Company History

A Pioneer in the Field, Growing with the Times

TRANSORIENT MARITIME AGENCIES, INC. (TOMA) is one of the pioneering maritime agencies recognized in the Philippines. TOMA offers more than 40 years of experience in the maritime industry. It enjoys the prestige of a progressive and professional corporation providing cost efficient yet qualified, experienced, disciplined, medically fit, well trained and efficient seafarers.

TOMA, through the years, expanded its wings as most of its manned-vessels trading areas later included China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the USA under various registries such as Belize, Bermuda, Cyprus, Liberia and Panama. More prominently, Japanese ship owners and operators have retained TOMA’s services for many years as their manning agent.

TOMA is proudly aware of the preference of principals worldwide for the Filipino seafarer. TOMA’s seafarers enjoy the confidence of its principals for many years and have loyally stayed on with TOMA. Its long-standing principals are currently employing many second generation Filipino seafarers, evidencing the strong and unwavering relationship of the seafarer, the Principal and TOMA.

June 28, 1972
Established
TOMA Founded

The story of Transorient Maritime Agencies, Inc. began with GM Viterbo Enterprises, established by Captain Gregorio M. Viterbo Sr., a respected Master Mariner dedicated to advancing the excellence of Filipino seafarers.

Its inaugural manning operation was the MT. Visayas Maru, a product tanker staffed by an all-Filipino crew—a milestone that marked the beginning of a legacy spanning decades.

Today, this date serves as the official foundation day of TOMA and is celebrated annually as a tribute to the life, vision, and enduring legacy of its founder.

1975
Expansion and New Identity
Steady Growth

As the company continually grew in people, it never stopped acquiring new principals as well. This expansion called for the renaming of the flourishing company, which was called, "Transorient Shipping Agency" (TOSA).

1985
The Modern TOMA
From TOSA to TOMA

After years of unwavering pursuit, TOSA has progressed well and has created its pool of principal network. TOSA was baptized into its new name, TRANSORIENT MARITIME AGENCIES, INC. (TOMA). It then started catering to the needs of China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the USA.

January 1, 1997
Official Company Registration
TOMA Formally Incorporates

Building upon years of steady growth, Transorient Maritime Agencies, Inc. formally registered its corporate operations. This marked a new chapter in the company's history, reinforcing the founder's vision and preparing TOMA for continued expansion in the years ahead.

2000
ISO Certified
Accredited by the American Bureau of Shipping

With the company's faithfulness to its ideals, TOMA was accredited with International Standard for Quality Management and the IMO's Safety Management Code ISO 9002/ISM by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). TOMA has successfully achieved the internal certification of its manning and crewing operations during this time.

2002
POEA Recognition
Showcasing Maritime Competence

TOMA was recognized by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), today known as Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), for its sustained efforts in promoting the competence of Filipinos, creation of jobs for Filipino seamen and its exemplary adherence to Philippine Labor Laws.

2015
Once again ISO Certified
Bureau Veritas Certification

TOMA is now ISO 9001:2015 certified with the scope “Provision of Ship Crewing and Manning Services”.

TOMA is now in its home in the shipping hub of Ermita, Manila appropriately named Transorient Maritime Building II.

TOMA is moving towards a more progressive and aggressive approach in its business operations as a cutting-edge pioneer providing its Principals with best Filipino seafarers at a cost that has made the Filipino seafarer the most worthwhile investment in the global maritime industry.

Now, more than ever, TOMA is committed to its clarion call:

“TO GO BEYOND OUR PRINCIPAL’S NEEDS WITH WORLD-CLASS SERVICE”.