Coast Guard reactivates 'Oplan Kahandaan'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday reactivated “Oplan Kahandaan” as they expect the volume of passengers to increase with the start of classes next week.

“With the upcoming peak season brought about by the opening of the school year in all levels of both public and private schools starting June 2011, the influx of passengers availing sea transport is highly anticipated,” the PCG said in a statement.

Aside from the opening of classes, the maritime agency would also be on alert since the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has officially declared the end of summer and the start of the rainy season.

This is also the season for typhoons, and the Philippines is visited by some 20 tropical cyclones every year.

PCG commandant Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag activated “Oplan Kahandaan,” a proactive measure to prevent, or at least minimize, maritime incidents.  

Liwag said the 10 PCG districts would set up passenger/commuter assistance “Help Desks” at the seaports; be strict in implementing the mandatory pre-departure inspection of vessels; deploy additional personnel and other assets to the busier ports with high influx of passengers.

They would also intensify their seaborne patrol and campaign against “colorum” vessels and be on a high state of preparedness.

Deployable Response Teams (DRTs), including Special Operation Group (SOG) divers, K9 teams, medical teams, oil spill response teams, sea marshals, and Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are also instructed to establish good coordination with their respective local government unit.

The PCG districts were also instructed to ensure that ship owners, operators, and captains strictly observe the safety and security measures.

They should also make sure there would be a safe and orderly conduct of embarkation and disembarkation of passengers and cargo and advise passengers to board the vessel at least two hours before departure to give ample time for inspection by PCG boarding teams.

Included in their instructions is the inspection of lifesaving devices, communications, and firefighting equipment on board to ensure that these are complete and in good working condition.

They should also see to it that cargo lashings are properly installed and check screening of hand carry and check-in baggage of the passengers.

They should be aware of the latest weather forecasts issued by PAGASA and strictly observe and comply with the PCG-issued Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather.