21/08/2025
𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has approved sweeping reforms to the country’s minimum safe manning rules for Philippine-registered ships operating in domestic waters, in what industry leaders are calling a “game-changing” move to address the worsening shortage of seafarers and modernize operational standards in the archipelago’s inter-island shipping sector.
The revised policy, formalized under the newly approved Revised Rules and Regulations on Minimum Safe Manning for Philippine-Registered Ships Operating in Philippine Waters, introduces changes to manning requirements, certification validity, and pathways for crew advancement. It marks the first major overhaul of domestic manning rules in nearly two decades.
Approved on July 31 during the 314th MARINA Board Meeting, the circular reflects months of technical work and broad industry consultation, including 11 technical working committee deliberations and four public consultations. Stakeholders ranged from the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to shipowners’ associations and maritime training groups.
