MAKATI CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to develop the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector.

The MARINA-DTI joint technical committee will formulate the PNS for the SBSR sector to ensure the quality and competitiveness of Philippine-SBSR services through sustainable business processes as envisioned in the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP), specifically under priority program #5 or the establishment of a global maritime hub.

Currently, Philippine shipyards are required to acquire certifications from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the commitment to do environment-friendly practices; the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for the safety workplace against fire accidents; and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the welfare of the workers.

With the PNS, the shipyards will also be required to meet the minimum international standards to ensure the quality and safety of Philippine-made vessels.

The DTI fully supports the MARINA on its efforts to modernize the SBSR industry, noting that it will help alleviate poverty, attract foreign investments, and achieve the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022.

On 08 May 2019, the MARINA will conduct a consultation with SBSR stakeholders in Mindanao to discuss the development of the PNS, specifically on ship design.

Aside from the DTI, the development of the PNS for the SBSR sector is also supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and several private partners.

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