Marina Intensifies Ship Safety Inspections Across Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Province
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has officially commenced an intensified compliance inspection campaign targeting all vessels operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the province of Sulu. This rigorous initiative, which began on Monday, February 2, 2026, follows a direct directive from Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan, aiming to enhance maritime safety standards in these regions.
Background and Rationale for the Inspection Drive
The decision to launch these comprehensive inspections stems from a recent maritime incident that raised significant safety concerns. On January 26, 2026, the vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL), sank approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. The ship was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, at the time of the accident. In response, the entire passenger fleet of ASL was grounded, prompting Administrator Malaluan to order widespread inspections to prevent similar occurrences.
Initial Inspection Activities and Scope
On the first day of the operation, the Marina regional office conducted thorough inspections of three vessels, setting the tone for the ongoing campaign. The inspected ships included two roll-on, roll-off (Roro) vessels and one passenger vessel, with plans to extend the inspections to all ships operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu. Marina has emphasized that this compliance inspection will continue until every vessel in these areas has been assessed.
Key Areas of Focus During Inspections
The inspection teams are meticulously evaluating multiple critical aspects of vessel safety to ensure full adherence to regulatory standards. Key areas under scrutiny include:
- Proper stowage and securing of cargo to prevent shifting or instability during transit.
- Availability and condition of safety equipment, such as life jackets and lifeboats.
- Fire protection and firefighting systems to mitigate onboard fire risks.
- Navigational equipment to ensure accurate and safe voyage planning.
- Ships' propulsion and machinery to verify operational integrity and reliability.
Enforcement Measures and Official Statements
Marina has issued a stern warning that vessels found deficient or in violation of prescribed standards will face severe consequences. According to existing regulations, non-compliant ships may be subject to suspension of operations and other appropriate sanctions. In a statement, Administrator Sonia Malaluan underscored the agency's unwavering commitment to safety, stating, "Wala tayong palulusutin. Tandaan natin: Ang pagsisiguro sa kaligtasan ng bawat barko, mga pasahero at kargamento ay pangunahing tungkulin ng mga shipping operators at tripulante." (We will not let anything slip through our fingers. Let us remember: Ensuring the safety of every ship, passengers, and cargo is the primary duty of shipping operators and crew.)
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Objectives
Monitoring activities by Marina will persist to safeguard the safety of passengers, crew, and other stakeholders in the maritime transportation sector. The enhanced monitoring aims to prevent incidents at sea and ensure strict compliance by shipping companies and vessel operators with the agency's policies. Vessel operators are strongly encouraged to cooperate and adhere strictly to the prescribed safety requirements, fostering a culture of proactive safety management across the industry.
