Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 25)
The minimum size limit for tugboats for interisland use is 1500 BHP.
The maximum age limit for cargo-passenger vessels from January 1985 to December 1986 is 10 years.
No, LPG carriers and similar vessels that demand high technology standards of construction not available in local shipyards are exempt from the age and size restrictions.
All vessels except fishing vessels must pass a special survey and be maintained to class by an internationally accredited classification society with no outstanding recommendations. Fishing vessels must have a survey report issued by a MARINA accredited surveying company or as determined by MARINA surveyors.
There is a total restriction on the importation or charter of barges and pleasure crafts, except pleasure crafts used for tourism purposes.
The maximum age limit for tankers from 1986 to 1987 is 4 years. Beyond 1987, there is a total ban on tankers for interisland use.
Age is reckoned from the date of launching to the date of filing of the application for the importation or charter of a vessel.
The minimum size limit for passenger vessels is 500 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT).
Chartering of oil tankers beyond 1984 may be renewed if the proponent undertakes to order new building replacement from a local yard or during emergency and critical shortage situations as determined by both the Bureau of Energy Utilization and MARINA.
A Ro-Ro vessel is a Roll-on-Roll-off vessel that has large openings in the ship's sides, aft, and/or bow for loading and unloading trucks or self-wheeled cargo such as cars and containers.