Aiming to provide updates and to strengthen collaboration with the overseas shipping stakeholders, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) convened a Private Stakeholders’ Meeting on 23 March 2021 via video conferencing.

The MARINA – Overseas Shipping Service (OSS) spearheaded the discussions regarding the draft Memorandum Circular (MC) on the Implementation of the Overseas Shipping Service Information and Management Systems (OSSIMS) and updates on OSS developmental activities.

OSSIMS is an information and monitoring system, which is designed to provide online platform, including online filing for Overseas Shipping Service – related applications. The said system is consistent with MARINA’s commitment to promote transparency and sustain ease of doing business.

During the meeting, Mr. Gerico John Vincent A. Magbojos, Officer-In-Charge of the Cooperation and Strategic Maritime Initiatives Division (CSMID) of the OSS, presented the draft Memorandum Circular wherein he highlighted the objectives, in light of which the said MC is proposed. Exchanged of views and comments also transpired during the meeting for further improvement of the draft MC and OSSIMS.

Moreover, Ms. Precila C. Jara, Officer-In-Charge of the OSS, provided updates on the strategic deliverables accomplished in the 2nd semester of 2020, which include the Philippine Maritime Strategy on the Implementation and Enforcement of Relevant Instruments of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Model Draft Merchant Shipping Agreement.

She also shared the other initiatives, as well as the issues and challenges being confronted by the OSS as it upholds its commitment of promoting the Philippine ship registry.

Lastly, Ms. Jara informed the overseas shipping stakeholders of the actions to be undertaken by the OSS for the realization of Program 5: Development of a Global Maritime Hub of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP).

On the other hand, Director Ramon C. Hernandez of the MARINA – Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS), and the concurrent Officer-In-Charge of the Maritime Safety Service (MSS), reported the parallel efforts on Shipbuilding, Maritime Safety and Marine Environment Protection. These include promulgation of relevant policies such as MARINA Circular No. MS-2020-02 or the “Rules on the Oversight Function of MARINA in the Delegation as Flag State Administration” and MARINA Circular No. SR-2020-06 or the “Rules and Regulations on the Mandatory Use of 0.50% MM Sulphur Limit on Fuel Oil for All Philippine-registered Ships in Compliance to Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78, as amended”, and quite a number of Advisories, while keeping the stakeholders abreast on the recent international developments in the maritime industry.

Ms. Jara concluded the first Private Stakeholders’ Meeting in 2021 by expressing MARINA’s gratitude for the continued support of the overseas shipping stakeholders to the Philippine maritime industry.