Coast Guard, Marina urged to conduct regular vessel inspection

Coast Guard, Marina urged to conduct regular vessel inspection
MERLINDA A. PEDROSA August 12, 2019 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1818332

BACOLOD City Councilor Bartolome Orola urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to regularly inspect the conditions of all sea vessels plying the waters of Bacolod.

Orola said the PCG and Marina should ensure that the sea vessels are properly equipped with adequate life saving and communications equipment and other safety instruments during their operations.

“The recent tragedy of capsized boats where a number of persons lost their lives, necessitates that our city [should] strengthen our very own policies on maritime safety to ensure that such tragedy will not occur in our city waters. Furthermore, it is also prudent that the city ensures the readiness of all maritime assets and rescue personnel to respond during emergency situations,” he said.

He added that strict compliance on Marina standards of seaworthiness, include adequate life-saving equipment and communication in the operation of these sea vessels, must be adhered.

Orola noted that there is also a need to remind the public to be cautious, and if possible to discourage any travels by sea during bad weather.

On Saturday, August 3, around 28 persons died and several passengers were rescued after three passenger motorbancas capsized in the waters between Iloilo and Guimaras Island due to strong winds and huge waves.