To reduce the number of stranded passengers in the ports
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) urged the shipping owners and operators to implement he proposed “airline ticketing system” after the reported overloading incidents in the ports of Zamboanga City and Basilan at the peak of the Christmas exodus last week,the Sunstar Manila reports.
Coast Guard Public Affairs chief Commander Armando Balilo said this scheme will help prevent overselling of tickets and reduce the number of stranded passengers in the ports.
“This scheme will definitely prevent overloading of passengers because it requires early booking from the passengers at least two weeks before the voyage,” Balilo said.
Under the proposed system, the ship operators will base their ticketing scheme on the pattern of the airline companies.
The said ticketing system will also mandate passengers to arrive at the sea ports at least two hours before the departure time for mandatory inspection of baggage of the passengers similar to the routine done along the local airports.
Balilo said that some shipping lines already adapt the system even not being mandated by the Coast Guard especially in the newly renovated Port of Manila.
“All we can do at the moment is urged the ship operators to adapt this scheme,” Balilo said.
Around 120,000 shipping passengers were recorded by the PCG during the peak of the holiday season travel that started last December 16
Source:Sunstar Manila