MARINA suspends safety certificate of vessel after hitting reef

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) suspended the passenger ship safety certificate (PSSC) of merchant vessel OceanJet 168 after hitting coral reef, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday.

In a Facebook post, DOTr said the suspension was signed by MARINA Regional Office VII director Engineer Emmanuel through a letter dated September 10, 2022.

The vessel recently suffered damage in its starboard side propeller when it hit a coral reef while traversing Bohol to Siquijor.

“Considering the integrity of the hull, and her machineries has been compromised, the PSSC of MV OceanJet 168, is hereby suspended in accordance with Administrative Order No. 11-19 or the Guidelines on the Suspension of Safety Certificates and Issuance of Lifting Order of Ships involved in Maritime Casualties and Incident; MARINA MC No. 152 and PMMRR 1997; Republic Act No. 9295 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations in relation to the Ship Survey System,” the suspension letter read.

According to the DOTR, the suspension will last until an order was given by the MARINA, and "upon favorable recommendation from the agency after a thorough inspection, and evaluation of the vessel's seaworthiness."

GMA News Online reached out to OceanJet for its comment but has yet to respond as of posting time.—LDF, GMA News