Be informed that in the 180lh MARINA BOARD MEETING of 21 April 2008, the Board adopted a resolution allowing the continued operations of single hull tankers/barges carrying heavy grade oil products belonging to owners/operators under the following conditions and/or requirements beyond 30 April 2008 but only up to 31 December 2008:

1. those who have undertaken conversions of their tankers/barges into double hull tankers/ barges, or
   
2. those who have ordered new constructions of double hull tankers/barges, or

Provided, that in all of the above, the corresponding conversions of the tankers/barges, orders for the new constructions or the purchased or importation of the tankers were ail duly approved by the MARINA prior to 21 April 2008 but for reasons beyond the control of the concerned owners/operators, the same cannot be delivered on or before 30 April 2008.

The Board had also resolved that the shipowner/operator or charterer shall post a five million (Php 5,000,000.00) cash bond for every single hull tanker/barge that may be allowed to carry heavy grade oil beyond 30 April 2008, and if applicable the shipowner/operator shall also submit a guarantee from its client accompanied by a Board Resolution.

Further, the Board resolved to limit the aforementioned, extension on a three (3) months basis only, subject to. further renewal as may be deemed meritorious and warranted by circumstances taking into consideration the extent or progress of compliance with the requirements of Memorandum Circular No. 2007-001 by the concerned applicant/shipowner or operator.

Lastly, the Board had also resolved to reduce the imposable penalty of fifty thousand pesos (Php 50,000.00) under Memorandum Circular No. 2007-001 to twenty five thousand pesos (Php 25,000.00) per day for every single hull tanker/barge that may be granted an extension to carry heavy grade oil beyond 30 April 2008. The total amount of the reduced penalty for the entire period of extension applied for shall be paid prior to the grant of any extension to any qualified shipowner/operator.

In the light of the foregoing MARINA Board Resolution, interested or concerned shipowners/operators are advised to file the necessary application or request with MARINA, attaching proofs of compliance with the conditions/requirements above mentioned such as, but not limited to conversion or vessel plans approved by the MARINA before 21 April 2008. Likewise, MARINA shall issue additional guidelines to implement in aforementioned resolutions.

Single hull tankers/barges unable to comply with the foregoing conditions/requirement shall no longer be allowed to carry heavy grade oil or black products beyond 30 April 2008 and their corresponding Safety Certificates and authority to operate shall be for the cam y of white products only, if authorized.

Adopted: 23 April 2008

(SGD.) VICENTE T. SUAZO, JR.
Administrator