Tags: OFWs, Telecommunications
By Anna Valmero
PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA—Smart Communications Inc. inaugurated a one-stop hub providing pre-departure services for Filipino seafarers.
Located at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) along Taft Avenue in Manila, the facility offers Smart Link satellite-based communications, remittance and other services prior to deployment overseas, said Mon Isberto, head of Smart public affairs group.
MARINA is the government agency tasked with the development, promotion and regulation of the country’s maritime industry, including the issuance of seafarer’s identification and record book.
There are 300,000 Filipino seafarers worldwide – or about a quarter of the world’s sailors - making the Philippines the world’s leading supplier of ship crewmen and women.
Smart Link, deployed across 7,500 maritime vessels all over the world, provides network coverage to seafarers sailing within Asia-Pacific, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa and some parts of Europe and the Mediterranean.
Smart’s Infoboard service also offered through the hub, which allows ship crew members to send important announcements, such as training venues and deployment schedules, to seafarers and also personal messages to loved ones
The service also announces vital information to seafarers and other maritime news.
Filipino seafarers and their families can also avail of Smart Money, a remittance cash card service linked to a mobile phone, at the hub.
All Filipino seafarers and their beneficiaries can proceed to the MARINA hub or to any Smart retail store nationwide to get the free Smart Money cards until December 31. Requirements include the seaman’s book or their ‘allottee card’ so they can use the service.
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