Temporary conversion lets a foreign vessel carry cargo between Philippine ports for a period, then return to foreign status. V. Faytaren Shipping Agency processes the conversion from foreign to domestic status and back, working with the government agencies involved so the vessel can trade without delay.
What our temporary conversion service covers
A foreign ship that arrives from overseas is treated as a foreign vessel. If it then needs to load cargo at one Philippine port and carry it to another, that domestic leg usually requires the vessel to be converted to domestic status first. When the domestic voyage is finished and the ship is ready to leave the country, it is converted back.
Each conversion involves documents, fees and approvals from agencies such as the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority. The exact requirements depend on the vessel, the cargo and the trade, and they change from time to time. Getting one step wrong can leave a loaded ship waiting at the pier.
We prepare and file the documents, follow them through each office, and keep owners and charterers updated on timing. Because we handle port calls at the same time, we can plan the conversion around the cargo schedule rather than as a separate exercise.
What we handle
- Conversion from foreign to domestic status
- Conversion back from domestic to foreign status
- Preparing and filing required documents
- Follow-up with BOC, PPA, MARINA and other agencies
- Advice on the current requirements for your vessel
- Planning the conversion around the cargo schedule
- Updates to owners and charterers at each step
- Combined with port agency for the same vessel
How it works
Review
Send the vessel documents and the planned domestic voyage so we can confirm what is needed.
Filing
We prepare and file the conversion documents with the agencies concerned.
Domestic voyage
Once approved, the vessel trades domestically while we handle its port calls.
Reconversion
We process the return to foreign status before the vessel departs the country.
Ports where we provide this service
Our home port is Batangas, including the government pier and the private terminals around Batangas Bay. We also serve these Philippine ports:
- Batangas
- Manila
- Subic
- Bataan
- Quezon
- La Union
- Cagayan
- Cebu
- Samar
- Leyte
- Davao
See all ports and Batangas terminals
Why principals choose V. Faytaren Shipping Agency
We have worked at the Port of Batangas since 1976. The agency is registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), holds a Philippine Ports Authority permit to operate as ship's agent, is accredited by the Bureau of Customs and is a member of the Philippine Ship Agents Association. Our day-to-day working relationships with Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, the Coast Guard, the pilots and the terminals are what keep your vessel moving.
View our permits and accreditation
Frequently asked questions
When does a foreign vessel need temporary conversion?
Usually when it will carry cargo between two Philippine ports. Send us the vessel and voyage details and we will confirm whether conversion applies.
How long does a conversion take?
It depends on the vessel, the documents and the agencies involved. Contact the office early so the conversion can be planned around your cargo dates.
Which agencies are involved?
Typically the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority, along with other offices depending on the case.
Do you also handle the conversion back to foreign status?
Yes. We process both directions, from foreign to domestic and back to foreign before the vessel leaves.
