Maritime
MARINA Strengthens Collaboration with
Overseas Shipping Stakeholders
T
he Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has
strengthened its collaboration with the government
agencies and the private sector whose interests are
anchored on the overseas shipping industry.
In a meeting with the involved stakeholders, the
MARINA highlighted the importance of active cooperation
and collaboration in achieving the plans and programs for
the maritime industry, specifically those under the 10-year
maritime industry development plan (MIDP).
Engr. Ramon Hernandez of the MARINA - Shipyards Regulation Service
(SRS) shared the prospective industry and economic impacts of the
establishment of the first-ever global maritime hub, which is the Priority
Program #5 of the 10-year MIDP.
Engr. Hernandez emphasized that the global maritime hub shall
promote the Philippine flag registry, develop the Philippines as
transshipment and bunkering hub in the Southeast Asian Region, upgrade
and expand local shipyards, as well as lead to the establishment of an eco-
industrial maritime park and maritime training and research center.
“The implementation of the MIDP will lead to the development of
The shipping company that will serve a
missionary route shall enjoy protection
of investment for five years and 50
percent discount on the regular fees
of all applications and renewal of ship
documents, licenses, certificates, and
permits.
10
the maritime industry and consequently contribute to the growth of the
country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The MIDP priority programs shall
only mean good and positive to the country’s maritime industry as we
strive to reform, revitalize and innovate for the future,” Engr. Hernandez
said.
Furthermore, Atty. Jean Ver Pia of the MARINA – OSS discussed the
activities under the different components of having an attractive Philippine
registry which is one of the projects under the Priority Program #5:
Establishment of the Global Maritime Hub of the 10-year MIDP.
These include the: (1) Strengthening of regional and international
cooperation such as with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) and other similar bilateral agreements to support the competitive
position of Philippine Flag Vessels; (2) Strengthening of shipping services
for Philippine export and import trade transportation; (3) Development
and promotion of ship financing schemes, and incentives for ship
owning and shipping industry; (4) Review and improvement of bare-
boat chartering program and ship mortgage law; (5) Strengthening of
ship management, ship brokerage, ship handling and ship insurance
services; and (6) Strengthening of the maritime administration through
ratification and implementation of international maritime instruments and
restructuring of MARINA.
The conceptual framework of the Maritime Safety Campaign was also
discussed by Dir. Jose Venancio Vero of the MARINA – Maritime Safety
Service (MSS), highlighting how it will ensure the strict and full compliance
of Philippine-registered ships plying the international trade with significant
IMO instruments relating to safety, security and marine environmental
protection. This will ensure the facilitation of trade and commerce as it
prevents the unnecessary interdiction of Philippine-registered ships by
foreign port State control inspectors.
Finally, the MARINA also talked about the draft amendments to
the MARINA circulars on the “Rules in the Acquisition of Ships under
Presidential Decree (PD) 760, as amended, “Rules on the Accreditation
of Maritime Enterprises”, and “Omnibus Rules on the Issuance of Special
Permit for the Temporary Utilization of Philippine-registered ships whether
Trading Overseas or Domestic” respectively.
The meeting ended with the re-launching of the MARINA - OSS online
registration system to promote ease and convenience in doing business in
the overseas shipping industry.
marina.gov.ph