THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has announced a renewed assessment of the Philippines’ position on the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA) following the treaty’s successful activation at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters this week.
On Feb. 24, 2026, Argentina became the latest nation to accede to the CTA, fulfilling the final requirement for the treaty to enter into force. Under IMO regulations, the agreement will officially take effect globally in February 2027.
Addressing the delay
In a statement, Marina clarified that the Philippines has not yet acceded to the CTA due to a combination of technical, procedural, and stakeholder considerations. During previous National Interest Analyses (NIA), the treaty had not yet met the necessary global thresholds ratification by at least 22 states representing 3,600 vessels of 24 meters or more in length.
“It is important to note that the CTA primarily applies to fishing vessels engaged in international voyages,” Marina stated. “It does not affect domestic fishing operations within Philippine waters.”
Despite the current non-accession status, Marina emphasized its commitment to the safety of the Philippine maritime sector. The agency is currently coordinating with relevant government bodies and industry stakeholders to determine the most appropriate course of action before the February 2027 deadline.
As the global maritime community moves toward mandatory safety standards for the fishing industry — including vessel construction, life-saving appliances, and fire protection — the Philippines remains focused on balancing international compliance with the protection of local livelihoods.