Coverage
- Applies to all domestic shipowners/operators of passenger-carrying ships within the Philippines.
General Provision
- Strict prohibition against carrying passengers in numbers exceeding the authorized passenger capacity of any passenger-carrying ship.
Specific Provisions
- The total number of passengers on board must never exceed the ship’s authorized passenger capacity.
- All passengers must be duly recorded and reflected in an official Passenger Manifest.
- The Passenger Manifest must be prepared and available before the ship departs from the port.
- Children aged three (3) years and above are counted as adult passengers and must be assigned seats.
- Children below three (3) years must be carried by an adult at all times.
- These provisions supplement existing MARINA Circulars and maritime safety regulations concerning overloading and other safety measures.
Penalty
- Domestic shipowners/operators found carrying passengers beyond authorized capacity involved in maritime accidents/incidents will face an additional penalty.
- This additional penalty includes a one (1) year suspension of their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) on top of any penalties prescribed in other MARINA Circulars.
- Perpetual disqualification from operating ships will be imposed on those who violate the Order of Suspension.
Effectivity
- This Circular takes effect immediately following its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Authorized and adopted by the MARINA Administrator.