The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has reaffirmed the Philippines’ proactive stance against illegal shipping activities following its high-level participation in the First Meeting of Shipping Registry Compliance Officers held in Malta.
As a premier flag state and the world’s leading provider of seafaring talent, the Philippines was one of only five nations invited to present its maritime security strategies. Representing the country, MARINA Regional Director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria detailed the Philippines’ robust Closed Registry system, a critical framework designed to prevent the rise of “shadow fleets” and “phantom registries.”
The Malta summit focused on the increasing global threat of illicit maritime trade, including the use of deceptive practices such as AIS (Automatic Identification System) spoofing and the operation of vessels without a genuine link to their flag state.
Engr. Bandalaria emphasized that the Philippine registry ensures a verified, transparent connection between vessels and the State. This “genuine link” acts as a primary defense against the exploitation of maritime channels for sanction evasion and illegal cargo movement.
To further fortify the industry, MARINA announced a three-pronged approach to enhance registry integrity:
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Enhanced Information-Sharing: Collaborating with international registry officers to identify and blacklist non-compliant vessels.
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Strengthened Vessel Monitoring: Implementing advanced tracking protocols to detect suspicious maneuvers or communication interference.
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Protection of Filipino Seafarers: Issuing new, stringent guidelines to ensure Filipino maritime professionals are not inadvertently recruited into or involved with vessels engaged in illegal activities. “Our participation in this summit underscores the Philippines’ commitment to safe and secure seas,” stated Engr. Bandalaria. “By strengthening our compliance frameworks, we protect not only the integrity of our flag but also the livelihoods and safety of the thousands of Filipino seafarers working across the globe.”
The Philippines’ involvement in the Malta summit marks a significant step in aligning national policies with international efforts to sanitize global shipping lanes and uphold the rule of law at sea.
