MARINA warns ship operators to comply strictly with safety standards and passenger safety
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) yesterday warned ship operators to comply strictly with safety standards and passenger safety rules amid the expected influx of travelers taking sea transport this Lenten season.
Marina Administrator Emerson Lorenzo said MARINA has carried out random safety inspections of passenger ships, adding that shipowners should be responsible for ensuring vessel maintenance and safe travel not only this Holy Week but throughout the year.
“Random safety inspections of passenger ships were conducted in critical ports, including Batangas; Calapan, Mindoro; Roxas City; Caticlan, Matnog, Cebu, Bohol, and Maasin, Leyte,” he said.
MARINA has inspected shipping lines to see if they have adequate life-saving devices such as life jackets, lifebuoys, firefighting equipment and other emergency devices in case of accidents.
The maritime regulator also directed shipping lines to implement the standardized cargo stowage and securing systems to prevent improper lashing that commonly result in vessel capsizing or sinking.
For added safety, roll-on roll-off (RORO) ships must disembark passengers off buses while the voyage is en route.
Lorenzo added that in cooperation with its sister agency, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), will be recording pre-voyage activities onboard, including cargo securing and cargo loading. Well-trained K9 units will be deployed to sniff passenger luggage.
In the MARINA Advisory 2012-05, the authority reiterates the responsibilities of shipping lines, especially with the onset of the passenger peak season this Lent, and during school semestral breaks.
“All domestic shipowners/operators are hereby reminded of their duties and responsibilities as public utility service providers to strictly comply with all safety and service standards, rules and regulations as provided for in Department of Transportation and Communications order No. 2012-01 and MARINA memorandum circulars,” the flag advisory read.
“All shipowners are reminded to keep their vessels maintained, serviceable, and in order, taking into consideration the convenience of passengers. Exercise extraordinary diligence as required, especially in matters of safety and security of passengers and cargo,” it added.
Shipping lines were also advised to secure special permits as early as possible to accommodate the influx of passengers and cargo.
Ship personnel and passengers were advised to contact the MARINA through the hotline 0917-SUMBONG (7862664). Should passengers need assistance or have complaints, they can go to the mobile offices or help desks at the embarkation/disembarkation sites.
Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas said the DOTC’s “Ligtas Byahe: Kwaresma” program ensures travelers’ convenience and safety this Lenten season as part of the government’s “Kayo and Boss” advocacy.
Source: Malaya Business Insight
