Guidelines for Vessel License Issuance in PH

Mandatory for vessels engaging in coastwise trade.
Issued by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), valid for one year.
Separate from other certificates.
Temporary CWL available up to 30 days pending Philippine registry approval.
Temporary CWL must include reason, validity period, and fees paid.
Eligibility limited to vessels with Philippine registry.
All Philippine ports open to coastwise trade vessels.
Mandatory display of Philippine coastwise emblem (white flag with blue and red stars) on main mast during port activities.

Required for vessels towing or carrying cargo/passengers in bays, rivers, harbors, inland waters.
Valid for one year and specifies operating water limits.
Licensed water areas include navigable confluent rivers and lakes.
Eligibility limited to vessels built in the Philippines, owned by Filipino citizens or domestic corporations with 75% Filipino capital.
Existing owners not meeting ownership requirements may continue operating under prior license.
Exemptions: vessels three tons net or less, pleasure crafts, ship’s boats, government vessels.
Exemption ends if vessel is used for hire transporting cargo/passengers.
Licensed lighters, cascoes, paraos, and bancas must display letters "B" and "A" plus license number visibly on bow.

Applicable to yachts used exclusively for pleasure owned by Filipino citizens.
Allows navigation within Philippine and foreign ports without customs clearance if arrival is pre-notified.
Must report arrival at Philippine port of entry immediately upon arrival.
Licensed yachts must display name and port of registration on hull.
Compliance subject to seizure or forfeiture for violations.
Administrator issues sailing commissions as identification.
Licensed yachts must use prescribed signal flags.

Duly accomplished application form.
Certificate of Philippine Registry/Certificate of Ownership.
Certificate of inspection.
Payment of filing fees and energy tax (applicable to motorized pleasure vessels).
Renewal applicants must additionally submit freight/passenger rate documents and surrender old license.

License renewal at MARINA Central or Regional Office prior to expiry.
Expired licenses on voyage to homeport to be renewed upon arrival.
Vessels not in operation must surrender license with renewal or deferment request before expiration.

Allowed upon owner/master/agent application.
Issuance of license for new class subject to submission of supporting documents.

MARINA Enforcement and Regional Offices tasked with strict compliance monitoring.
Non-compliance to be reported within 48 hours to Maritime Legal Affairs or Regional units.
Enforcement officials authorized to board vessels, inspect, and examine documents without obstruction.

Any inconsistent MARINA rules, regulations, orders, or circulars are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.