Accreditation of Philippine Ship Classification Orgs

Applies to all shipping companies, shipowners/operators.
Includes all local classification organizations duly organized and authorized under Philippine law.
Encompasses recognized IACS members and other reputable international classification organizations engaged in domestic trade ship classification.

Administration: Refers to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Classification Organization: A non-stock, non-profit entity applying technical standards to marine facilities and ships.
Ship Classification: Process ensuring design, construction, and maintenance conform to the classification society's rules.
Accreditation: Qualification process for organizations to conduct classification activities.
Authorization: Qualification process specifically for IACS members and reputable international organizations.
Local Classification Organization: A local, non-stock, non-profit entity accredited to class ships above 35 GT in domestic trade.
Philippine Government Class (PG Class) System: A government-operated classification system for non-convention wooden hulled ships and small ships of 35 GT or less.

Only one local classification organization accredited by MARINA.
MARINA may authorize IACS members and other reputable international classification organizations.
Accreditation is a prerequisite for permits, authorities, and incentives related to classification.
No entity without MARINA's accreditation or authorization certificate shall classify domestic fleet ships.
Only surveyors of accredited organizations may classify domestic ships.
Ships classed by IACS may not switch to local classification except for economic reasons.

Must define and document quality policies and commitments.
Governed by ethical principles codified in a Code of Ethics ensuring confidentiality and performance responsibility.
Permit participation by MARINA technical representatives in rule development.
Maintain a website with ship records accessible electronically by MARINA.
Establish procedures to obtain ship records from other classification societies.
Submit annual list of surveyed ships to MARINA.
Maintain records of representatives and make available to MARINA.
Publish and maintain classification rules in English.
Possess a capable managerial, technical, and support staff (minimum 20 technical, 10 support).
Demonstrate technical, administrative, and managerial competence.
Subject to regular audits by MARINA.

Must be non-stock, non-profit entities.
Officers/employees must have no commercial interest in the shipping industry.
Provide classification, technical advisory, logistical/personnel services.
Operate offices with at least two surveyors in designated key locations nationwide.
Quality system certification required within one year of accreditation (ISO 9000 or equivalent).
Employ qualified personnel including naval architects, marine engineers, chief engineers, master mariners, mechanical, and electrical engineers with requisite experience.

SEC registration certificate or proof of registration for international organizations.
Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws.
List of personnel with qualifications and CVs.
Code of Ethics.
Classification Rule Books both for convention and non-convention ships.
Fee schedules.
Documented internal quality system meeting recognized standards ensuring systematic rule maintenance, supervisory systems, surveyor qualifications, record keeping, and audit systems.

Report within 24 hours to MARINA of any ship operating with unfit conditions or accidents.
Report suspension or withdrawal of classification within 24 hours.
Furnish MARINA with classification rules, amendments, and related documents for regulatory interpretation.

MARINA conducts annual management, financial, and performance audits of accredited and authorized organizations.
Audits conducted pursuant to international standards and relevant laws for local class organizations.

Show Cause Orders issued for failure to maintain quality, accreditation conditions, violation of rules or circular.
Penalties per offense:
- First Offense: Php 250,000 fine.
- Second Offense: Php 500,000 fine plus suspension (60-90 days).
- Third Offense: Php 750,000 fine plus cancellation of accreditation.

MARINA establishes PG Class for classifying non-convention wooden hulled ships and ships 35 GT and below.
PG Class personnel are MARINA technical staff, trained and qualified.
Authorized to perform classification for domestic ships as required.
Can act as local class if local classification certification is suspended or withdrawn.
Classification activities follow MARINA-developed procedures and guidelines.

Invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect remaining parts, which remain valid and effective.

Existing accreditation expires on March 31, 2010.
Interim Class Certificates valid until March 31, 2010 only.
Full Term Class Certificates issuance by current accredited entities ceases 15 days after circular publication.
IACS members engaged in domestic classification must apply and acquire authorization by March 31, 2010.

Circular takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.