THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has increased penalties for Philippine-flag vessel operators, shipbuilding and shiprepair operators as well as manpower companies found in violation of safety and administrative regulations.
Based on several issuances made by Marina last week, an automatic one-year suspension will be slapped on any operator involved in a maritime accident. The penalty could turn to perpetual suspension if the operator is found to have operated during the one-year ban. The licenses of all crew will also be cancelled and revoked.
In addition, Marina Circular No. 2009-11 provides penalties of P5,000 to P30,000 along with a cease and desist order for violation of Marina accreditation requirements. The fines are higher at up to P75,000 for violating charter-hire agreements and P300,000 for operating without insurance.
For violation of any of the conditions of its certificate of public convenience (CPC), the operator faces a fine of up to 30,000 per ship per condition and cancellation of its CPC.
Shipbuilding and shiprepair entities operating without a Marina license or an expired one will be fined up to P150,000 and its doors shut. Falsification or tampering of documents will result in a fine of up to P200,000 per certificate.
A Maritime Violation Receipt will be issued by the Marina or its officers and deputized agents for any maritime violation resulting from their verication / monitoring activities.
Marina said the imposition of the fines and penalties is without prejudice to the filing of criminal case for violations falling under the Revised Penal Code.
Meanwhile, Marina has formed a “boarding team” to inspect safety requirements of all vessels plying the local trade.
Marina deputy administrator for Operations Col. Primo Rivera said his team, composed of representatives from the government and private sectors, is initially targeting trade hotspots such as Batangas, Boracay, Caticlan and Cebu.
“By next week, we will deploy the teams to conduct safety tests on all Philippine-flag vessels to guarantee their seaworthiness,” Rivera said.
“The move is not related to recent incidents but has been in the pipeline for the past couple of months to ensure our vessels comply with standards of safety, specifically the International Safety Management and National Safety Management Codes.”
“We will start first with ferry Boats, passenger ships and cargo vessels,” Rivera added.
