Scope and Coverage
- Applies to all vessels required to be registered in the Philippines.
- Includes vessels engaged in towing, pushing, and carrying goods or passengers for hire regardless of tonnage.
- Covers vessels acquired under PD 760 as amended.
- Applies to foreign-registered vessels temporarily used in Philippine waters.
- Excludes warships, naval vessels, non-motorized bancas, sailboats, and vessels under 3 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT).
Authority and Regulatory Functions
- The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is designated as the regulatory authority responsible for vessel safety over all vessels registered under Philippine laws.
Vessel Plans Approval
- Vessel plans must be submitted and approved by MARINA prior to any construction, conversion, alteration, or rehabilitation.
- For vessels approved for acquisition, plans must be approved before registration.
Admeasurement of Vessels
- Vessels 3 GRT and above are subject to admeasurement before registration.
- Admeasurement required upon completion of vessel construction, conversion, alteration, or rehabilitation.
- Classed vessels do not require re-admeasurement; submission of a valid Tonnage Certificate from an IACS member classification society is necessary.
- MARINA conducts admeasurement and issues conclusive Admeasurement Data Report.
- Any alterations affecting measurements require re-admeasurement and issuance of an amended certificate, except for typographical or arithmetic corrections.
Inspection of Vessels
- MARINA inspects all Philippine-registered vessels for manning requirements and technical condition compliance as per the Revised Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations (RPMMRR).
- Inspections are conducted:
- Before registration or entry into service.
- After repairs, conversion, or alteration.
- Upon drydocking.
- At certificate renewal.
- When changing trade status.
- Following reported breakdowns or complaints.
- To ensure compliance with international standards (e.g., SOLAS, Loadline).
- Upon request by other government agencies.
Certificate of Inspection (CI) and Related Documents
- Vessels above 3 GRT receive Certificate of Inspection (CI) or Interim CI.
- Vessels 3 GRT and below carrying passengers or cargo receive a Special Certificate of Inspection (SCI).
- Cargo vessels 3 GRT and below receive a Permit to Operate (PO).
- CI specifies operational limits of the vessel.
- Validity periods:
- Steel-hulled vessels: 1 year for passenger/cargo; 1 year max for cargo, tanker, and fishing vessels.
- Wooden-hulled vessels: 1 year.
- Interim CI: maximum 6 months.
- SCI and PO: 1 year each.
Manning Requirements
- All Philippine-registered vessels must be manned exclusively by duly certified Filipino seafarers.
- Manning must comply with minimum standards under RPMMRR.
- Manila issues Manning Certificates for overseas vessels, valid up to 5 years unless major renovation occurs.
Dispensation Permit for Officers
- Temporary dispensation permits may allow an officer to serve in a higher rank during emergencies, valid up to 3 months.
- Not granted for Master or Chief Engineer except under force majeure or fortuitous events; validity limited until next port and excluded for domestic trade vessels.
Safety Certificates for Overseas Vessels
- MARINA requires various safety certificates where applicable, including:
- Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
- Ship Safety Construction and Equipment Certificates
- Cargo Ship Safety Certificate
- International Loadline and Tonnage Certificates
- Grain Loading Certificate
- Cargo Oil Record Book
- Certificate of Fitness for LPG in Bulk
- Radio Telephone/Telegraphy Certificate
- Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
- Exemption certificates may be issued for domestic vessels temporarily engaged in overseas trade.
Enforcement and Monitoring
- MARINA conducts periodic and random vessel inspections at Philippine ports to ensure ongoing compliance with safety regulations.
Penalties
- Violations of the guidelines are subject to existing Philippine laws and regulations applicable to maritime safety.
Preservation of Existing Rules
- Provisions of the Revised Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations not inconsistent with these guidelines are adopted by reference.
Repealing Clause
- Any previous MARINA rules, circulars, or orders inconsistent with these guidelines are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The guidelines were published and took effect starting 15 October 1994, providing legal force to the implementation of vessel safety regulations under MARINA authority.