Scope of Application
- Applies to all domestic ships carrying cargo units except:
- Solid and liquid bulk cargoes.
- Timber stowed on deck.
- Open-deck wooden-hulled ships with outriggers below 35 Gross Tons (GT).
Key Definitions
- Administration: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
- Code: Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing under SOLAS 1974, Chapters VI and VII.
- Company: Owner or entity responsible for ship operation and compliance with the Code.
- Cargo Securing Manual (CSM): Document with guidelines for safe cargo stowage and securing.
- CSM Compliance Certificate: Certificate issued upon approval showing full compliance with the Code.
- Cargo Units: Vehicles, containers, steel coils, heavy items, and other cargo not permanently affixed to ship.
- Cargo Securing Devices: Devices used to secure cargo units on board.
- Standardized cargo, semi-standardized cargo, and non-standardized cargo defined according to required securing systems.
General Provisions
- Companies must prepare and submit a CSM consistent with the Code for MARINA approval.
- The CSM must fit the ship's characteristics, trade areas, cargo composition, and expected sea conditions.
- Ships must have proper cargo securing equipment meeting strength and functional standards.
- Crew must be knowledgeable about securing forces, device application, and limitations.
- Masters bear ultimate responsibility for voyage and cargo safety, with company support.
Specific Provisions
- All covered ships must have an approved CSM on board.
- Cargo must be loaded, stowed, and secured per the approved CSM.
- The CSM must provide up-to-date guidance and information to the Master and crew.
- A CSM Compliance Certificate will be issued for full compliance, valid up to five years with annual endorsements.
- MARINA will include CSM checks in routine Safety Inspection and ISM/NSM audits.
- Only qualified, experienced personnel may handle cargo stowage and securing tasks.
- Masters are responsible for crew training on proper securing device use.
CSM Preparation Guidelines
- CSMs must comply with MSC/Circular 745 "Guidelines for the Preparation of the Cargo Securing Manual".
- Must be specific to a single ship or sister-ships and categorize cargo types clearly.
- New ship CSMs must meet classification society standards or equivalent approved safety levels.
- Existing ships’ CSMs must follow standards effective at their construction time.
- Non-standardized cargo requires adherence to the Code's provisions.
CSM Validity and Amendments
- Approved CSM remains valid unless major ship structural or usage changes occur.
- Any major changes require submission of amended CSM for re-approval.
Fees and Charges
- Review and evaluation fees vary by ship size from P300 to P3,000.
- Issuance of CSM Compliance Certificate costs P310.
- Annual endorsement fee is P250.
Sanctions and Penalties
- Failure to possess CSM leads to suspension or withdrawal of Ship Safety Certificates.
- Fines and sanctions escalate based on offenses for:
- Operating without MARINA-approved CSM.
- Operating with expired CSM Compliance Certificate.
- Non-compliance with approved CSM.
- Penalties range from P25,000 with warnings, up to P100,000 with suspension or cancellation of SIRB and QDC for repeated offenses.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent MARINA issuances are amended or repealed.
Separability Clause
- Invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect the validity of remaining provisions.
Effectivity Clause
- The Circular takes effect 30 days after publication in a widely circulated newspaper.