Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all Philippine-registered ships and fishing vessels operating in Philippine waters.
- Also applies to vessels temporarily used in overseas trade or international waters.
- Requires securing a Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC).
Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC)
- The MSMC defines the required minimum safe manning level for a vessel.
- The certificate format is prescribed and attached as Annex "A".
- Basis for determining if a ship is safely manned before proceeding to sea.
Application Procedure
- Shipowners/operators/managers must file a letter-application to MARINA.
- Required information includes: ship’s name, owner/operator, ship and rig type, tonnage, horsepower, port of registry, IMO and Official Number, and crew list.
- Application to be signed by an authorized representative.
- MARINA provides a pro-forma letter-application form (Annex "B").
- Certificate of Inspection (Annex "C") to be issued thereafter.
Fees for Issuance and Renewal
- Fees vary by ship size (gross tonnage):
- Over 1600 GT and above: ₱1,500
- Over 1000 to 1600 GT: ₱1,250
- Over 500 to 1000 GT: ₱1,000
- Over 250 to 500 GT: ₱750
- Over 100 to 250 GT: ₱500
- Over 35 to 100 GT: ₱250
- 35 GT and below: ₱100
- Re-issuance fee: ₱100 per ship.
Validity of the Certificate
- Valid for a maximum of five (5) years.
- Renewal required if ship alterations occur during validity.
- New certificate must be applied for before operating in overseas/international waters temporarily.
Administrative Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Summary proceedings imposed for violations.
- For ships operating without MSMC after 30 days of circular effectivity, fines per day operate plus non-operation/suspension of CPC/PA/SP:
- ₱100/day up to ₱20,000 for ≤ 35 GT
- ₱5,000/day up to ₱500,000 for >1600 GT
- For ships operating with expired MSMC, escalating penalties apply per violation:
- First to third violation penalties increase in amount and severity.
- Penalties include fines per day, suspension, non-operation, and potential revocation/cancellation of permits.
Repealing Clause
- Any conflicting provisions from PMMRR 1997 and previous MARINA issuances are repealed or modified.
Effectivity
- The circular to be published in a national newspaper.
- Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication.
Abbreviations:
- MARINA: Maritime Industry Authority
- MSMC: Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
- CPC: Certificate of Philippine Compliance
- PA: Provisional Authority
- SP: Special Permit
- GT: Gross Tonnage
This summary encapsulates all key provisions, enforcement mechanisms, application procedures, and administrative sanctions related to the issuance and compliance of the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate for Philippine-registered ships and fishing vessels.