Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 314)
The Council was created by President Fidel V. Ramos through Executive Order No. 314 dated March 28, 1996.
Its main function is to coordinate the formulation and implementation of policies and programs affecting maritime safety.
The Council is chaired by the Executive Secretary.
Members include the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Administrator of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), Commander of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP/MARICOM), Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Chairman of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Chairman of the Maritime Training Council, and a representative from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).
One representative each from Shippers, Ship owners, and Maritime Schools are appointed as members to represent the private sector and participate in the Council.
The Council coordinates formulation and implementation of maritime safety policies, recommends safety-enhancing policies, provides a mechanism for coordinating resolution of maritime safety issues, monitors implementation of programs, and may discharge other functions deemed necessary by the President.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) provides technical and administrative support to the Council.
For its initial year, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall provide one million Philippine pesos (P1,000,000) from its unprogrammed funds for 1996, subject to existing auditing rules and regulations. Subsequent funding is drawn from contributions of member-agencies.
The Council shall submit the Comprehensive National Maritime Safety Plan to the President not later than thirty (30) days from the issuance of the Executive Order.
The Council is required to submit quarterly reports on its activities and also submit findings on the doability of recommendations adopted during the Maritime Safety Conference within fifteen (15) days from the Order's issuance.
The Council shall tap private sector entities and local government units in performing its functions, responsibilities, and monitoring the implementation of maritime safety policies and programs.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon its signing on March 28, 1996.