MARINA revises minimum safe manning policies in domestic shipping

MARINA revises minimum safe manning policies in domestic shipping
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz August 8, 2025 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1256179

MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has updated the minimum safe manning policies for Philippine-registered ships operating in local waters to address the growing shortage of seafarers in the country’s domestic shipping industry.

In a press conference on Friday, MARINA Administrator Sona Malaluan said the new unreleased memorandum circular (MC), entitled “Revised Rules and Regulations on Minimum Safe Manning for Philippine-Registered Ships Operating in Philippine Waters,” would introduce key changes.

“There is a shortage of seafarers in domestic shipping and the policy aims to address that,” Malaluan said.

One of the key updates in the circular is the introduction of a more flexible system that balances education, experience, and training for domestic ship officer certification.

This allows seasoned mariners who may not hold formal degrees to qualify for officer roles if they meet other competency criteria.

“A major change in this MC is we're giving veteran seafarers the opportunity to upgrade their license based on their experience,” she said.

She noted that newly-licensed mariners looking for experience would also be encouraged to work in domestic ships through the policy.

“We are providing that opportunity if there is a low demand for that level, they can serve on domestic ships first to get experience. This is an opportunity for newly licensed officers,” she said.

In addition, she said the policy would allow domestic shipping lines to upgrade their fleet by allowing their existing crew to man higher-tonnage vessels.

Meanwhile, Bong Omega from Roble Shipping Lines lauded the change and said it would result in upgrading the competency of existing ship crews as well as their salaries.

“Very happy kami sa MC na to. Sa tagal tagal na, that this time nagkaroon na ng balance because it's always a law of supply and demand (We are very happy with the MC. It’s been so long and this time there will be balance because it’s a law of supply and demand),” he said.

The revised circular was approved on July 31 during the 314th MARINA Board Meeting, chaired by Malaluan and supported by the MARINA Board composed of senior officials from the Department of Transportation, Office of the President, Philippine Ports Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME), Philippine Inter-Island Shipping Association (PISA), and the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA).

Representatives from the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Filipino Shipowners Association also participated virtually.

The revised circular is the result of a consultative process that went through 11 technical working committee deliberations, four public consultations, and active participation from stakeholders in the shipping industry. (PNA)