Government Directive and Forum Overview
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) successfully hosted the 5th MARINA–Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Forum on 15 September 2025, bringing together national and regional leaders to address pressing issues in the maritime sector.

Importance of the Forum
The MARINA–PCG Forum, held quarterly, has become a critical venue where stakeholders align priorities, discuss regulatory challenges, and ensure consistent enforcement of maritime safety rules. This inter-agency dialogue emphasizes the shared mission of both MARINA and the PCG to protect seafarers, vessels, and the marine environment.

Strengthening Cooperation
In his opening remarks, Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, MARINA’s Officer-in-Charge Deputy Administrator for Operations, highlighted the importance of forging a united front in maritime governance. “This forum underscores our shared mission with the PCG to safeguard our seas, maintain industry integrity, and support our maritime professionals,” Carpio said. “By harmonizing our efforts, we can more effectively steer the Philippine maritime sector toward safety and environmental protection.”

Leadership and Participation
The event gathered MARINA officials from various service units and regional offices, alongside PCG district commanders led by Vice Admiral Edgar Ybañez, Deputy Commandant for Operations. The joint discussions reflected the agencies’ determination to address both long-standing and emerging maritime concerns through a collaborative approach.

Central to the agenda were updates on the operational performance of Philippine-flagged vessels, ensuring compliance with international standards and enhancing competitiveness in global trade. Another significant point of discussion was the strict enforcement of lifejacket requirements for all Philippine-registered vessels, a policy aimed at preventing casualties in maritime accidents.

Revisiting Manning and Fuel Policies
The forum also examined the revised rules on minimum safe manning for domestic ships, ensuring that vessels are adequately staffed with competent personnel for safe operations. Further discussions tackled the adoption of Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO), aligning with international conventions on reducing maritime pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.

Additionally, MARINA and PCG reviewed the streamlined procedures for the documentation of Wooden-Hulled Recreational Boats (WHRBs), a move intended to simplify regulatory processes while strengthening safety compliance for smaller vessels.

Vice Admiral Ybañez reaffirmed the Coast Guard’s strong partnership with MARINA, noting that inter-agency cooperation is crucial for both enforcement and innovation. “Working hand in hand with MARINA allows us to better protect our seas, ensure compliance, and adopt innovative approaches to maritime safety and sustainability,” he emphasized.

Outcomes and Resolutions
The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment from both agencies to pursue joint initiatives that reinforce safety culture, operational efficiency, and environmental protection.

Moving Forward
The 5th MARINA–PCG Forum not only reinforced the importance of cooperation between the two agencies but also reflected the Philippine government’s broader push for stronger inter-agency synergy. By aligning policies, streamlining processes, and adopting sustainable practices, MARINA and PCG aim to strengthen the country’s maritime sector while safeguarding Filipino seafarers and coastal communities.

United for Safer Seas
As the Philippines continues to play a vital role in global shipping, the collaboration between MARINA and the PCG ensures that the nation’s maritime priorities remain anchored on safety, resilience, and sustainability—living up to the shared vision of “United for Safer Seas.”