In line with the declared national policy to enhance maritime safety, all operators/owners of vessels duly documented for domestic trade which vessels could not enter port or are unable to dock alongside due to low tide, construction of port facilities, engine failure, and such other similar reasons and have to transfer their passengers to another vessel/ferry boat/motorbanca/banca duly authorized for said purpose to enable them to reach the designated port, shall require every passenger to wear the lifejacket under the following instances: (1) when transferring to/boarding another vessel; (2) prior to disembarkation from the vessel; and, (3) at all times during the voyage to the designated port for disembarkation.

Violation of the foregoing shall be subject to the penalties prescribed under the Public Service Act and relevant MARINA Memorandum Circulars and without prejudice to the suspension or cancellation of the CPC/PA/SP. Moreover, the penalties provided under Memorandum Circular No. 123 on the failure to wear life jackets are hereby reiterated.

For guidance and strict compliance.

Adopted: 27 Dec. 2001