Phl pushes data-driven maritime safety governance

The Philippines is pushing for a more risk-based, data-driven and intelligence-led approach to maritime safety during the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Marine Accident Investigators’ International Forum on 5 October 2026.

The five-day forum, hosted by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), brings together international maritime safety experts to share lessons from marine casualties and strengthen accident investigation practices.

“Every maritime casualty reminds us of the importance of credible and effective investigation,” Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan said in a message delivered by deputy administrator for operations Loumer Bernabe.

“Beyond determining what happened, our responsibility is to understand why it happened, identify the lessons that must be learned, and translate those lessons into measures that prevent recurrence.”

Marina also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to independent, objective, credible and internationally aligned marine safety investigations.

Meanwhile, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, a former master mariner and harbor pilot, underscored the importance of proper training and competence among seafarers, noting that safety at sea ultimately depends on the people operating vessels and responding to risks.

The opening day also featured a presentation on Philippine maritime education by Marina Research and Statistic Service director Herbert Nalupa.