The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to develop the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector.
The Marina-DTI joint technical committee will formulate the PNS for the SBSR sector “to ensure the quality and competitiveness of Philippine-SBSR services through sustainable business processes as envisioned in the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP), specifically under priority program #5 or the establishment of a global maritime hub,” the maritime authority said in a statement.
DTI, through the Bureau of Philippine Standards, formulates PNS or adopts relevant international or foreign standards to help industries produce quality products or services and raise productivity.
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Currently, Philippine shipyards are required to acquire certifications from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the commitment to environment-friendly practices; the Bureau of Fire Protection on the safety of the workplace against fire accidents; and the Department of Labor and Employment on the welfare of the workers.
With the PNS, the shipyards will also be required to meet the minimum international standards to ensure the quality and safety of Philippine-made vessels.
Marina said DTI fully supports its efforts to modernize the SBSR industry, noting that the sector’s modernization will help alleviate poverty, attract foreign investments, and achieve goals under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.
On May 8, 2019, Marina will conduct a consultation with SBSR stakeholders in Mindanao to discuss the development of the PNS, specifically those on ship design.
Aside from DTI, Marina noted that the Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Ports Authority, and several private partners also support the development of the PNS for the SBSR sector.
