Vessel Limitations for Interisland Use

Tugboats, landing craft transport, cargo/container/Ro-Ro vessels, cargo-passenger vessels, passenger vessels, and fishing vessels have maximum age limits:
- 12 years from January 1983 to December 1984
- 10 years from January 1985 to December 1986
Tankers have stricter limits:
- 10 years between 1982 and 1983
- 8 years from 1984 to 1985
- 4 years from 1986 to 1987
- Total ban after 1987
Specialized vessels may be up to 14 years old max.

All imported or chartered vessels (except fishing vessels) must pass a special survey.
Vessels must be maintained in class by an internationally accredited classification society with no outstanding recommendations.
Fishing vessels require a survey report from a MARINA-accredited surveying company or as determined by MARINA surveyors.

Chartering oil tankers allowed until end of 1984; renewals require new building orders from local shipyards.
Charters allowed in emergencies or critical shortages as determined by BEU and MARINA.
All tankers must pass special surveys and maintain classification with international accreditation.

LPG carriers and similar high-technology vessels not constructible in local yards are exempt from restrictions.

"Age" means the time from launching to the date of importation/charter application.
"Barge/Lighter": flat-bottomed crafts for bulky freight transport, not suited for interisland use.
"Cargo vessel": freight-carrying vessel.
"Cargo-passenger vessel": cargo vessel with passenger accommodation.
"Container vessel": designed for transporting cargo in standardized containers.
"Ferry": vessel carrying passengers, vehicles, trains over distances not exceeding 75 nautical miles.
"Fishing boat": any vessel used for sea-fishing for profit.
"Landing Ship Transport (LST)": military vintage cargo vessel with ramps for cargo handling without port facilities.
"Passenger vessel": vessel designed primarily for passenger transport on scheduled routes.
"Pleasure craft": vessels designed solely for tourism and leisure, equipped with luxury facilities.
"Ro-Ro vessel": ships allowing roll on/roll off of vehicles and self-wheeled cargo.
"Tugboat": small vessel with high power used for towing and assisting other vessels.

Previous MARINA memoranda (No. 10, 21, 21-A, and 22) remain effective insofar as consistent with these guidelines.
The guidelines are enforced by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as approved by its Board.
Strict adherence to these restrictions is mandatory for all vessels intended for interisland use.