MARINA to Enhance Maritime Industry Investment Climate

Manila, Philippines - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Department of Transportation vowed to improve the current state of the maritime education and fully comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW) as it aim to maintain its ‘White List’ status in the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In a forum on the results of the assessment on the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 9295 or the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004, MARINA revealed that there is a need to increase awareness among stakeholders about the provisions of RA 9295.

MARINA has now committed to formulate an attractive financing scheme and to review existing incentive programs for the players in the domestic shipping and shipbuilding industries.

The agency will also review regulations to accelerate fleet modernization programs, as well as modernize naval ships and maritime security assets. The enhancement of shipbuilding research and development, modernization of shipyard facilities, and provision of regular training for shipyard personnel will also be prioritized.

On a positive note, the MARINA assessment revealed that the deregulation of the domestic shipping industry has promoted the ease of doing business through the reduction in the processes, processing time of applications, and flexibility in fleet operation. This resulted to a steady increase in the issuance of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPCs) since 2010, allowing more shipping operators to take part in the enhancement of the navigability within Philippine borders by serving existing routes, as well as new routes.