The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) generated P597.889 million in revenue for the first six months of 2016, up 21% from last year’s P492.502 million, but almost 25% short of the P794.876-target, according to the agency’s latest accomplishment report.
Tonnage fees reached P53.897 million, 10% higher than the previous period’s P48.936 million. The latest figure was, however, 10.17% lower than the P60-million target.
In terms of operations, Marina said its first semester accomplishment “shows vibrant prospects” in achieving its 2016 goals.
During the period, the number of ships registered reached 5,968, which is already 144% of its 2016 target of 4,140 registrations, and also 34% more than the 4,441 registrations in the same period last year.
Issued certificates, permits, and licenses hit 28,640 accounting for 69.73% of the 2016 target. However, this is 15% lower than the 33,757 certificates, permits, and licenses issued in the same period last year.
MARINA also audited 314 companies/ships in the first half, representing 36.94% of the 850 target and 9% higher than the 288 inspections conducted in the same period last year.
Meantime, the maritime agency reported that it created and extended satellite offices, which became operational last March, to meet requirements of ship owners, seafarers, and other stakeholders within that area.
The Cagayan Satellite Office was extended while satellite offices in Tubod at Lanao del Norte and for MARINA Regional Office VIII were established.
In a bid to modernize the country’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, a concept paper was released on the use of technologically-improved hull material and Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) for motor boats/bancas.
Meanwhile, Marina, through Advisory No. 2016-15, advised all ship owners, ship managers, masters and officers of Philippine-registered ships engaged in overseas operations, and others concerned, of 44 circulars approved during the 96th Session of the International Maritime Organization Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) Meeting held last May 2016 in London.
Of the 44 circulars, 35 were MSC circulars and nine were International Convention on Safety of Containers, Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, and Safety of Navigation circulars.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
