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In line with the declared policy to enhance the safety and quality of all MARINA- registered ships operating in the domestic trade, and consistent with the mandate to provide  for effective  supervision  and regulation  of the organizational management,  ownership  and  operation  of  all  RORO  passenger  ships,  as  set forth under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 474 and further enunciated in   Executive   Order   No.   125/125-A,   and   Republic   Act   No.   9295   and   its Implementing  Rules and Regulations  as amended  and in line with the Enhancement   of  Safety  of  Ships  Carrying  Passengers  on  Non-International Voyages  otherwise  known as the “Manila  Statement”,  all shipowners/operators are hereby directed to strictly comply with the following in the construction and acquisition   of   RORO   passenger   ships   and   operation   of   existing   RORO passenger ships:

a.     Newly  constructed/  acquired  RORO  passenger  ships  whether  imported  or local construction, ramps must be located at the stern (straight or quarter) portion of the ship so as not to compromise safety during navigation;

b.     RORO passenger ships with LCT -type design will no longer be allowed to carry passengers. However, existing or. newly constructed RORO passenger  ships  with  LCT-type  design  shall  only-be  given  two  (2)  years grace period to operate and may only be allowed to operate as cargo ship; and,

c.     Further, all existing RORO passenger ships designed with forward ramp are  hereby  advised  to  relocate  the  ramp  on  the  stern  (straight  or quarter)  portion,  subject  to  plans  approval  by  this  Authority. Compliance  date  on  the  modification  of  ramp  design  on  existing  RORO passenger  ships shall be given one (1) year grace  period  to be reckoned during the next dry-docking schedule.

In order to further ensure safe operation of all RORO ships plying the domestic trade, this Authority is directing all concerned to observe the following:

a.     Restriction on utilizing the ship's forward ramp as a stopper while executing docking maneuvers should be observed by all Masters and crew in order to prevent structural damages on the ship’s forward ramp and port structures;

b.     All cargoes should be stowed and secured at the car deck in such a way that the  ship  and  passengers  onboard  are  not  put  at  risk  in  accordance  with ship’s approved Cargo Securing Manual (CSM);

c.     Only  authorized  personnel  shall  be  permitted  on  deck  while  loading  or discharging  operations  are  being  conducted.  Such  authorized  personnel shall be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as high visibility vests with retro reflective material, safety helmet and safety shoes;

d.     Passengers  and other personnel  not related to the ship operation  shall be prohibited from loitering on the ship’s ramp during operations. The shore approach to the ramp of the RORO should be clear at all times;

e.     Safety lanes must be kept clear of all materials,  such as lashing materials that posed as tripping hazards to all boarding passengers during operation. Passenger RORO ship must provide a designated passage from the ramp to the passenger accommodation area;

f.     All watertight doors, manholes and ramps shall be securely fastened/locked/ checked  prior to leaving  the port and during  the voyage.  Equally,  forward ramps are restricted to be lowered during voyages;

g.     Shipboard  personnel  must  ensure  that  damaged  trailer  and  heavy  plant vehicles should be moved with extreme caution. Towing must be done under attention and precautions; and,

h.     Petroleum   cargoes   can   be   allowed   only   to   vessel   with   forced   draft
ventilations and appropriate firefighting equipment and gas detection system corresponding to the type of petroleum.

Violations     of     this     Advisory     may     be     reported     to     email     address: oadm@marina.gov.ph  and  es@marina.gov.ph or  srs@marina.gov.ph. This Advisory will take effect immediately.