MARINA Grounds Fastcraft OceanJet 788 After Docking Mishap at Tagbilaran Port in Bohol
The passenger fastcraft MV OceanJet 788 is barred from sailing after it ran aground at the loading dock of Tagbilaran Port in Bohol on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) suspended the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) upon the order of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Sunday, November 1, as reported by Inquirer. The incident reportedly left passengers on board frightened.
In a letter dated October 31 and addressed to the vessel’s operator, Ocean Fast Ferry Inc., MARINA Regional Office VII Director Engr. Ronaldo Bandalaria said the fastcraft suffered an electrical failure in its bridge engine control/throttle system at around 10:57 a.m. while it was maneuvering to dock at the port.
The malfunction caused the vessel to lose its reverse propulsion. According to MARINA, the incident put the seaworthiness of the vessel in question, so its safety certificate was suspended effective immediately.
The agency stressed that the suspension stays in place until the ship passes its inspection.
“The suspension of PSSC of MV ‘OCEAN JET 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,” the letter read.
MARINA cited Republic Act No. 9295, its implementing rules and regulations, MARINA Memorandum Circular No. MS 2023-01, and the Ship Survey System as the legal bases for the action.
The DOTr shared the photo of the vessel and the suspension letter in a post titled “Safety Certificate ng barkong sumadsad sa Tagbilaran Port, pinasuspinde ni Sec. Dizon” (Safety certificate of ship that ran aground at Tagbilaran Port suspended by Sec. Dizon), which was also carried by Abante Radyo DWAR.
The department said the move is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep passengers safe in all modes of transportation during Undas, when many Filipinos travel to their home provinces to visit the graves of their departed loved ones.
OceanJet 788 will not be allowed to resume its trips until MARINA finds it seaworthy.
In a previous post, RoRo Vessel Tilts Near Real Port in Quezon; 58 Passengers & Crew Rescued
