Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 109)
Penalties vary depending on the Gross Register Tonnage (GRT) of the vessel, ranging from P200 for vessels 3 GRT and below to P1,910 for vessels over 500 GRT.
The fines range from P3,000 for yachts 15 GRT and below up to P6,000 for yachts over 100 GRT.
Fines range from P100 for vessels 1 GRT and below to P500 for vessels over 10 GRT up to 15 GRT.
For power-driven vessels, the fines are P12/NRT for the first offense, P24/NRT for the second, and P48/NRT for the third and succeeding offenses. For non-power driven vessels, fines are P8/NRT, P16/NRT, and P32/NRT respectively.
For vessels above 3 GRT, the fines are P500 for first offense, P1,000 for second, and P1,500 for subsequent offenses. For vessels 3 GRT and below carrying passengers or cargo for hire, fines are P200, P400, and P800 respectively.
Operating without a Special Permit to Navigate results in a fine of P300. Transporting inflammable or hazardous cargo without a valid permit incurs fines of P200 for first offense, P400 for second, and P800 for third and succeeding offenses.
In addition to fines, repeated violations may lead to suspension or cancellation of certificates, licenses, or authority to operate.
A fine is imposed per section of the vessel plan depending on GRT, such as P50 per section for vessels over 5 up to 50 GRT, scaling up to P300 for vessels over 10,000 GRT.
The penalty is a fine of P10,000.
A show cause order must be issued directing the offender to explain why no penalties should be imposed. Notice and hearing follow MARINA Memorandum Circular No. 74, s. 1993, supplemented by the Rules of Court and the Administrative Code of 1987.