The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificates (PSSCs) of two passenger vessels as part of its Intensified Compliance Monitoring operations, which started on April 1 and will run until April 12, 2025.
According to MARINA, the suspension was due to safety deficiencies discovered during inspections, prompting MARINA to take immediate action to ensure the safety of passengers and adherence to maritime regulations.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan stressed the agency's commitment to public safety.
"We cannot compromise safety. The suspension of these vessels highlights our determination to enforce our rules. Unsafe practices have no place in our seas," Malaluan said.
The ships will only be allowed to resume operations once all safety issues are fixed and verified by MARINA inspectors. Major violations could lead to further suspension of voyages.
To support the monitoring efforts, seven MARINA teams are conducting inspections across key areas with heavy passenger traffic along the Philippine Nautical Highway from April 1 to 12.
