𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐊 | 𝐏𝐇 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

The Philippines is stepping up efforts to improve safety standards for fishing vessels, in line with evolving global regulations. At the center of this move is the Cape Town Agreement, an international framework under the International Maritime Organization that sets safety standards for large fishing vessels operating on the high seas. The Maritime Industry Authority, or MARINA, says it is taking a calibrated approach—identifying key provisions from the agreement that can be adopted into local regulations to better protect Filipino fishermen, while keeping the industry competitive. The initiative was reinforced during a stakeholder consultation held on April 30, bringing together government and industry representatives. MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan emphasized the need to strike a balance between improving safety and sustaining the fishing industry. Meanwhile, Maritime Safety Service Director Engr. Divinagracia Tolosa said it is important to revisit existing policies and consider all stakeholder inputs. MARINA says all recommendations gathered will be carefully reviewed as it moves forward with policy development. For now, the agency underscores that strengthening safety standards is key to protecting lives at sea while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s fishing industry. #DOTrPH #MARINAPH