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The Maritime Industry Authority has issued precautionary measures and other safety-related concerns in the operation of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger ships in the domestic trade
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This is in line with the declared policy to enhance the safety of all Ro-Ro passenger ships
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MARINA administrator Hernani Fabia said there are 782 maritime accidents recorded from 2018 to 2022
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has issued precautionary measures and other safety-related concerns in the operation of roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger ships in the domestic trade.
This is in line with the policy to enhance safety of all Ro-Ro-passenger ships, according to MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2023-24 published on September 15.
Under the advisory, all masters and shipowners/operators are directed to strictly comply with the following precautionary measures:
- Ensure all watertight decks and bulkheads are inspected periodically to verify that no unprotected openings or improper penetrations will allow progressive flooding and that closure devices are in place and in working order.
- Ensure watertight doors, hatches and ramps are securely closed prior to departure and regularly inspected during its entire voyage.
- Ensure compartments, manholes, air pipes, and other external hull structures fitted with gaskets, hinge covers sealing, surfaces and securing mechanisms are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
- All cargoes should be properly stowed, lashed and secured at the car deck in such a way that the ship and passengers onboard are not at risk in accordance with the ship’s approved Cargo Securing Manual.
- Passage lanes must be kept safe and free from any material obstructions such as lashing materials that posed tripping hazard to the passengers. Likewise, cargo baggage should not obstruct the passage lanes to ensure any possible emergency and evacuation protocols.
- Overweight trucks/rolling cargoes should be properly observed to ensure the trim and stability of the ship. Whenever the total weight of the truck/rolling cargo may compromise the safety and stability of the ship, such cargo should not be allowed onboard.
- Safe procedure on loading, unloading and stowage should be incorporated in the Safety Management System Manual of the ship and properly implemented.
Violations of MA 2023-24 may be reported to the Office of Administrator (oadm@marina.gov.ph) and Enforcement Service (es@marina.gov.ph).
MARINA administrator Hernani Fabia, during a recent Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing, said there are 782 maritime accidents recorded from 2018 to 2022.
According to MARINA’s statistical report for 2022, MARINA has recorded 115 maritime accidents/incidents last year, of which 90 were considered serious accidents, 13 were very serious, and 12 were less serious. These involved grounding, hull failure, engine failure, steering failure, listing, capsizing, swamping/flooding, sinking, collision, allision, fire/explosion, man overboard, damage to port and structure, heavy weather damage, anchor dragging, and occupational accident.
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