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The Maritime Industry Authority aims to increase penalties for maritime offenses by the end of the year to promote compliance with rules
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MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the objective is that “it should be cheaper to comply than to violate”
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MARINA is reviewing the current penalty rates, which are set in a memorandum issued in 1997
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) aims to increase penalties for maritime offenses by the end of the year to promote compliance with rules.
“It’s our objective that it should be cheaper to comply than to violate,” MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said in a recent press briefing.
She noted that some ship/boat operators opt to pay for the fines instead of complying with rules since penalties are cheap and affordable for the companies.
They are now reviewing the current penalty rates, Malaluan said, and will issue stiffer fines “maybe” before the end of the year.
MARINA officer-in-charge deputy administrator for operations Emmanuel Carpio, in a separate chance interview during the recent BEACON Expo 2025, noted that it’s about time to amend MARINA Circular 120, issued in 1997, which lists maritime offenses and the corresponding penalties.
These include violations on the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Public Convenience and provisional authority, temporary registration of foreign-owned vessels under time charter or lease to Philippine nationals for use in the Philippine coastwise trade, and policies on taxes and investments, among others.
Carpio noted, though, that they have seen less violations lately as recent MARINA policies already include updated fines and penalties.
READ: MARINA sets proper cargo stowage rules for PH ships plying international waters
He added that the agency has strengthened its partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which enforces MARINA’s policies and is in charge of regular as well as surprise ship inspections.
Aside from the annual and seasonal inspection of vessels, MARINA this year started its intensified monitoring of passenger vessels’ compliance with safety rules and regulations.
Random inspections are being conducted ahead of peak travel periods, such as Holy Week, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and Christmas and New Year’s season.
Both Malaluan and Carpio noted that there are instances when boats/vessels are compliant with requirements during regular inspections, but may not be able to maintain or may overlook such requirements after the inspection.
For example, life-saving appliances at the time of regular inspection are complete but in the following days and months are not maintained or have expired, thus, the random inspections and the intensified cooperation with PCG.
READ: MARINA reinstates insurance requirement to cover liabilities from maritime accidents
