Night trips of 3 fastcraft supended for lack of gear

The Maritime Industry Authority has suspended the night operations of several fastcraft in Cebu for lack of proper equipment.

Marina has ordered the suspension of night operations of Oceanjets 3,5 and 6 after Marina conducted an inspection and found that it lacked proper equipment such as night-vision used to view objects within the proximity in the dark.

Suspension orders will follow for Weesam 6,7 and 8 and SuperCat 25 in lieu of a recent directive issued by Marina Administrator Vic Suazo prohibiting fastcraft going 25 knots and above from running should they have no proper equipment required by Marina.

Suazo’s directive and the suspension order came after 31 passengers suffered minor injuries when a Bohol-bound fastcraft accidentally slammed into an anchored barge off the Tagbilaran City port last Saturday night.

The Oceanjet 3 vessel, which was carrying 140 passengers, was maneuvering to dock when its bow accidentally hit the starboard side of the “Valerie”, which was anchored meters away from the port area.

The collision dented both the Oceanjet and the barge, but the fastcraft was deemed safe enough to travel back to Cebu yesterday. The barge carried river sand from Leyte.

Suazo cleared out that the directive covers only those running the speed of 25 knots, however, he said that those who want to comply with the said directive may do so.

“They must have the night-vision immediately to prevent any further incident.  Those not classified as fastcrafts may also comply the said directive if they want,” Suazo said.

Oceanjet operations manager Bernard Maraasin said that they will be complying with Marina’s directive as soon as possible to resume operations.

Maraasin said that Marina’s directive is also meant for the safety of its passengers.

He said that Marina inspected their vessels and found out that some of them need replacement.

Oceanjet is still continuing its operations but has cancelled its 5:30 p.m. last trip for the meantime until they have provided what Marina has required of them.

James Lavides, marketing Manager of SuperCat said that through SuperCat 25 does not cover the said directive as it is only a light speed craft, they will still comply with the said order to pursue operations.  SuperCat 25 sails for Bohol.  — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP