The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) through the Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS) and the French Maritime Expert (FME) hosted back-to-back hybrid meetings with government agencies and stakeholders on the Launching of Concentrated Campaign to Enhance the Safety of the ROPAX Fleet at MARINA Central Office, City of Manila on 18 July 2023.

During the meeting with government agencies in the morning, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Villamor – Dinopol described the event as an avenue to discuss the proposed project of the Agency and the FME who has been providing a valuable support in the development and improvement of the Philippine maritime industry particularly on maritime safety and security; marine environment protection; shipbuilding and ship repair and aids to navigation.

The MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations expressed her full support to the concentrated campaign which is in line with the effective implementation of Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 which includes the Overriding Program on Enhancement of Maritime Transport Safety and Security (Merchant and Fishing Fleets). She also encouraged the concerned government agencies and relevant stakeholders to inculcate the culture of safety in every ship and to actively participate in the activity as the country progress to a more efficient marine transport.

FME Mr. Emeric Faure who facilitated both meetings with government agencies and stakeholders presented his general observations in the field on the implementation of regulations, situation of the Philippine ROPAX Fleet, average of risks for ROPAX and recommendations to enhance maritime safety in general.

The meeting in the morning was also attended by MARINA Deputy Administrator for Planning Ms. Sonia Malaluan; Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS) and Maritime Safety Service (MSS) Director II Engr. Ramon Hernandez who delivered the closing remarks; Enforcement Service (ES) Director II Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria; Incoming MSS OIC-Director Mr. Jonathan Seguritan; other MARINA personnel; representatives of other government agencies including Department of Transportation (DOTr); Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Philippine Ports Authority (PPA); National Telecommunications Commission (NTC); National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA).

Meanwhile, the MARINA and FME also conducted a meeting with stakeholders in the afternoon which was attended by different ROPAX companies in the country.

In her speech, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Planning Ms. Sonia Malaluan emphasized that safety is primordial, non-negotiable and everybody’s concern. She believes that the concentrated campaign is timely and necessary so the government agencies and industry stakeholders can work together on maritime safety starting on ROPAX fleet.

The meeting with stakeholders was also attended by the representatives of 2GO Group Inc.; Atienza Interisland Shipping Ferries Inc.; Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corp.; JVS Journey Sea Tranport, Inc.; Evaristo and Sons Sea Transport Corp.; FF Cruz and Company, Inc.; Rock Island Ferries; Philstone Shipping Corporation; Mae Wess Company Inc.; Theresian Star Shipping Lines Inc. and Camotes Ferries Services.

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