 of the 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Plan.

If implemented properly, MARINA would be able to provide national and global maritime leadership training.

Program 8 of MARINA's 10-year Development Plan.
Program 8: Establishment of Maritime Innovation and Knowledge Center (MIKC)

Priority Programs under the 10-Year Maritime Industry Development Plan

  • Program 1: Upgrading of Domestic Shipping in Support of the Philippine Nautical Highway  Development
  • Program 2: Development of Shipping Services for Maritime Tourism
  • Program 3: Development of Coastal and Inland Waterways Transport System (CIWTS)
  • Program 4: Strengthening of Safety Standards of Registered Fishing Vessels
  • Program 5: Development of a Global Maritime Hub
  • Program 6: Enhancement of Maritime Safety in the Philippines
  • Program 7: Modernization of Maritime Security in the Philippines
  • Program 8: Establishment of Maritime Innovation and Knowledge Center (MIKC)

MarTI and our Fast Changing World

Technology is driving the maritime industry all over the globe. Everyday, new and better methods are developed that makes shipping more safe and efficient.

For example, the development of autonomous ships is disrupting the maritime space. But these advancements need to be understood so we can use it properly.

The implementation of MarTI fills that gap. It aims to improve the capacity of MARINA and other partners to innovate and operate modern technologies.

Capturing Trends

Additionally, MarTI’s task is to spearhead programs to help the country tackle the changing trends in the maritime industry.

And since shipping is a “people business”, MarTI will serve as a systematic educational and training system and facilities for all maritime professionals.

Hence, the conduct of research shall form part of its operation to ensure that its plans and programs are responsive to the needs of the industry.

This will also enable continuous employment for our seafarers.

Keynote Message

MARINA Administrator Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad relates how fast knowledge expands and how swift modernization happens.

He emphasizes this to be especially true in the development and advancement of communications technology as applied to navigation.

MARINA Former ADMINISTRATOR VADM ROBERT A EMPEDRAD AFP (Ret).
MARINA ADMINISTRATOR VADM ROBERT A EMPEDRAD AFP (Ret).

“Maritime sector is a very progressive and fast-paced industry; and if MARINA and its stakeholders will not act accordingly, the Philippine Maritime Industry will be left behind. That’s is the reason for the immediate operationalization of the MarTI,” he said.

Engr. Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol also expressed compliments to the officials, staff of the agency and all stakeholders and partners who participated during the formulation of the MIDP. 

She is MARINA’s Deputy Administrator for Operations (DAO).

MARINA’s Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol
Engr. Nannette Z. Villamor-Dinopol.

“If the MarTI is to take firm roots in the Philippines and grow in continuity, what is needed most is the abiding interest of everyone and the partnership of maritime stakeholders.

Through the MarTI, the MARINA will be committed to an ever-prospering bond of knowledge and innovation collaboration between the government and its partners in the years to come,” Engr. Dinopol pointed out.

Maiden Project

MarTi Previously held a 3-day webinar on the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments.

This course is based on the MEPSEAS Training Course on the Legal Implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention.

It is designed to provide a common set of knowledge and skills to all participants to enable them to take appropriate action in their various capacities towards the implementation of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention.

Ships perform ballasting and de-ballasting in port to compensate for the movement of gravity on board.

The ballast water discharged in the port could have serious environmental implications if not treated properly.

A ship de-ballasting while alongside a terminal.
Ballasting while alongside. Source Shutterstock

Taking the Helm at MarTi

MarTI will be headed by designated Officer-in-Charge Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo, one of the Maritime Education and Training Standards Supervisors of the MARINA STCW Office.

She is also the Chairperson of Expert Group 2 of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Seafarers Excellence Network or the APEC SEN Expert Group 2, the group designated for Seafarers’ Better Welfare.

MaRTI Bacolod Officer-in-Charge Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo
MaRTI Officer-in-Charge Ms. Presca Lee B. Lugo

Due to the pandemic, it will operate virtually in observance of safety and health protocols being implemented in line with the measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

MarTi’s soft launching program was held live via Zoom meeting last February 11, 2021. 

Members of the Maritime Industry Board and Management and representatives from various sectors of the industry graced the opening ceremony

May the winds be in your favor.

Gibi

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