The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is reviewing the existing penalties for shipping firms violating safety regulations with the objective of increasing the penalties to ensure safety of all those aboard the ships.
“It’s our objective that it should be cheaper to comply than to violate,” announced MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan in light of the National Maritime Week celebration.
According to Malaluan, MARINA is currently reviewing the existing penalties, which she deemed insufficient to deter infringement in safety regulations.
Among the violations by shipping firms include expired fire extinguisher, poor vessel maintenance, and damaged life vest.
“We are reviewing our penalties because it seems it’s too small for they can easily pay to settle them. In the next few months or before the end of the year, we will issue increased fines,” the chief said.
Malaluan emphasized that MARINA is not just looking after the ship, but life of every individual onboard. “Every certification and each inspection, human lives are at stake,” Malaluan concluded.
