The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has ordered the immediate suspension of safety certificates for two vessels following separate maritime incidents off Cagayan and Bohol last 31 October 2026, a move signalling tighter sea‑safety checks for passengers and sea travellers nationwide.
The first incident involved MBca ROSE MARIE 1, which capsized at about 8:15 a.m. between Dalupiri Island and Fuga Island in Cagayan. Initial findings point to rough seas and shifting livestock onboard as likely causes. All seven crew members were rescued, though six out of 11 livestock animals died in the incident.
Hours later, at roughly 10:57 a.m., MV OCEAN JET 788 suffered an electrical failure that hit its bridge engine remote control and throttle systems while preparing to dock at the Port of Tagbilaran, Bohol. The fault temporarily left the vessel harder to steer, putting those onboard at risk.
Following the two events, MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations RADM Loumer P. Bernabe PN (Ret) instructed the agency’s Enforcement Service and all regional offices to step up nationwide compliance checks, onboard inspections and regulatory enforcement.
MARINA said it will impose firm sanctions against vessel owners and operators that put passengers, crew, cargo and sea‑going members of the public in danger.
“No vessel should be allowed to sail unless its safety and seaworthiness are assured. Our priority remains the protection of lives at sea and the prevention of maritime accidents,” Bernabe stated.
For regular sea travellers, the directive means more frequent pre‑departure inspections and stricter penalties for vessels found unfit to sail — part of the regulator’s push to catch safety gaps before accidents occur.
