MANILA – The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started implementing the “No Vaccination, No Ride Policy” in the operation of maritime transport, particularly on board passenger ships entering and departing National Capital Region (NCR) today, 17 January 2022, in line with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Department Order No. 2022 – 001 dated 11 January 2022.

Through its Advisory No. 2022-03, the MARINA directed all shipping companies/operators to allow access or issue tickets only to “Fully Vaccinated Person” as evidenced by physical or digital copies of an LGU-issued vaccine card, a DOH-issued vaccine certification, or any IATF-prescribed document.

For clarification, the MARINA also emphasized that a person is considered fully vaccinated two (2) weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series of vaccines; or two (2) weeks
after a single-dose vaccine.

Meanwhile, the “No Vaccination, No Ride Policy” shall not apply to the following: Persons with medical conditions that prevent full COVID-19 vaccination, as evidenced by a duly signed medical certificate with name and contact details of the physician; and persons who will procure essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as evidenced by a duly issued barangay health pass or other appropriate proof to support and justify such travel.

This time around, as the country is yet again facing another surge of COVID-19 active cases, the Agency is fully supporting the government’s call to hamper the rapid spread of the virus. In support also to the national government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program, the MARINA has been taking initiative to inoculate its workforce and the seafaring community for the welfare of the general public, as well as for economic reasons.

As of 14 January 2022, a total of 1,101 MARINA personnel, both from Central and Regional Offices, have been fully vaccinated – with 305 of them having already received their booster shots.
Aside from ramming efforts to give booster shots to fully vaccinated MARINA personnel, the MARINA has also activated its own clinic for its personnel to receive care quickly and conveniently throughout the regular workday with less time away from tasks.

In support of this effort, several shipowners in the country have expressed their full support on the implementation of the “No Vax, No Ride Policy”.

Relatedly, the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association (PCSA) conveyed its approval of the policy as this will encourage more people to be vaccinated.

Ever since, the Agency has been ensuring strict compliance with standard health protocols in battling the COVID-19 pandemic through its implementation of stringent measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The MARINA reminds the public to be more compliant more than ever given the current number of active COVID-19 cases in the country.