Philippines - Specific requirements by the Filipino Administration

Flag instructions relating to Statutory surveys

Flag procedural requirements

General policy

Agreement

A new Agreement has been signed between Maritime Industry Authority and Recognised Organisation (RO) Marine & Offshore SAS for the delegation of statutory certification and services for ships registered in the Philippines.

The Agreement in force is the one signed in 3rd March 2021.

Refer to Agreement governing the delegation of statutory certification services, Annex 1 to the Agreement, Annex 2 to the Agreement

A new RSO Agreement has been signed between the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA with an entry into force on the 22 June 2026.

For RSO certification, refer to RSO Agreement.

A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA on the 13 October 2023. This Memorandum concerns inspection and certification of Philippine Registered Ships engaged in international voyages pursuant to MLC, 2006.

For DOLE certification, refer to DOLE Agreement

Classification of ships in domestic trade

Since 21st September 2021, Recognised Organisation (RO) SA is duly accredited under MARINA Memorandum Circular No. MS-2020-01 (see attached files) for the classification of ships in domestic trade during 5 years, subject to annual verification and endorsement of certificate (i.e. until 20 September 2026). For details on Certificate of Accreditation LCS-21-002, refer to Agreement governing the delegation of statutory certification services.

For Recognised Organisation (RO) classed ships in domestic trade, the statutory certificates are issued by the Administration.

For guidance on the status of accreditation of classifications societies and its effect to the validity of ship safety certificates, refer to MARINA Advisory 2021-19 in attached files.

Contact list

To ensure that applications and other reportorial submissions are received by the concerned MARINA services, send concerns to the following email addresses only:

• Overseas Shipping Section - oss@marina.gov.ph / oss2@marina.gov.ph

• Domestic Shipping Section - dss@marina.gov.ph / dssdiv1@marina.gov.ph

Electronic Certificates

(MARINA letter dated 01/12/2022, file attached “MA 2022-68”)

The Administration authorises Recognised Organisation (RO) to issue electronic statutory certificates for Philippine registered ships in accordance with IMO Circular FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2.

Interpretation, Equivalents and Exemptions

While interpretations of the applicable instruments as well as the determinations of equivalents or the acceptance of substitutes to the requirements of the applicable instruments are the prerogative of the Administration, Recognised Organisation (RO) will cooperate in their establishment as necessary.

Recognised Organisation (RO) may interpret the requirements of the international statutory instruments following IACS Unified Interpretations and Recognised Organisation (RO) Statutory Interpretations, and generally following guidance issued by the IMO unless the Administration has instructed Recognised Organisation (RO) otherwise.

Exemption from the requirements of the applicable instruments shall be the sole prerogative of the Administration. All Exemption Certificates shall have prior approval of the Administration (2. in Annex 1 see Annex 1 to the Agreement)

In instances where, temporarily, the requirements of an instrument cannot be met under particular circumstances, Recognised Organisation (RO)’s surveyor shall specify such measures or supplementary equipment as may be available and necessary to permit the ship to proceed under Conditional Certificate to suitable port where permanent repairs or rectification can be effected or replacement equipment fitted. All such temporary measures taken should be approved by the Administration.

Interpretations regarding requirements which contain references “to the satisfaction of the Administration” and “to be specified by the Administration”

(MARINA Advisory 2023-21)

The annexes to this MARINA Advisory 2023-21 (files attached) provide guidance covering the following relevant IMO instruments which provide requirements that are "to the satisfaction of the Administration” and shall apply to all Philippines Registered Ships engaged in international Voyage:

• ANNEX 1 - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 and its Protocol 1988, s amended;

• ANNEX 2 - international Convention on Load Lines (lCLL), 1966 and its Protocol of 1988, as amended;

• ANNEX 3 - International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL T3178) and its Protocol of 1997, as amended; and

• ANNEX 4 - Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGJ, 1972

Transfer of Class

In case of transfer of the certification of the ship from one RO to another, the losing RO shall, without undue delay, provide Recognised Organisation (RO) access to the history file of the ship including:

1. Any overdue surveys;

2. Any overdue recommendations and overdue conditions of class;

3. Operating conditions issued against the ship;

4. Operating restrictions issued against the ship; and

5. Technical information, drawings, plans and documents taking into account the relevant guidelines developed by the IMO.

New certificates tor the ship can be issued by Recognised Organisation (RO) only after all overdue surveys have been satisfactorily completed and all overdue recommendations or overdue conditions of class previously issued in respect of the ship have been completed as specified by the losing RO.

Within one month from the issuance of the classification certificates, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall advise the losing RO of the date of issue of the certificates and confirm the date, place and action taken to satisfy each overdue survey, overdue recommendation and overdue condition of class.Recognised Organisation (RO) shall establish and implement appropriate common requirements concerning cases of transfer of the certification of a ship where special precautions are necessary. Those cases shall, as a minimum, include the certification of ships of fifteen (15) years of age or over and the transfer of a ship from an organization not recognized by the Flag State of the ship.

Reporting

Recognised Organisation (RO) will report to the Administration as such frequency as indicated in Annex 2 to the Agreement

Reporting in the case of special authorization

Reporting in connection with work carried out by Recognised Organisation (RO) in accordance with special authorization shall be made on a form mutually agreed beforehand.

Before granting an extension of recommendations of major importance to the safety of the ship, the Administration shall be informed, except that validity of full term certificate can be extended for one (1) month only, except the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate in which permission for extension shall be approved by the Administration.

LL 66

Loadline certificate

Reserved.

SOLAS 74

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

Permission for extension shall be approved by the Administration see (2. in Annex 2 to the Agreement)

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Exemption from carrying a radio direction finder (Regulation V/12(p))

(Memorandum Circular 2 Jan 96)

Any Philippines ship engaged in the international trade, of 1,600 grt and upwards, is hereby exempted from the installation of a radio direction finder on the condition that the ship has fully complied with the requirements of GMDSS on board facilities and a radio-navigation equipment as a Global Positioning System (GPS) is installed on board the ship.

Fire fighting systems

Maintenance and inspection of fire-protection systems and appliances

(Letter Marina dated 30/10/2007 and received on 8/11/2007)

The requirements of MSC/Circ.850 on maintenance and inspection of fire-protection systems and appliances shall be adhered to on board Philippines registered ships engaged in international voyage.

1. Fixed fire fighting systems

   Carbon dioxyde bottles shall be tested by hydraulic pressure 20 years after manufacture and every five years thereafter.Annual testing and inspection:

   1. Control valves of fixed fire-fighting systems should be inspected

   2. air should be blown through the piping of extinguishing gas system.

Spare breathing apparatus cylinders

(SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 15.2.2.6 as amended by MSC.338(91))

The Administration permits Philippine-registered ships to carry at least two spare cylinders for each number of fire-fighter’s outfit provided, that such spares shall be immediately recharged or on the ship’s next port of call or where a recharging facility is available, but not later than one month or the next fire drill to be conducted onboard.

All spare cylinders shall be recharged prior to the next fire drill onboard.

For further information, refer to the letter from the Administration dated 14/07/2014 in the attached file “SpareBreathingApparatusCylindersLetter”.

Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

Annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRB

(MC 05-03-2000)

1. Testing should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing all the relevant measurements required in these guidelines.

2. The examination of the installed 406 MHz satellite EPIRB should include:

   1. checking position and mounting for float-free operation;

   2. carrying out visual inspection for defects;

   3. carrying out the self-test routine;

   4. checking that the EPIRB identification (ID) is clearly marked on the outside of the equipment and decoding the EPIRB identity number and other information from the transmitted signal;

   5. checking the battery expiry date;

   6. if provided, checking the hydrostatic release and its expiry date;

   7. checking the frequency of the 406 MHz signal without transmission of distress call to the satellites;

   8. if possible, checking frequency of the 121.5 MHz homing signal without activating the satellite system;

   9. checking that the EPIRB has been maintained by an approved testing or servicing station; and

   10. after the test, remounting the EPIRB in its bracket, checking that no transmission has been started.

3. A written report to NTC, radio regulation and licensing department shall be submitted ten (10) days after each annual testing of the 406 MHz satellite EPIRB has been carried out.

Delegation of authority for radio survey

Refer to MC 04-02-02 in the attached file “Radio MC 04-02-92”.

The inspection of the radio installation of a cargo vessel located in any Philippine port shall be performed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

However, when the vessel is located in a foreign port, the NTC may authorize Recognised Organisation (RO) to perform the inspection and issue if warranted, the certificate.

The issuance is subject to the following conditions:

1. The initial inspection of the ship station on board a Philippine registered vessel located in a foreign port can be conducted by the Recognised Organisation (RO) only upon receipt of authorization from the NTC commission at the request of the ship owner;

2. The periodical inspection of the radio installation on board a Philippine registered vessel shall be conducted Recognised Organisation (RO) upon request of the ship owner;

3. Recognised Organisation (RO) shall furnish the Commission a copy of the SRC issued together with the technical inspection report, preferably on a prescribed NTC form within ten (10) days from the date of inspection.

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

Particular instructions for CAC of passenger ships or passenger ferries trading in the Philippines national waters and previously classed with the Japanese Government (JG), are given in Annex 2 to the related survey procedure.

MARPOL 73/78

Annex I - IOPP Certificate

Annex II - NLS Certificate

Annex IV - ISPP Certificate

Annex V

Annex VI

SEEMP and Data Collection System for fuel oil consumption of ships

(MARINA Advisory 2019-01 and MARINA Circular No. SR 2021-05)

All Philippine registered ships with 400 GT and above plying in international trade shall comply with the Part 1 of SEEMP.All Philippine registered ships with 5,000 GT and above plying in international trade shall comply with the Part 2 (Data Collection System) of the SEEMP.

All Philippine registered ships with 400 GT and above plying in domestic trade shall comply with the Part 1 of SEEMP.All Philippine registered ships with 400 GT and above plying in domestic trade shall only comply with the Part 2 (Data Collection System) of the SEEMP.

For the Part 1 of SEEMP, the Administration exempts all ships below 400 GT.For the Part 2 of SEEMP, the Administration shall exempt ships:

• Solely plying in international voyage with below 5000 GT;

• All domestic Philippine registered ships with below 400 GT;

• Ships not propelled by mechanical means; and,

• Platforms, including FPSOs, FSUs and drilling rigs.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to perform the following statutory services:

• Reviewing of SEEMP Part II and issuance of Certificate of Compliance, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5, para. 4.5)

• Verification of reported data, (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A) and Issuance of Statement of Compliance (MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 6)

• Submission of reported data to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database ((MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 22A, para. 9)

For further information, refer to attached files “Letter to RO's MARPOL ANNEX VI.pdf” and “MARINA MC SR 2021-05_SEEMP.pdf”

Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO)

(MARINA Circular No. SR 2020-06)

Implementation and transitory provisions

For the consistent interpretation and implementation of the use of Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (LSFO) under MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI, Recognised Organisation (RO) shall use the approved MEPC.1/Circ.878 and its subsequent amendments on the “Guidance on the development of a ship specific implementation plan for the consistent implementation of the 0.50% Sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI.”

All Philippine registered ships trading internationally shall comply on 1st January 2020.

All new ships to be locally constructed in the Philippine intended for domestic trade shall comply on 1st January 2025.

Philippine registered ship plying in domestic waters shall have the following phase-in implementation:

1. All ships shall develop LSFO Ship Specific Implementation Plan (LSFO-SIP) on how companies will comply with the Sulphur limit prior its mandatory compliance date and shall be submitted to the Administration for approval not later than 1st January 2022;

2. All existing ships may start the retrofitting upon effectivity of the MARINA Circular No. SR 2020-06 and may voluntarily use the compliant fuel; and,

3. All ships shall fully comply by 1st January 2025.

Exemption and exceptions

The Administration may issue an exemption when the:

1. Ship is acting to secure the safety of the ship or to save a life at sea; or,

2. Ship is fitted with an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) experiences unintentional damage resulting in emissions that exceed the Sulphur limit, the ship is expected to take all reasonable steps to reduce emissions. This may include carrying out repair works or switching to compliant fuel; or,

3. Ship obtains a Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (FONAR) due to non-availability of fuel from port of origin (see Non-availability of low sulphur fuel oil).

Alternative measures

The Administration permits the following alternative measures for compliance:

1. Alternative fuel such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). or compliant marine diesel oil that has a Sulphur content of 0.50 per cent m/m or less.

2. The use and installation of Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGGS) or "scrubber" type shall be approved by the Administration or its ROs (refer to section VII of MARINA Circular No. SR 2020-06).

3. Other alternative measure to reduce Sulphur oxide emissions approved by the Administration in accordance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements provided the resulting emissions are equivalent (<0.50% m/m).

Non-availability of low sulphur fuel oil

In the event that compliant fuel oil cannot be obtained, the Administration or Recognised Organisation (RO) shall request evidence outlining the attempts made to obtain the compliant fuel oil, including attempts made lo local alternative sources.

Regulations 18.2.4 and 18.2.5 of MARPOL Annex VI then require that the ship notifies its Administration or Recognised Organisation (RO) and other implementing agencies of the port of destination on the inability to obtain compliant fuel oil, with the Party to notify IMO of the non-availability. This notification is commonly referred to as a Fuel Oil Non-Availability Report (FONAR).

FONAR shall be submitted in the approved form and include evidence of all attempts made by the ship to obtain compliant fuel oil, including attempts to source compliant fuel from alternative local sources.

Tonnage 69

Tonnage certificate

Miscellaneous

EU Regulation No 1257/2013 on Ship Recycling

(Administration letter dated 27/12/2020)

Recognised Organisation (RO) is authorized to conduct verification of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials onboard the Philippine registered ships and, if warranted to issue the Statement of Compliance after determining that the ships meet the requirements of Article 12 of EU) Regulations (EU) 1257/2013 on Ship Recycling, other relevant Conventions and provided it complies with the Rules of Class Recognised Organisation (RO). This Statement of Compliance is issued on behalf of the flag.

A copy of any certificate issued shall be provided the Administration within thirty (30) days after issuance of the relevant document.

For further information, refer to the attached file “LTC_VSMI_EU Regulation on IHM”.

ISM Code

Authorizations & Instructions

Specific requirements

Maritime Cyber Risk Management in Safety Management Systems

(Marina Advisory No 2017-24)

All shipping companies with Philippine registered ships registered under the ISM Code are required to take into account cyber risk management in their safety management system.

The functional elements that support effective cyber risk management shall be included in the safety management system and subject to audit no later than the first annual verification of the company’s Document of Compliance after 01 January 2021.

For further information, refer to the attached file “MA-2017-24.pdf”.

SEEMP

(MARINA Circular No. SR 2021-05)

The Administration shall require the Part I of the SEEMP be part of the ship’s Safety Management System.

The Certificate of Compliance for SEEMP Part II shall be part of the documentary requirement for renewal/audit of the company’s ISM-DOC under its ship management system.

Hours of rest

(Memorandum Circular No. SC-2023-01)

Shipping companies shall ensure that proper guidance is provided on the management of fatigue, its impact on safety and the regulation of hours of work and rest. Said guidance shall be included as part of the Safety Management System (SMS). The SMS should have a clear guidance to Masters on the actions to be taken in the event of non-conformance.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is mandated to implement specific provisions of this Memorandum Circular No. SC-2023-01 in the SMS audit of shipping companies and Philippines registered ship, and to report non-compliance to the Administration through the Maritime Safety Service.

Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse

(Memorandum Circular No. SC-2023-02)

For ships covered by the ISM Code, the shipping companies shall establish and implement a clearly written policy of drug and alcohol abuse prevention, including prohibition to consume alcohol within four (4) hours prior to serving as a member of a watch by inclusion in the company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and by means of providing adequate information and education to the seafarers.

In establishing drug and alcohol abuse prevention policy and programmes, shipping companies should take into account the guidance contained in the ILO publication Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programmes in the Maritime Industry (A Manual for Planners), as may be amended.

Recognised Organisation (RO) is mandated to implement specific provisions of this Memorandum Circular No. SC-2023-02 in the SMS audit of shipping companies and Philippines registered ship, and to report non-compliance to the Administration through the Maritime Safety Service.

During the conduct of company audit, non-conformity of the above shall cause non-endorsement or non-renewal of the DOC.

ISPS Code

Authorizations & Instructions

MLC, 2006

Scope of authorisation

Specific Flag requirements

Extracts from Labor Advisory No. 4

1- Medical certificates issued by the Department Of Health (DOH)

Seafarers currently onboard vessels and are in possession of the old DOH medical examination report format may be re-issued a medical certificate in the new DOH MLC 2006 compliant medical certificate provided that:

• 1. The seafarer was issued FIT for duty medical certificate

• 2. The date of validity shall start on April 1, 2013 and up to the termination of the contract of employment of the seafarer.

• 3. Any medical certificate utilizing the new form issued before April 1, 2013 is not valid

Shipowners and/or manning agencies are advised to facilitate on behalf of their seafarers currently onboard ships the re-issuance of their respective medical certificates to be compliant with the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006.

3- Issuance of certificate of inspection of crew accommodation for ships engaged in international voyages

To expedite the inspection of Philippine registered ships by other Port State authorities requiring certificate of inspection of crew accommodation for ships engaged in international voyages ROs are authorized to issue the said certificate upon the request of the shipowner.

The applicable provisions of Title 3, Regulation 3.1 of MLC 2006 on accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering shall govern the issuance of said certificate of inspection.

With reference to the related survey procedure, when performing inspection of Title 3 of the convention only, modular inspection has to be performed and statement of compliance must indicate the title of the convention which were inspected.

2014 Amendments to MLC 2006

(Department Order No.181, Series of 2017 dated 11/09/2017)

The Administration has published “Guidelines on the provision of Financial Security in compliance with the Amendments implementing Regulations 2.5 and 4.2 and Appendices of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.”

These Guidelines apply to all Philippine Registered ships engaged in international voyage pursuant to MLC, 2006, and aims to ensure that all seafarers are provided with the following:

1. expeditious and effective financial security system in the event of abandonment; and

2. protection from the financial consequences of sickness, injury or death occurring in connection with their employment

For further information, refer to attached file “DO 181-17”.

Department Order 181 B-18

(Refer to attached file “DO 181 B-18.pdf”)

The Administration has published Procedural Guidelines on the Provision of Financial Security in Compliance with the Amendments Implementing Regulations 2.5 and 4.2 and Appendices of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006(MLC, 2006).

2018 Amendments to MLC 2006

(Administration email dated 12/01/2021)

The Department of Labor and Employment has updated its Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) Parts I and II to incorporate POEA Memorandum Circular No. 34, Series of 2020 adopting the 2018 Amendments to the Code of Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.

DMLC Part I and Part II have been updated and are available in attached files “Updated DMLC P1 (as of 08 January 2021)” and “Updated DMLC P2 (as of 11 January 2021)”.

Appendix — Agreement governing the delegation of statutory certification services

Agreement

Refer to the attached file “Agreement_Philippines_RO_03032021”.

Certificate of Accreditation

Certificate of Accreditation for statutory certification and services with annual endorsements, refer to the attached file “Certificate of Accreditation-RO-2021-03-12-003-ENDORSED_20102025.pdf”

Certificate of Accreditation for Classification of ships in domestic trade LCS-21-002, refer to the attached file “Marina certificate MS 2020 01 LCS-21-002.pdf”

Extension of Accreditation

Further to MARINA letter dated 09/03/2026, the validity of MARINA accreditation has been extended until the new Accreditation Certificate has been duly signed and approved, refer to the attached file “LETTER FOR Recognised Organisation (RO) - EXTENSION OF VALIDITY ACCREDITATION AS RO”.

Appendix — Annex 1 to the Agreement

Applicable instruments and degree of authorization

Refer to the attached files “Annex 1_Philippines_RO” and “Annex 2_Philippines_RO”.

Appendix — Annex 2 to the Agreement

Reporting to Maritime Industry Authority

Refer to the attached file “Annex 3_Philippines_RO”.

Appendix — RSO Agreement

Agreement

Refer to the attached file “STATUTORY DELEGATION OF Recognised Organisation (RO) SA-OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY SIGNED”.

Refer also to the OTS-RSO certification, in the attached file “OTS-RSO CERTIFICATION NO 2025-001”.

Appendix — DOLE Agreement

Agreement

A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the Department Of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Recognised Organisation (RO) SA entering into force on the 13 October 2023.

Refer to attached file “MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT DOLE 12 OCT 2028”.

Appendix — Specific Certificates: National and bilingual International certificates

List of National certificates

- SMC Definitive Domestic

Flag state logos on System certificates: