MSS participants vow to uphold maritime safety

Signatories to the resolution also vowed to enhance the monitoring of Marina-accredited classification societies to improve the classing of ships

Maritime regulators and groups have committed to uphold and preserve marine safety and protection during the Maritime Safety Summit in Manila on Wednesday.

The Maritime Industry Authority, organizer of the event, and participants came up with a Marina-drafted resolution committing themselves to implement, review and enforce stringent requirements for life-saving appliances, fire-fighting structures and systems, radio communication, cargo securing, and measures to prevent marine pollution to ensure safety and reduce marine pollution.

Signatories to the resolution also vowed to enhance the monitoring of Marina-accredited classification societies to improve the classing of ships.

For the effective implementation of the Safety Management System, crewing agencies vowed to develop standardized training programs to promote the effective implementation of the International Safety Management Code while shipowners and operators are to consider Republic Act No. 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Law in the development and implementation of SMS, as well as assess the competency criteria for seafarers regarding their understanding of SMS implementation and the ISM Code.

They also committed to establish advanced rescue and communication centers equipped with Global Maritime Distress and Safety System to bolster search and rescue capabilities.

Marina, other government agencies and stakeholders also promised to establish and develop a SAR cooperation plan and remain committed to securing funding and augmenting its assets and trained personnel dedicated to SAR operations.

Further, maritime agencies and stakeholders vowed to organize a SAR team in strategic areas to be led by the Philippine Coast Guard.

For the revitalization of the shipyard industry, agencies and stakeholders committed to support the development of shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, and provide additional and expanded slipways by shipyard owners and investors.

“We must all play our part as a responsible and accountable maritime nation, bearing in mind the cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and convenience as the identity of the industry rather than maritime accidents resulting from either human error or technical malfunction,” Marina Administrator Hernani Fabia said during the summit.