The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) through the Maritime Safety Service (MSS) and Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS) in collaboration with the French Maritime Expert (FME) conducted a training seminar on the Concentrated Campaign to Enhance the Safety of ROPAX Fleet at MARINA Training Institute (MarTI) in Bacolod from 10 – 14 July 2023.

The training which was attended by the technical personnel of SRS, MSS, Enforcement Service (ES) and MARINA Regional Offices aims to further capacitate and enhance the survey and inspection skills of the attendees.

In her opening remarks, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nannette Villamor – Dinopol emphasized that the training is very valuable in the development and improvement of maritime industry of the country particularly maritime safety and security, marine environment protection, shipbuilding and ship repair and aids to navigation. She encouraged the participants to imbibe the culture of safety particularly in performing their functions as safety surveyors / inspectors and to serve as public servants who take accountability to their actions. Engr. Villamor – Dinopol also believes that this seminar contribute to reduce the number of maritime accidents being recorded by the Agency.

MARINA Regional Office VI (MRO6) Director II Jeffrey Bangsa and MarTi OIC-Training Director Ms. Juliet Nacion were also present during the opening ceremony of the training seminar.

FME Mr. Emeric Faure along with representatives of Bureau Veritas (BV) including BV-Philippines Offshore Manager Mr. Jimmy Ji Ye and BV Singapore Section Head – Stability, Tonnage & Loadline Mr. Zheng Wenxin facilitated the training which focused on Onboard Fire Safety, Life Saving Appliances, Ship Structural Survey, Loadline and Ship Stability (Intact and Damage).

For the past eight months, Mr. Faure has been providing the necessary technical assistance, training and consultancy service to the MARINA.

The participants also conducted an actual survey on a ROPAX LCT that is being operated by the Tristar Megalink Corp.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Nacion expressed her gratitude to the French Maritime Expert for sharing his expertise. She also reiterated that the demand of safety and environmental protection should be the first and most essential priority.

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