Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2009-24)
The primary objective is to authorize IACS members and other reputable international classification organizations to perform classification of ships in the domestic trade, accredit only one local classification organization for domestic ships above 35 GT, institutionalize a Philippine Government Classification System for non-convention wooden hulled ships and ships 35 GT and below, and set guidelines for supervision and audit of accredited organizations.
It applies to all shipping companies, shipowners/operators, local classification organizations duly organized and authorized under Philippine laws, recognized members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), and other reputable international classification organizations engaged in the classification of ships in the domestic trade.
A Classification Organization is a non-stock, non-profit organization, local or international, that establishes and applies technical standards related to the design, construction, and survey of marine-related facilities including ships and offshore structures.
Accreditation is the process of qualifying organizations to conduct classification activities for ships locally, while Authorization refers to qualifying IACS members and other reputable international classification organizations to conduct classification activities for ships.
The organization must have at least twenty (20) technical personnel and ten (10) support staff to provide the required services, along with a significant number of managerial, technical, and support staff capable of developing and maintaining rules and regulations.
They must establish offices with at least two (2) surveyors in the following locations: La Union, Metro Manila, Batangas, Legazpi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Zamboanga, Cagayan, Davao, and General Santos.
Required documents include SEC registration certificate as a non-stock, non-profit entity, articles of incorporation and by-laws, list of surveyors and staff with qualifications, code of ethics, classification rule books, schedule of fees, and documented quality system based on recognized standards like ISO 9000.
They must report within 24 hours to the Administration if a ship is operating with significant defects making it unfit to proceed to sea; report any accident involving classed ships; and report suspension or withdrawal of class within 24 hours. They must also furnish the Administration with updated rules and documentation.
Penalties per offense include: First offense - Php 250,000; Second offense - Php 500,000 plus suspension of certificate for 60 to 90 days; Third offense - Php 750,000 plus cancellation of certificate.
The PG Class System is a classification system established by the Administration for non-convention wooden hulled ships and ships 35 GT and below, with classification performed by trained Administration personnel according to prescribed procedures and standards. It serves as a backup classification entity if the local class's accreditation is suspended or withdrawn.