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EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 314

ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL MARITIME SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the development of the maritime industry is vital to the attainment of the national development thrusts of people empowerment and global competitiveness;

WHEREAS, ensuring maritime safety at all times is vital to attain the growth and development objectives of the industry;

WHEREAS, the enhancement of maritime safety requires collective and coordinated efforts among and between government and the private sectors;

WHEREAS, there is a need for an effective and efficient mechanism to coordinate the formulation and implementation of policies and programs affecting maritime safety, including immediate resolution of issues and concerns related thereto;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Establishment of the National Maritime Safety Coordinating Council. - There is hereby created the National Maritime Safety Coordinating Council, hereinafter referred to as the "Council", to serve as the coordinating body for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs affecting maritime safety.

Section 2. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of the following:

Executive Secretary	Chairman
Secretary, DOTC	Co-Chairman
Secretary, DND	Vice Chairman
Secretary, DILG	Member
Administrator, MARINA	Member
Commandant, PCG	Member
General Manager, PPA	Member
Administrator, NAMRIA	Member
Commander, PNP/MARICOM	Member
Chairman, CHED	Member
Chairman, TESDA	Member
Chairman, Maritime Training	Member
Council Representative, NDCC	Member
One Representative each from Shippers, Ship owners and Maritime Schools to be appointed by the Council Chairman	Member

Section 3. Powers and Functions - The Council shall have the following powers and functions:

1. Coordinate the formulation and implementation of policies and programs affecting maritime safety. lawphi1.net

2. Recommend policies toward enhancing safety of lives and properties in the seas, including their implementing strategies.

3. Provide an effective and efficient mechanism for coordination, complementation and collaboration in the resolution of issues and concerns affecting maritime safety. lawphi1.net

4. Monitor the implementation of the programs and policies on maritime safety. lawphi1.net

5. Discharge other functions which may be deemed necessary by the President.

Section 4. Initial Activity - The Council shall immediately review the existing National Maritime Safety Plan towards its updating to include the present concerns and developments on maritime safety. In this regard, the Committee shall submit to the President, not later than thirty days (30) from the issuance of this Order, a Comprehensive National Maritime Safety Plan which shall include, among others, the delineation of duties and responsibilities on ensuring maritime safety, strategies on preventing and responding to maritime incidents/accidents, and timely disposition of cases involving violation of rules and regulations on maritime safety. lawphi1.net

Section 5. Secretariat/Technical Support - The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shall provide technical and administrative support to the operation of the Council. Whenever necessary, however, the Council may tap other government agencies and/or create appropriate committees to ensure the attainment of its objectives.

Section 6. Funding - The yearly budgetary requirement for the operation of the Council shall be drawn from the contribution of its member-agencies. For its initial year, the MARINA shall provide ONE MILLION PESOS (P1,000,000.00) from its unprogrammed funds for 1996, subject to existing auditing rules and regulations.

Section 7. Reporting - The Council shall provide the President a quarterly report on its activities. It shall also review and submit its findings, not later than fifteen (15) days from the issuance of this Order, on the doability of the recommendations adopted during the Maritime Safety Conference held on 27-28 March 1996, including their implementing instruments.

Section 8. Private Sector and Local Government Unit Participation - The Council shall tap private sector and local government units in pursuing its functions and responsibilities, including the monitoring of the implementation of maritime safety policies and programs.

Section 9. Effectivity - This Order shall take effect immediately. lawphi1.net

DONE in the City of Manila, this 28th day of March in the Year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Six.

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

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