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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marina suspends safety certificate of passenger ship emitting black smoke while crossing Verde Island Passage

Marina suspends safety certificate of passenger ship emitting black smoke while crossing Verde Island Passage

Published May 17, 2026 03:01 pm

At A Glance

  • The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of MV FastCat M7 after an inspection linked the vessel's reported black smoke emissions to engine-related deficiencies, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
  • Authorities acted after social media posts showed the ship emitting thick black smoke during its May 14 voyage from Calapan Port to Batangas Port through the Verde Island Passage.
Authorities inspect the engines of passenger ship MV FastCat M7 after a video of the vessel emitting black smoke while transiting Verde Island Passage, a major sea route connecting Mindoro and Batangas, on May 14, 2026, went viral on social media. The Maritime Industry Authority has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of the vessel. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
Authorities inspect the engines of passenger ship MV FastCat M7 after a video of the vessel emitting black smoke while transiting Verde Island Passage, a major sea route connecting Mindoro and Batangas, on May 14, 2026, went viral on social media. The Maritime Industry Authority has suspended the passenger ship safety certificate of the vessel. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) suspended the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of MV FastCat M7 after inspectors found engine-related deficiencies linked to the vessel’s reported black smoke emissions during a recent voyage from Calapan Port to Batangas Port, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) revealed on Sunday, May 17.
The suspension came after the PCG and Marina monitored a social media report showing the vessel allegedly emitting thick black smoke while crossing the Verde Island Passage, a major sea route connecting Mindoro and Batangas, last Thursday, May 14.
In a statement, the PCG said Coast Guard Station Batangas immediately coordinated with concerned stakeholders while Marina Region IV-A carried out an inspection and technical assessment “to verify compliance with maritime safety and environmental standards.”
The inspection led to the issuance of an Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) after authorities found “a malfunctioning air cooler of Main Engine No. 4, damage to Engine No. 2 components, and the use of improper lubricant affecting engine performance.”
Marina later ordered the suspension of the vessel’s Passenger Ship Safety Certificate pending repairs and compliance with maritime safety requirements.
The move temporarily sidelined one of the vessels operating along the busy Batangas-Calapan route, a key corridor for passengers and cargo traveling between Luzon and Oriental Mindoro.
FastCat vessels are widely used on roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) routes connecting island provinces in Southern Tagalog and the Visayas.
The PCG and MARINA said the action “underscores the continued commitment” of both agencies to enforcing maritime regulations and ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and the marine environment.
Meanwhile, the management of FastCat has yet to issue a statement on the suspension of one of its passenger ships.

Related Tags

Marina PCG Verde Island Passage MV FastCat M7 Batangas Port Calapan Port
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