Labella urges assessment of CG vessel safety check

The Philippine Coast Guard in Cebu should evaluate the implementation procedures of its maritime safety measures, which include the pre-departure safety check of outgoing vessels, according to a recent proposal of councilor Edgardo Labella to the council.

Labella raised this matter after getting reports that the departure of a number of vessels bound for Leyte and Bohol provinces, and those in Mindanao has been delayed often even during fair weather.

Most of the passengers of these vessels have reported that among the main causes of the delays is the alleged inefficient manner of the PCG in conducting safety checks on sailing ships, based on the Domestic Shipping Act of 2004.

The Maritime Industry Authority and the PCG had a memorandum of agreement giving the latter the authority to perform maritime safety procedures on all vessels to check overloading, illegal cargoes, safety and emergency equipment, and crew's readiness to emergencies.

Labella however got reports that PCG personnel allegedly board ships for the inspection usually a little before the scheduled time of the vessel's departure, thus causing delays.

Labella said the conduct of the safety inspection should be done minutes before the ship's departure so that there will also be enough time to see thoroughly if a ship is safe and worthy for sailing.

The PCG's performance should be assessed because an efficient conduct of pre-departure safety inspection for departing vessels would assure the welfare of passengers that would further redound to the growth of the local shipping industry, said Labella.

Labella said the council is expected to take up his proposed measure this coming Wednesday's regular session. - Cristina C. Birondo