Press Release: Marina inspects RoRo vessel

Marina OIC conducts random inspection of RoRo vessel in Batangas and Calapan Ports

The Officer-In-Charge of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has inspected at random a Batangas and Calapan Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo) vessel at the Batangas Port to strenghen maritime safety measures and look for areas to further upgrade the domestic shipping industry in the Philippines, as part of its eight priority programs under the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP) of MARINA. 

Photo courtesy of Marina

MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr, together with Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nanette Villamor-Dinopol; Capt. Rommel John Mendoza of the MARINA - Enforcement Service (ES); and Atty. Sharon Aledo of the MARINA Region IV, rode a RoRo vessel from Batangas City bound to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro to assess the maritime operations in these areas at the onset of the Lenten Season. 

Vice Admiral Vingson and his team inspected the basic condition of the passengers and observed compliances to cargo securing procedures of vehicles and trucks.

The MARINA OIC noted that the inspected RoRo vessel was generally clean with its engine room and emergency generator to be well-maintained and ventilated. Significantly, its sewage tank area was found safely secured and located in a separate compartment aboard ship that was also free from foul odor. 

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) elevator was also installed and accessible in the RoRo vessel, while the comfort rooms were well-managed and sanitized. 

However, there was a minor deficiency noted by the MARINA, wherein two drivers were seen inside their vehicles while the vessel was underway. 

Nonetheless, the deficiency was immediately rectified by the vessel’s crew, and requested the drivers to vacate their vehicles and stay at the passengers area for their safety.

“Maritime safety is non-negotiable. The MARINA is consistently working with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the PPA to ensure that our sea passengers enjoy a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel at all times,” Vice Admiral Vingson said. 

Finally, the MARINA is calling all shipping operators across the country to uphold all the fundamental elements of the maritime safety. 

The public, meanwhile, is encouraged to report violations by filing a complaint through these contact details: 0995 400 7336 or +632 521 804.

Press Release: Marina

MARINA promotes quality management on shipbuilding, ship repair industry

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has promoted quality management on shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry through an intensive workshop on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 on 10 – 11 April 2019.

ISO 9001:2015 focused on the implementation of an organization’s Quality Management System (QMS) for the consistent provision of efficient public service and implementation of effective business processes.

Fifty (50) representatives from various shipyards in Mindanao were briefed on the MARINA Circular 2018-02 or the SBSR – Quality Management System (QMS) and its draft amendments based on stakeholder suggestions raised at the 2^nd National Shipyards Convention held in Cebu City on November 2018. 

Some of the suggestions made were a more relaxed compliance policy, specifically for small shipyards in the country, and more reasonable worker requirements, such as hiring a permanent naval architect only for facilities engaged in shipbuilding and ship repair. 

The MARINA also partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) to encourage the stakeholders to consider applying for ISO 9001:2015 certification through the presentation of its benefits such as more disciplined workforce, efficient operations, and commendable services. 

“Being ISO 9001:2015 - certified shows that our SBSR facilities are leveled or even better compared to the services offered by international shipyards. Our collective efforts to upgrade our facilities will result to a modernized SBSR industry, as envisioned in the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP),” MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr said.    

The workshop will also be conducted in Cebu City and in Manila this year to cater to SBSR stakeholders in Visayas and in Luzon respectively.