Ships over 1,000 tons may sail on signal no. 1

CEBU, Philippines - A new memorandum circular has reached the regional office of the Philippine Coast Guard changing the first decision on not allowing ships to travel on a signal number one weather bulletin, regardless of the number of tonnage the ship has.

Coast Guard Commander Anelito Gabisan said that Memorandum Circular 01-09 was approved last February 5 stating that only those “with a gross tonnage of 1,000 below will not be allowed to sail on typhoon signal number one except to take shelter.”

“Those ships with over 1,000 gross tonnages will be allowed to sail in time of a signal number one, but with the discretion of the ship owner and master,” Gabisan said.

Gabisan stated that it is on a signal number two that no vessel is allowed to sail except to take shelter and should be done without any passengers.

Also stated in the new memorandum is that if a vessel has already sailed and a signal number one would be raised to a higher level, then it “shall take no other option but avoid the storm and take shelter.”

Gabisan said that the new memorandum came out after the interim issued by President Gloria Arroyo, following the sinking of M/V Princess of the Stars, was greeted with complaints by ship owners who may not have agreed with the order on the banning of their ships with more than 1,000 tonnages from sailing under a signal number one weather advisory.

“Pero ako ra ning presumption kun nganong giusab ang memorandum pero hinuon daghan man god maapektohan ana if signal number one ra unya dili kalarga ang mga dagko nga barko,” Gabisan added.

He said that the interim issued by the President was made when gray areas were found in the previous circular and that they wanted to iron out the flaws after the Princess incident.

The new memorandum will be discussed further to ship companies, and the officers responsible for safety and operations, in an information drive that the Coast Guard will be conducting.

Here, the “Guidelines of movement of vessels during heavy weather” will be discussed with officials from the Coast Guard. Also, PAGASA-Manila will be discussing to the companies concerns regarding the weather especially typhoons.

On the other hand, the Coast Guard is doing its share in helping out ease the problem of unemployment as it is conducting a recruitment program for those interested to join the PCG in Central and Eastern Visayas.

“Kuwang gyod ta (personnel) sa tanan regions ug nindot ni (recruitment program) para makatabang ta sa daghang wala’y mga trabaho,” Gabisan said.

Those interested may apply directly at the PCG regional office from February 17 to 27 for screening. Applicants must be natural born citizens of the Philippines, not less than 5’4” tall and not over 25 years old.

Applicants should be physically and mentally fit for the training in Manila which would last from five to six months, Gabisan added. 

After the applicants submit their requirements, they will undergo tests and interviews. Final approval will be given by the central office before the qualified applicants would be sent off to Manila. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV   (THE FREEMAN)