The Philippine Government will be introducing tougher new regulations following two ferry accidents which killed over 80 people over the Christmas period in 2009.
Besides the mandatory installation of GPS systems, vessels will also be subject to new passenger lifejacket standards.
Furthermore, the government is drafting new legislation to introduce a mandatory two-year working period on domestic vessels before working overseas for graduates from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. The legislation is aimed at improving the qualifications and experience of staff working both on the domestic fleet ad abroad.
