The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has released its first marina circular of 2025, setting forth revised rules on subdivision and damage stability requirements.
This measure is designed to elevate safety standards for Philippine-registered ships, particularly those newly built or imported, including second-hand vessels intended for domestic operations.
Shipowners, operators, naval architects, and maritime companies are directly affected, making this circular a pivotal compliance document for the industry.
Quick Summary
- Circular Number: Memorandum Circular No. SR-2025-01
- Date Issued: 2025
- Issuing Body: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
Main Subject: Revised Rules and Regulations on Subdivision and Damage Stability Requirements for New and Imported Ships Registered in the Philippines for Domestic Operation
Key Provisions of the MARINA Circular
Scope and Coverage
- Cargo ships of 80 meters length and above
- Oil tankers of 400 GT and above
- Chemical tankers of 400 GT and above
- Gas carriers of 400 GT and above
- Passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers
Exceptions: Outrigger-dependent vessels, fishing vessels including fish carriers, and tugboats.
New Rules / Amendments
- Mandatory carriage of an approved Damage Stability Calculation Booklet and Damage Control Plan onboard at all times.
- Any modification, conversion, or alteration impacting stability requires recalculation and MARINA approval.
- Imported ships must submit foreign-approved documents for MARINA re-approval.
- Passenger ships below 24 meters in Class C may submit simplified subdivision calculations.
- Tankers must follow IMO Resolution MSC.1/Circ.1461; High-Speed Crafts must comply with the HSC Code.
Compliance Requirements
- Submission of four hard or soft copies of required documents for approval.
- Certificates will not be issued without approved stability documents.
- Preliminary intact and damage stability calculations must be submitted for new builds before construction.
- Approved operating area (Class A, B, or C) will be annotated in MARINA safety certificates.
Penalties or Enforcement
- Operating without approved documents: ₱100,000–₱250,000 fines plus “no sail condition.”
- Unauthorized ship construction without required calculations: ₱25,000–₱150,000 penalties.
- Invalidated documents result in automatic suspension or cancellation of safety certificates.
Why This Circular Matters
This circular underscores MARINA’s commitment to maritime safety by strengthening stability regulations.
For shipowners and operators, it sets clear compliance obligations that directly impact operations, certifications, and insurance.
Manning agencies and crewing departments must ensure their personnel are familiar with stability requirements and safety procedures.
Seafarers themselves stand to benefit from heightened safety at sea, while the industry as a whole minimizes environmental risks and reputational damage.
Action Points for Stakeholders
- For Shipowners / Operators:
- Secure and maintain approved stability booklets and damage control plans.
- Ensure recalculations are done after any modification.
- Budget for compliance fees and allocate resources for timely submissions.
- Secure and maintain approved stability booklets and damage control plans.
- For Manning Agencies / Crewing Departments:
- Update crew training modules to include requirements under the new circular.
- Verify vessel certifications before deployment.
- Update crew training modules to include requirements under the new circular.
- For Seafarers:
- Familiarize themselves with onboard Damage Control Plans.
- Participate in drills and stability awareness sessions.
- Familiarize themselves with onboard Damage Control Plans.
- For Technical Departments:
- Use MARINA-accredited entities for calculations and assessments.
- Align vessel design and modifications with deterministic/probabilistic approaches as required.
- Use MARINA-accredited entities for calculations and assessments.
Conclusion
MARINA Circular No. SR-2025-01 establishes stricter requirements on subdivision and damage stability, raising the bar for maritime safety in domestic operations.
For shipowners, operators, and allied maritime entities, compliance is not optional—it is the gateway to certification and safe sailing.
Stakeholders are encouraged to act swiftly, review their fleets, and ensure documentation is updated and approved.