In a direct response to the recent sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan personally spearheaded a rigorous inspection and audit of Aleson Shipping Lines’ passenger and cargo fleet at the Zamboanga Port.
The high-level mission aims to verify total compliance with national maritime safety standards and to prevent future tragedies at sea. During the proceedings, Administrator Malaluan issued a stern warning to the industry regarding negligence. “We will be stricter in enforcing safety standards,” Malaluan emphasized, noting that the agency’s tolerance for safety lapses has reached a zero-point.
Beyond the physical inspection of vessels, MARINA is utilizing this audit to conduct a “top-to-bottom” review of its own internal processes. The agency is currently identifying potential gaps in existing policies and exploring more robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure that safety regulations are not just written, but actively practiced.
The intensity of the audit was underscored by the presence of MARINA’s top technical leadership, including:
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Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio: OIC-Deputy Administrator for Operations
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Engr. Divinagracia Tolosa: Maritime Safety Service (MSS) OIC-Director
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Engr. Jedini Nur A. Sibal: Regional Director
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ISM Safety Auditors: Expert teams from both Central and Regional offices.
This collaborative force is tasked with conducting International Safety Management (ISM) audits to ensure every vessel in the fleet is seaworthy and equipped to handle emergencies.
