Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2007-001)
The main objective is to prescribe measures that will foster the prevention of oil pollution in the event of collision or stranding from oil tankers operating in Philippine domestic waters.
The 'Administration' refers to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Double Hull Ships are ships constructed with wing tanks or spaces that extend for the full depth of the ship's side, arranged such that the cargo tanks are located inboard of the molded line of the side shell plating, and have a double bottom tank.
The policy applies to three categories: Category 1 - oil tankers of 20,000 tons deadweight and above carrying crude or heavy oils and 30,000 tons and above for other oils; Category 2 - oil tankers of 5,000 tons deadweight and above carrying crude or heavy oils but less than Category 1's tonnage; Category 3 - oil tankers less than 5,000 tons deadweight carrying crude or heavy oils.
All oil tankers must be double hulled by April 2008.
They must have a double bottom tank or space such that the distance between the bottom of the cargo tanks and the molded line of the bottom shell plating is not less than 1 meter, with wing tanks extending full depth of the ship's side with a minimum width of 1 meter.
A penalty of P50,000 for each day of operation is imposed, without prejudice to claims and liabilities in case of maritime incidents.
Safety Certificates shall be immediately suspended for sixty (60) days prior to hearing, without prejudice to the issuance of a Cease and Desist Order.
The ship shall be delisted from the Philippine registry and their authority to operate cancelled or revoked immediately.
Regulations 19, 20, and 21 of MARPOL 73/78, as amended (RESOLUTION MEPC.117(52), are referenced.