The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through its Enforcement Service, successfully conducted a five-day Lock-In Workshop from 25 to 29 May 2026 for the development of the proposed MARINA Compliance, Operations, and Risk-Based Enforcement (MARINA–CORE) Regulation. The activity gathered technical experts and representatives from various MARINA Service Units to formulate a modernized, data-driven, and risk-based approach to compliance monitoring and enforcement in the domestic shipping industry.
The initiative was undertaken in response to the directive issued by Department of Transportation Secretary Atty. Giovanni Z. Lopez during his press conference in Zamboanga City on 27 January 2026, one day after the capsizing and sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan. The policy direction was subsequently reinforced through a Presidential Directive advocating a risk-based audit and evaluation framework for maritime safety.
The opening program was attended by Ms. Nenita S. Atienza, Deputy Administrator for Planning, who delivered the Inspirational Message on behalf of MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan. Deputy Administrator Atienza emphasized that the MARINA–CORE Regulation represents a significant step toward a more responsive, evidence-based, and safety-driven regulatory system capable of addressing evolving operational risks and strengthening maritime governance.
The proposed Regulation seeks to institutionalize a Risk-Based Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement (RBCME) System that will establish standardized approaches for risk assessment, inspection prioritization, compliance evaluation, and enforcement actions. It likewise promotes the use of risk analytics, automation, and interoperable information systems to enable more proactive and effective maritime safety oversight.
During the closing program, Deputy Administrator for Operations RADM Loumer P. Bernabe described the MARINA–CORE Regulation as a transformative reform that will modernize compliance monitoring and enforcement through the intelligent use of data, technology, and risk-based methodologies. He highlighted the importance of developing complementary implementation tools, strengthening inspector competencies, and sustaining stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful implementation of the Regulation.
The workshop forms part of MARINA’s broader institutional modernization agenda aimed at strengthening maritime safety governance, improving regulatory effectiveness, and advancing digital transformation. Through the MARINA–CORE Regulation, MARINA reaffirms its commitment to building a safer, more efficient, and globally competitive Philippine maritime industry that supports national connectivity, domestic trade, and economic growth.
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