LUCENA CITY — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is urging domestic shipping operators to strictly comply with lifesaving appliance regulations, emphasizing the proper placement and accessibility of life vests. During separate engagements with shipping operators at the Port of Lucena, Marina’s Enforcement Service reminded vessel management that lifesaving equipment must remain completely accessible at all times to ensure swift response during maritime emergencies.
The regulatory agency also underscored the critical importance of passenger awareness, particularly for parents and guardians traveling with infants and young children.
Operators were encouraged to actively promote the proper use of life jackets onboard and reinforce safety briefings before and during voyages.
The enforcement push included targeted compliance meetings with major regional shipping lines to secure firm commitments for passenger safety.
Marina officials engaged Montenegro Shipping Lines on June 5 to convey updated safety reminders, followed by a meeting with representatives of Starhorse Shipping on June 6 to discuss immediate safety compliance and passenger welfare. Apart from immediate operational safety measures, Marina briefed both companies on the proposed Marina Compliance, Operations, and Risk-Based Enforcement Regulation, an initiative that aims to modernize compliance monitoring and enforcement through a risk-based, data-driven approach. With passenger volume expected to surge as schools reopen across the country, the agency reiterated that strict adherence to safety protocols remains nonnegotiable for protecting lives at sea and ensuring orderly voyages.