The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) will impose strict regulations for Philippine-registered ships operating overseas to avoid detentions abroad.
Starting October 20, 2018, Marina, exercising its oversight function as flag state administration, will directly conduct audit of shipping companies and inspection of Philippine-registered ships detained overseas.
The move aims to ensure that Philippine ships comply with international maritime instruments and that violations are rectified before they are allowed to sail again, Marina said in a statement.
In the first half of 2018, five Philippine ships were detained in Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and China for failing to comply with structural and operational standards. One of the ships even had multiple detentions due to several violations found, Marina noted.
To prevent similar cases from happening in the future, shipping companies will be required to submit to Marina copies of the Port State Control (PSC) inspection report within 24 hours of undergoing PSC inspection. Marina will also order shipowners to provide a detailed report that includes a root cause analysis of the deficiencies found in the ship and corrective actions agreed upon with the PSC authorities abroad.
Marina said it will make its evaluation based on the submitted reports.
Through strict regulation and supervision, Marina said it targets the prevention of violations involving Philippine ships plying the overseas trade, guarantee the proper condition of the ships and their equipment, and ensure that their manpower and operations follow applicable international laws.
“The MARINA, as a responsible member of the international maritime community and in the exercise of its flag state implementation duties, is mandated to closely monitor the performance of Philippine-registered vessels by strictly implementing safety and security standards and regulations in the maritime industry, for the protection of its crew and the marine environment,” the maritime authority said.
