At the 5th SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum 2026 held on April 16, 2026 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel, maritime stakeholders gathered to discuss safety, digitalization, and industry transformation.
Representing Magsaysay Learning Resources, Inc., Business Development Manager C/E Marl Jeffone Reyes joined Panel 1, Human Factors in the New Maritime Landscape, where he discussed the industry’s transition from traditional ship systems to automation and the digital era.
“From prehistoric coal-fired burner to conventional diesel engines up to the birth of automation, and now has officially entered the digital era,” Marl said.
He noted that digitalization does not replace seafarers but reinforces the need for continuous learning as shipboard operations become increasingly technology-driven and data-dependent.
Marl emphasized that while these developments improve efficiency, they also introduce new risks, including over-reliance on automation, cybersecurity threats, reduced situational awareness, and skills erosion. He stressed that maintaining a strong safety culture onboard requires leadership, discipline, and consistent reinforcement of safe practices as technology becomes more integrated into daily operations.
“Safety. Always. Top. Priority,” he said.
He added that despite technological advancement, human capability remains central to safe decision-making, particularly in complex and high-risk maritime situations.
The panel brought together MARINA Executive Director of the STCW Office, Mr. Samuel L. Batalla, MAAP President, Adm. Eduardo Ma R. Santos, and Vice President for External Affairs of FAME, Mr. Michael J. Estaniel, who discussed regulatory updates under the STCW and MLC frameworks alongside operational challenges driven by automation and decarbonization.
Marl ended his presentation with an AI-generated video of his younger self speaking about automation, digitalization, and decarbonization in the maritime industry, reflecting the ongoing changes in the profession.
