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The Maritime Industry Authority is pushing for the institutionalization of a risk-based compliance and enforcement system in the domestic shipping industry
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Through the proposed MARINA Compliance, Operations, and Risk-Based Enforcement Regulation, the maritime authority aims to strengthen safety oversight and reduce the occurrence of maritime incidents
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MARINA-CORE Regulation will enhance inspector competencies and sustain stakeholder engagement to ensure the effective implementation of the framework
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The proposed regulation seeks to establish a risk-based compliance monitoring and enforcement system that will standardize procedures for risk assessment, inspections, compliance evaluation, and enforcement actions
The Maritime Industry Authority (Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is pushing for the institutionalization of a risk-based compliance and enforcement system in the domestic shipping industry.
Through the proposed MARINA Compliance, Operations, and Risk-Based Enforcement (MARINA–CORE) Regulation, the maritime authority in a statement said it aims to strengthen safety oversight and reduce the occurrence of maritime incidents.
MARINA deputy administrator for operations Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe said the MARINA-CORE Regulation will enhance inspector competencies and sustain stakeholder engagement to ensure the effective implementation of the framework.
The proposed regulation seeks to establish a risk-based compliance monitoring and enforcement (RBCME) system that will standardize procedures for risk assessment, inspections, compliance evaluation, and enforcement actions.
It also promotes the use of analytics, automation, and interoperable information systems to modernize regulatory operations.
READ: MARINA to undertake comprehensive check of all domestic ships
As part of the development process, MARINA’s Enforcement Service conducted a five-day lock-in workshop with technical experts and representatives from various service units to refine the updated regulatory framework.
The initiative aligns with a directive from Department of Transportation acting secretary Giovanni Lopez, through a presidential directive.
READ: MARINA emphasizes safety musts in new memo to shipping firms
Aside from the MARINA-CORE System, the maritime authority earlier issued a revised schedule of administrative fines and penalties for violations of its rules and regulations, increasing rates to promote compliance.
The new schedule under MARINA Memorandum Circular (MC) No. GC-2026-02 aims to provide a rationalized and comprehensive single reference for the schedule of administrative fines and penalties for violations. It also aims to promote and enhance maritime safety and security, and the protection of marine environment, through compliance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan last year said they are increasing penalties for maritime offenses to promote compliance. She said the objective is to make it cheaper to comply than to violate, and that penalties should be a deterrent for offenses.
Malaluan earlier noted that some ship/boat operators opt for fines instead of complying with rules since penalties are affordable.
