Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2006-003, SERIES OF 2006)
The primary objectives are to foster standards for domestic shipping operations to protect public interest, generate vital information for effective supervision and monitoring of domestic shipping enterprises, and prevent the proliferation of incompetent and unreliable shipowners/operators.
All persons, whether natural or juridical, or entities authorized by law to engage in the use of ships for the carriage of passengers and/or cargoes between ports in the Philippines, for hire or compensation, regardless of route or frequency of operation.
Yes, accreditation is a prerequisite to obtaining permits, licenses, VAT exemption, financial assistance, incentives, and endorsements from MARINA and other relevant government agencies.
Accreditation is valid for three (3) years and may be renewed for another three (3) years.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens or entities with at least 60% Filipino ownership, or cooperatives duly registered with the appropriate government agency.
For corporations, partnerships, and cooperatives, at least two principal officers must have at least two years of experience in ship management or operations. For single proprietorships, the owner or principal officer must have two years of relevant experience.
The applicant must have a paid-up capitalization of P2,500 per gross tonnage of ships owned or operated, with minimum thresholds such as P25,000 per operator or higher amounts for operators of tanker or large gross tonnage ships (up to P12,500,000 depending on fleet size).
Applicants must submit a letter of intent, list of ships, latest audited financial statements, list of corporate officers with bio-data, Articles of Incorporation or business registration documents, proof of capitalization, and proof of payment of fees.
They must submit amendments to articles of incorporation or by-laws within 30 days, replacement of directors or officers within 30 days with bio-data, audited financial statements annually by June 30, and disclose changes in ship tonnage and capitalization.
Penalties vary but can include fines ranging from P1,000 to P30,000 depending on the type of enterprise and gross tonnage, and may include suspension, cancellation, or revocation of accreditation.
Corporations pay P8,580, partnerships P5,150, single proprietorships P780, and cooperatives P4,300 for a three-year accreditation.
They must submit a written notice to MARINA at least two months before withdrawal or suspension. Unauthorized withdrawal or suspension exceeding four months may result in cancellation or revocation of accreditation.