Press Release
February 6, 2009

Maritime Safety Act pushed

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to have full authority and responsibility on matters concerning maritime safety.

Trillanes has filed a bill amending RA 9295 to restore the PCG's authority and responsibility to perform ship safety inspection services and carry out other ship safety enforcement functions.

The Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004 (RA 9295) provided for the complete transfer of these functions to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). On the other hand under RA 5713, the PCG was created and mandated to inspect and approve vessels for operation, enforce provisions for the safety of life and property on vessels.

"The bill puts maritime safety administration solely at the hands of one agency, the PCG. This would put a stop to the blame game among government agencies", said Trillanes.

Also known as the Maritime Safety Act of 2009, the bill will authorize the PCG to investigate marine accidents and casualties including marine pollution incidents, and determine appropriate administrative penalties.

According to government records, the Philippines averages more than 200 maritime accidents every year. In 2007, a Japan International Cooperation Agency study attributed the accidents to overloaded and poor maintenance of ships or ferries, the lack of warning on bad weather, and ship crew incompetence..

Currently the MARINA works with the PCG to ensure compliance with ship safety standards. In 2005, the two agencies entered into a Memorandum of Agreement authorizing the PCG to perform ship safety inspection services on behalf of the MARINA.

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