MARINA, PCSA eye revised safe manning rules in domestic ships

MARINA, PCSA eye revised safe manning rules in domestic ships
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz July 9, 2025 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1253938

MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA) are eyeing the revision of minimum safe manning rules for domestic ships.

In a statement on Wednesday, MARINA said a consultation with PCSA sought to discuss proposed revisions to the rules for Philippine-registered ships operating in domestic waters.

The two-day session focused on aligning manning standards with current maritime practices, improving vessel safety, and addressing industry concerns on training, deployment, and operational capacity.

During the meeting, MARINA Chief of Staff Ronaldo Bandalaria underscored MARINA’s consultative and participatory approach to the proposed revisions and assured that all concerns raised by the PCSA would be discussed and reviewed.

On the other hand, PCSA officer-in-charge administrator Cesar Licudine thanked MARINA for the initiative and emphasized the PCSA’s shared goal of establishing safe and practical manning requirements tailored to domestic operations.

During the event, several MARINA and PCSA executives were present along with representatives from major shipping companies who also actively participated in reviewing the draft. (PNA)