Batangas City, Philippines– The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through its Legal Service, Management, Finance, and Administrative Service (MFAS) and MARINA Regional Offices of Luzon, concluded its Public Consultation Meeting on the Rationalization of MARINA Circulars governing Fees and Charges, as well as Administrative Fines and Penalties on 07 February 2025.

Stakeholders representing various maritime sectors, including shipping companies and shipowners, engaged in discussions centered around proposed amendments to existing MARINA Circulars. Key points of deliberation encompassed the justification for fee adjustments, the proportionality of penalties, and the potential ramifications of these changes on industry operations.

Engr. Rizal J. Victoria, Director of MARINA Regional Office IV, underscored the significance of open dialogue and stakeholder involvement in formulating maritime policies. He also emphasized the shared commitment of MARINA and the participants to transparency, fairness, and continuous enhancement of maritime regulations within the region.

MARINA reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining equilibrium between regulatory enforcement and industry sustainability while ensuring that penalties remain equitable and reasonable. The feedback garnered from the consultation will be instrumental in finalizing the draft revised MARINA Circulars, aligning them with current maritime standards and industry requirements.

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