Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MARINA CIRCULAR NO. 2008-03, S. 2008)
The main objectives are to foster the safe operation of Philippine-registered ships covered under the Circular, provide rules and regulations to implement the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing in domestic trade, and institutionalize the Cargo Securing Manual as a safety requirement for the ships covered.
This Circular applies to all domestic ships carrying cargo units other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes and timber stowed on deck, except open-deck wooden-hulled ships with outriggers and those below 35 GT.
The 'Administration' refers to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) refers to the guidelines on the safe stowage and securing of cargoes on board the ship.
Cargo Units include vehicles, railway wagons, containers, flats, portable tanks, intermediate bulk containers, packed units, unit loads, steel coils, heavy cargo items, loading equipment, or any transported item on the ship that is not permanently fixed to the ship.
Companies must prepare and submit a CSM consistent with the rules of the Circular and Code for the Administration's approval, ensure officers and crew understand the cargo securing devices, and ensure safe loading, stowage and securing of cargo in accordance with the approved CSM.
The CSM Compliance Certificate is valid for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the date of issue and must be endorsed annually by the Administration; it ceases to be valid without annual endorsement.
First offense is a fine of 25,000 pesos and a warning; second offense is a fine of 50,000 pesos plus suspension of SIRB and QDC if applicable; third and subsequent offenses are fines of 100,000 pesos plus cancellation of SIRB and QDC if applicable.
The Master is responsible for the safe conduct of the voyage and safety of the ship, crew, cargo, and environment. The company is also responsible to support the Master in discharging these responsibilities.
It must comply with MSC Circular 745, be specific for a single ship or sister ships, describe types of cargo applicable using categories of standardized, semi-standardized, and non-standardized cargo, and comply with classification society standards or equivalent for new ships, or applicable standards for existing ships.