TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 11
MARINA strengthens Philippine Ship
Registry; upholds commitment to IMO
As a responsible member of the international maritime community, the Philippines
continues to prepare for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State
Audit Scheme (IMSAS) scheduled in 2021. The MARINA has successfully conducted a
mock audit and shortly thereafter, worked on the areas for improvements raised during
the activity.
T
he Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
strengthens the Philippine Ship Registry through the
implementation of the 10-year Maritime Industry Plan
(MIDP), regular joint collaboration with the private
stakeholders, and by being a responsible member of
the international maritime community.
Being the country's agency responsible in
promoting and developing the Philippine maritime
industry, the MARINA, through its 10-year MIDP, has targeted to
address the key concerns in the country's maritime sector through
its integrated and holistic long term programs. One of its eight (8)
priority programs is the establishment of maritime industrial hub
which is intended to promote the country's flag registry.
The MARINA also organizes workshops, consultations and
conferences with private stakeholders to discuss and resolve
prevalent challenges in the Philippine Ship Registry. One of which
is the regular bi-annual meeting that is conducted to assess the
overseas shipping sector's overall situation, propose changes in
the legal framework and/or revisions to national laws and circulars,
among others.
These efforts led to the approval of House Bill (HB) 1286 entitled:
an Act providing for the full and effective implementation and
enforcement of international maritime instruments of which
Philippines is a State party and HB 1288 entitled: An Act providing
for the registration of ships and incentives therefor and other
purposes. These proposed laws aim to strengthen the Philippine
Ship Registry, as well as the implementation of rules and regulations
for maritime safety and security, and the protection of the marine
environment.
As a responsible member of the international maritime
community, the Philippines continues to prepare for the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit
Scheme (IMSAS) scheduled in 2021. The MARINA has successfully
conducted a mock audit and shortly thereafter, worked on the areas
for improvements raised during the activity.
In 2018, the Philippines has ratified six (6) IMO conventions: 1)
Protocol of 1997 to Amend the International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol
of 1978 Relating thereto (MARPOL Annex VI); 2) Protocol of 1978
Relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS PROT 1978); 3) Protocol of 1988
Relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (Load
Line Protocol 88); 4) Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS
PROT 1988); 5) International Convention on the Control of Harmful
Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001 (AFS 2001) and; 6) International
Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water
Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
Finally, the MARINA has also asserted its commitment to uphold
its position to the IMO Council under Category C for 2020-2021
Biennium to prove its unwavering commitment in ensuring the full
and complete compliance to IMO conventions. Countries elected
under Category C have special interests in maritime transport and/
or navigation.
The Philippines has been part of the IMO Council since 1997.
Since then, the country has been an active contributor in drafting
international rules and regulations for the development of the
global maritime industry, especially in the field of maritime
transport and/or navigation.
marina.gov.ph
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