The new service is the result of a partnership between the Municipality of Caminha and the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Security and Maritime Services (DGRM) and represents an important step in bringing sea-related public services closer to populations and sector professionals.
At the opening ceremony, the president of the Municipal Chamber of Caminha, Liliana Silva, highlighted the significance of this achievement for the territory and for the communities that live in close connection with the sea. "This is an important milestone for the municipality of Caminha, for Vila Praia de Âncora, and above all, for all those who make the sea their professional activity, their tradition, and an essential part of their identity. It is a concrete response to a real need of our population," she stated.
The session was also attended by Hugo Borda d'Água, representing the DGRM, who underlined the relevance of proximity desks in strengthening digital literacy and providing direct support to citizens. "We know the importance of these desks, because people often turn to these services for clarification and guidance. It is in these spaces that they find support to handle matters of professional, personal, or leisure interest, in a simpler and closer way," he mentioned.
The BMar Desk will allow for in-person and assisted access to a wide range of services related to Recreational Boating, Recreational Vessels, Professional Fishing, Recreational Fishing, Maritime, and Sea Personnel, simplifying administrative procedures and avoiding users having to travel to other services.
With this new service point, the Municipality strengthens the network of proximity services available in the municipality, facilitating access for citizens, particularly the fishing communities of Caminha and Vila Praia de Âncora, to essential services for their activity. "We want to facilitate contact with public services, help overcome difficulties, and reduce unnecessary travel," emphasized the Mayor.
The mayor also advocated for a Public Administration that is closer to people and capable of ensuring that digital transformation translates into an effective improvement in citizens' lives. "Because administrative modernization only truly makes sense when it improves people's lives. We want more accessible public services, closer responses, and a Public Administration that better understands the concrete needs of citizens," she added.
The installation of the BMar Desk is part of the national strategy for administrative modernization and aims to ensure proximity service in accessing the Electronic Sea Platform, simultaneously reinforcing the valorization of maritime activities and sea-related communities.
Liliana Silva reiterated the Municipality's support for maritime professionals and their families, arguing that the BMar Desk should establish itself as a space of proximity, trust, and problem-solving.
