Philippine registry of shipping gets conformance certificate

PH registry of shipping gets conformance certificate
GENEVI FACTAO December 04, 2018 https://www.manilatimes.net/ph-registry-of-shipping-gets-conformance-cer...

Philippine Register of Shipping Inc. (PRS) was awarded a Certificate of Conformance by the ABS Quality Evaluations, boosting its chance to be chosen as the Single Classification Society in the Philippines.

PRS President Engr. Thaddeus Jovellanos said PRS has been assessed by ABS Quality Evaluations Inc. and found to be in conformance with the requirements set forth by ISO 9001 2015.

The Quality Management System is applicable to design, development and administration of rules and standards of the classification of ships. This certificate may be found on the ABS QE website (www.abs-qe.com).

Certificate No. 56198 took effect on Aug. 31 2017, expiring on Aug. 30 2020, issued by Alex Weisselberg, president of ABS.

Being the first and original classification society for the domestic fleet that was accredited by Philippine Coast Guard in 1992, PRS has been vocal about the need for one classification society, and one safety standard for all ships.

PRS has supported House Bill (HB) 460, an Act amending certain provisions of RA 9295 and entitled “Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004,” particularly on Single Classification Society, which was filed by Rep. Jesulito A. Manalo.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has allowed PRS and another class society, Orient Register of Shipping to continue to operate in the country. Other local class societies (LCS) were either suspended or were given a Show Cause or Cease and Desist Order (SC/CDO) by former Marina Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero.

Marina Advisory No. 2018-31 ordered ships classed by LCS with SC/CDO to transfer its class to other LCS within six months from the date of the Advisory, set on Sept. 25, 2018.

The ships due for annual endorsement within six months from the date the Marina Advisory advised to apply with MARINA for verification of the ships’ continued compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations.
“Ships that were due for Class renewal were advised to transfer their Class to other LCS immediately,” Marina Advisory No. 2018-31 stated.

PRS has laid its plans for surveys of ships in service. It said no substandard survey will be carried out; no vessel to pass a survey with any doubt regarding neither the adequacy of the survey carried out nor the standard of the vessel; and no class entry of substandard vessels to be made.

“The rules and instructions and other requirements were clearly spelled out and they have to be met by every surveyor and principal surveyor. Verification and audit were being done and will be carried out to ensure compliance. Necessary actions will be taken when non-conformance is observed. Planning of survey, execution and evaluation of result were all team tasks between surveyors and management,” said Jovellanos.