CAGAYAN DE ORO, PHILIPPINES – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) conducted another information awareness campaign on the rights of sea passengers in cases of cancelled, delayed, and/or uncompleted voyages at the Passenger Terminal Building in Port of Cagayan de Oro on 24 October 2019.
The campaign, which was formally launched at the Port of Batangas in Batangas City on 11 April 2019, followed by another campaign in Cebu City last 05 September 2019, targets to inform sea passengers of their rights, as well as shipping operators of their obligations in cases of trips at sea that cause inconvenience to the riding public.
MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. emphasized the need to put public welfare front and center, especially during holiday seasons when passenger volume significantly increases.
“Dahil direktiba ni Pangulong Duterte ang makapagbigay tayo ng ligtas, komportable at maayos na transportasyon, tulong tulong ang DOTr, MARINA, PPA at PCG upang maibigay ito sa mga mananakay ng sasakyang pandagat,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.
Moreover, through the campaign, the MARINA also ensured the protection of sea passengers against inefficient shipping services, as well as for the promotion of their welfare and safety.
MARINA Region 10 Regional Director Lisa Nepomuceno- Orongan, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) – CDO Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac Jr., and Bernand Aligno from Philippine Liners Shipping Association also expressed support in the campaign.
Rights of Sea Passengers
Under the campaign, the MARINA emphasizes that sea passengers of a cancelled or delayed voyage have the right to information, as well as the right to refund or right to revalidation of their tickets.
If the sea passengers choose to revalidate their tickets, they may also avail of the right to amenities such as snacks or meals and free accommodation if deemed necessary, while waiting for their rescheduled trip.
The MARINA also clarifies that the right to compensation of sea passengers for a cancelled or delayed voyage applies only if the free accommodation is not practicable for the shipping operator.
Meanwhile, sea passengers of an uncompleted voyage have the right to information, right to amenities, right to compensation, as well as the right to be transported to their destination.
The MARINA notes that the rights of sea passengers are absolutely applicable only if the causes of cancelled, delayed, or uncompleted voyage are attributable to the shipping operator.
The riding public is encouraged to read the MARINA Circular 2018-07 for the terms and conditions of the rights of sea passengers that may be accessed at the official MARINA website (marina.gov.ph).
Passengers are also encouraged to report non-compliance of shipping operators by filing a complaint through these contact details: 0995 400 7336 or +632 521 804.