Maritime authority requires identification book for seafarers

TO FURTHER enhance the safety of the passengers, seafarers who will onboard vessels below 35 gross-tons (GT) are compelled to have Seafarer’s Identification Book (SIB).

Emmanuel B. Carpio, regional director of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), said his agency shall now implement effective immediately the “Rules in the Issuance of SIB” under Marina Memorandum Circular No. 2010-02.

Carpio said any person who is employed or engaged, in any capacity onboard Philippine-registered vessels below 35 GT, is mandatorily required to acquire and possess a valid SIB at all times.

“This is pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 474 and Section 12 of Executive Order 125-A,” he said.

Carpio added that non-compliance shall be subject to sanctions as prescribed under the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations and pertinent Marina Memorandum Circulars without prejudice to the suspension or cancellation of the vessel’s registry and safety certificates. (PIA)