Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA FLAG STATE ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY NO. 021, S. 2002, DECEMBER 27, 2001)
The main purpose is to enhance maritime safety by requiring all passengers of vessels in the domestic trade to wear lifejackets during specific instances such as boarding, transfer, before disembarkation, and throughout the voyage when transferring between vessels.
The advisory applies to all vessels duly documented for domestic trade that cannot enter port or dock alongside due to low tide, construction of port facilities, engine failure, or similar reasons and require transferring passengers to another authorized vessel.
Passengers must wear lifejackets when transferring to or boarding another vessel, prior to disembarkation from the vessel, and at all times during the voyage to the designated port for disembarkation.
All operators or owners of vessels engaged in the domestic trade are responsible for requiring every passenger to wear the lifejacket under the prescribed circumstances.
Violators are subject to penalties prescribed under the Public Service Act and relevant MARINA Memorandum Circulars. Additionally, the suspension or cancellation of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Permit to Acquire (PA), or Shipping Permit (SP) may also be imposed.
Yes, the advisory reiterates penalties provided under Memorandum Circular No. 123 on the failure to wear lifejackets.
Non-compliance may lead to suspension or cancellation of the vessel’s CPC, PA, or SP, affecting the legal authority to operate in domestic trade.
The wearing of lifejackets is mandatory during boarding, transfer to another vessel, prior to disembarkation, and throughout the voyage to the designated port.
Penalties are based on the Public Service Act and relevant Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Memorandum Circulars including Memorandum Circular No. 123.