Maritime Safety Reform Pushed After MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Tragedy

Following the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan in January, calls are growing within the Philippine Congress for improved maritime safety regulations and increased investment in the nation’s shipping infrastructure.

Calls for Maritime Safety Improvements

1TAHANAN Partylist Rep. Nathaniel Oducado has urged Congress to support legislation aimed at bolstering maritime safety. Oducado described the incident as a “wake-up call,” highlighting a critical issue: the lack of competition within the Philippine shipping industry.

According to Oducado, limited competition contributes to vulnerabilities in the transportation of goods and people between islands, particularly when operators face suspensions – even if those suspensions are justified. The Department of Transportation has currently suspended the operations of Aleson Shipping Lines, the operator of the sunken vessel, pending safety audits by the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Did You Know? House Bill 2958 and House Bill 2957 have been filed to support the shipbuilding and ship repair industry in the Philippines.

While other shipping companies have stepped in to cover some of Aleson’s former routes, Oducado points to a broader problem: a shortage of companies with the financial resources and capacity to fully serve all affected areas. He argues that increased investment in cargo and ferry operations is essential to prevent disruptions to domestic trade.

Legislative Proposals

Oducado has proposed two bills intended to address these concerns. House Bill (HB) 2958, the Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Development Bill, would mandate support for research, development, and institutional backing for the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry from the Departments of Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, and Labor and Employment, alongside the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

HB 2957, the Shipyard Industry Fiscal Incentives Bill, seeks to amend the country’s fiscal policies to encourage investment in the SBSR industry. Proposed incentives include exemptions from value-added tax and from taxes and duties on imported capital equipment and materials.

Expert Insight: The proposed legislation reflects a recognition that a robust domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity is vital for maintaining reliable and independent maritime transport, reducing reliance on single operators and bolstering economic resilience.

Basilan Rep. Ustadz Yusop Alano has separately called for a “full, transparent and uncompromising investigation” into the sinking of the Trisha Kerstin 3. Alano stated, “Silence can no longer be mistaken for restraint. It is, unmistakably, a failure of duty,” and emphasized that the disaster stemmed from “human failure allowed to repeat itself.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the call for improved maritime safety?

The sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan in January prompted Rep. Nathaniel Oducado to call on Congress to support bills that would improve maritime safety in the country.

What is the current status of Aleson Shipping Lines?

The Department of Transportation has suspended the operations of Aleson Shipping Lines while safety audits and inspections are carried out by the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

What are the key provisions of the proposed House Bills?

HB 2958 would provide institutional support for the shipbuilding and ship repair industry, while HB 2957 would offer fiscal incentives to companies investing in the same sector, including tax exemptions.

How might increased competition in the shipping industry impact safety and service?