The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has now been granted jurisdiction over Maritime Education and Training (MET) in the Philippines pursuant to Republic Act No. 12021, or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
As per MARINA advisory number 2025-39 released last October 16, 2025, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will transfer all MET-related functions to MARINA.
The current maritime degree programs being offered by various maritime schools still stand. Students may still continue to apply for and benefit from existing CHED scholarship grants. MARINA will issue further guidelines once the scholarship administration is confirmed.
However, the applications, processing and for issuance of Certification, Authentication, and Verification (CAV) and issuance of Special Order (SO) to BSMT and BSMarE students shall be assumed by MARINA starting 01 January 2026.
Additionally, MARINA will be taking over the implementation of the National Merchant Marine Aptitude Test beginning AY 2026-2027.
Pubmat by Mdpn. Jade Apdua