Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 89)
The main objective is to provide implementing guidelines to ensure compliance with safety regulations prior to vessel registration under Philippine laws and the maintenance of safety qualifications.
It applies to all types of vessels required to be registered in the Philippines under existing laws, vessels engaged in towing/pushing or carrying goods and passengers for hire regardless of tonnage, vessels acquired under PD 760 as amended, and foreign-registered vessels temporarily used in Philippine waters.
Warships and naval vessels, non-motorized bancas, sailboats, and other waterborne contrivances of less than 3 Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) are excluded.
Vessel plans must be submitted to MARINA for approval prior to any construction, conversion, alteration, or rehabilitation to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
All vessels of 3 GRT and above must be admeasured prior to registration, after construction, conversion, alteration, or rehabilitation. Classed vessels are exempt if they submit a valid Tonnage Certificate from a recognized classification society.
The Certificate of Inspection for steel-hulled passenger and cargo vessels has a validity of one (1) year.
They must be manned exclusively by duly certificated Filipino seafarers in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
A Dispensation Permit may be granted to an officer to occupy the next higher rank during emergencies not exceeding three (3) months. It is not granted to Masters or Chief Engineers except in force majeure events and is not valid for vessels operating in the domestic trade.
Violations are governed by existing laws and regulations applicable to vessel safety and maritime operations.