Manila. Philippines. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is pleased to announce that the Philippines has deposited instruments of accession to six (6) maritime conventions before the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on 24 April 2018 and 06 June 2018, respectively.
The Philippines’ accession to these IMO instruments highlight our support to the safety of our Filipino seafarers and in protecting the marine environment from the operation of ships.
The Protocol of 1997 to Amend the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (MARPOL Annex VI) secures the Philippine’s commitment to the global efforts to reduce air pollution from ships. MARPOL Annex VI, first adopted in 1997, limits the main air pollutants contained in ships’ exhaust gas, including Sulphur oxides and nitrous oxides, and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances.
The Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 or the Load Lines Convention prescribes the minimum reserve buoyancy and freeboard of ships to ensure their stability by preventing overloading.
The Protocol of 1978 Relating to the International Convention for the safety of Life at Sea, 1974, to improve further the safety of ships, particularly tankers. The Convention aims to update the safety standards of crude carriers and product carriers by requiring the specifications of radars and steering gear to enhance safety of navigation.
On the other hand, the Protocol of 1988 Relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, specifies the standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships compatible with their safety.
The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Ant-Fouling Systems on Ships, (AFS 2001 Convention), meanwhile, aims to prevent the contamination of marine species.
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, adopted in 2004 aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from on region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
In accordance with IMO regulations, these six (6) IMO instruments will become effective for the Philippines three (3) months from the date of deposit.
MARINA extends its appreciation from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Senate of the Philippines and the Office of the President, its partner agencies and the private sector for the support they extended for the Philippines’ accession to these maritime instruments. Moreover, the Philippines thanked the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme of the IMO for the assistance extended to the Philippines to facilitate the ratification or accession to IMO Conventions or Treaties.
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