DFA, MARINA partner on eApostille, MeCAV system integration

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have closed a deal on the integration of eApostille System and the MARINA Electronic Certification, Authentication, and Verification (MeCAV) to streamline the process of documents of seafarers used for abroad.

DFA and MARINA signed the memorandum of agreement at the Rizal Park Hotel in Manila on Thursday.

Under the partnership, the DFA will be able to verify the authenticity of CAV documents directly through MARINA’s digital platform, while MARINA will provide real-time access to accurate and secured records.

The CAV are verified documents required for international employment, processing overseas visas, or further studies abroad.

To apply, seafarers must create an account using a verified email on MeCAV and upload the neeed requirements.

Once MARINA evaluated and approved the application, it will then electronically transmit the MeCAV to the DFA's eApostille.

Once DFA completed its review process, it will email the MeCAV to the applicants.

"As we commemorate the day of the Filipino seafarer, this partnership serves as a fitting tribute to the thousands of Filipino seafarers whose skill, dedication, and professionalism contribute significantly to international trade and our nation's development," DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega said.

She added that the usual three working day process would be cut of to one day.

"So through this collaboration between Marina and the DFA, we move toward a more connected and efficient government ecosystem, one that reduces the unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthens document authenticity and delivers services for our greater maritime community," MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan.

According to Dizon-De Vega, there are more than 800,000 Filipino seafarers around the globe.

Meanwhile, Malaluan said about 3,500 student graduated in the maritime industry.

Meanwhile, there are around 1.2 million seafarers with valid identity document, of which around 800,000 are qualified to go abroad.

The signing ceremony was held as part of the celebration of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer 2026. — BM, GMA News