Domestic shipping sector seeks Faster reforms, digitalized Marina

Local

LAWMAKERS have committed to advancing key reforms sought by the domestic shipping industry, including the modernization of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), as operators pressed the government to address regulatory bottlenecks that continue to hamper operations.

Speaking during the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association Inc.'s (PCSA) General Membership Meeting on Friday, July 31, House Committee on Transportation Chairman Rep. Franz Pumaren said the Congress is pursuing measures aimed at improving maritime safety while making the country's domestic shipping sector more efficient and competitive.

Among the priority proposals are amendments to the Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004, strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard, establishing a National Transportation Safety Board, reforming pilotage services, modernizing MARINA through digitalization, improving the Philippine ship registry, and tightening maritime safety standards.

Pumaren said the committee continues to consult industry stakeholders to ensure reforms protect passengers without placing unnecessary burdens on operators.

The legislative agenda aligns with concerns raised by PCSA Chairman Lucio Lim, who urged Congress to help address MARINA's manpower shortage, saying the lack of personnel has delayed vessel inspections, document processing and the issuance of clearances.

Lim said Marina has only about 1,200 personnel, nearly 40 percent of whom are job-order workers, while just 152 inspectors and surveyors oversee around 24,000 domestic vessels. He added that the agency is also set to assume additional responsibilities over maritime higher education.

Pumaren said lawmakers would examine Marina's funding requirements during the upcoming budget deliberations, although he acknowledged that digitalization may provide a more immediate solution to improving services.

Former president and PCSA Chair Emeritus Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also backed greater automation within MARINA, saying streamlining clerical work would allow the agency to deploy more personnel to inspection and other frontline functions.

Beyond MARINA, Lim called for a review of regulations that apply international maritime conventions to domestic shipping, arguing that these increase operating costs for local vessel operators.

He likewise urged the Philippine Ports Authority to consider waiving more port-related charges, similar to the temporary exemptions implemented by the Cebu Port Authority, saying passenger terminal, berthing and roll-on/roll-off terminal fees add to transport costs while contributing only a small share of the agency's revenues.

The PCSA also appealed for reforms in Philippine Coast Guard departure procedures, saying the requirement for physical clearance before every vessel's departure causes delays and operational inefficiencies.

Lim further urged the government to improve road networks linking ports under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, stressing that roll-on/roll-off services remain vital in moving goods across the archipelago and supporting the country's growing e-commerce sector.(MyTVCebu)