Marina grounds OceanJet 788 after Bohol docking mishap

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) of MV OceanJet 788 after the vessel ran aground at the loading dock of Tagbilaran Port in Bohol on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The suspension prevents the vessel from operating until it passes a safety inspection and Marina determines that it is seaworthy, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said on Sunday.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered Marina to suspend the vessel’s PSSC following Saturday’s incident, which frightened passengers aboard the fastcraft.

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The DoTr said the action was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure passenger safety across all transportation sectors during the Undas, when Filipinos are expected to travel to different parts of the country to visit their departed loved ones.

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In a letter dated Oct. 31 addressed to OceanJet 788’s operator, Ocean Fast Ferry Inc., Marina Central Visayas Regional Director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria said the vessel suffered an electrical failure in its bridge engine control/throttle system at around 10:57 a.m. while maneuvering to dock at Tagbilaran Port.

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The malfunction resulted in the loss of the vessel’s reverse propulsion, raising concerns about its seaworthiness.

“The suspension of PSSC of MV OceanJet 788 shall remain in effect and may be restored/reinstated after a satisfactory result of Marina survey and/or evaluation of all available data surrounding the seaworthiness of the vessel,” Marina said.

The agency cited Republic Act No. 9295, its implementing rules and regulations, Marina Memorandum Circular No. MS 2023-01, and the Ship Survey System as legal bases for the suspension. /mcm