Volume of passengers up by 70 to 85% - Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo disclosed yesterday that the volume of passengers on domestic shipping lines has increased by 70 to 85 percent with only four days before Christmas.

Tamayo said that they have noticed that more and more people are traveling to the provinces to spend the Yuletide holidays with family and friends.

The ship passengers going home or spending their vacation in the provinces this season have increased by 70 to 85 percent of passenger capacity and is expected to further increase yesterday and today, said Tamayo.

He said that the PCG had made preparations for the influx of passengers at seaports.

Tamayo said he has directed all PCG units to enhance visibility patrols, vigilance and preparedness of respective personnel and operational readiness of their Search and Rescue (SAR) assets and response equipment.

He earlier ordered the deployment of additional sea marshals to board vessels, bomb sniffing and drug sniffing dogs, Special Operations Group (SOG) made up of expert divers, medical teams and the PCG Auxiliary to the primary ports.

They have also placed in strategic locations PCG vessels and their Islander plane would remain on stand by.

He said that help desks, composed of personnel from the PCG, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the PCGA, have been set up at the ports to assist passengers.

The PCG have also reiterated the warning to all sea travelers to plan early for their trip and avoid carrying heavy bags and luggages, sharp objects, and firearms.

Passengers should also take it upon themselves to check on the weather forecast before their scheduled travel.

The PCG had already advised the officers and crew of shipping companies to stop overloading of passengers and cargo.

Shipping firms should also make sure that there are enough lifejackets for all passengers and crew and other life saving equipment.