7 new vessels to enhance Subic seaport capabilities

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) began utilizing seven brand new vessels to enhance its seaport capabilities to its full potential and be at par with international seaport standards.

"The seven vessels we have acquired are the backbone of Subic Bay’s seaport. These would ensure safety and security especially during the peak season of operations here," SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Gen. Jose Calimlim told The STAR.

The seven vessels worth P386.5 million were acquired in July 2005 as part of the equipment procurement package of the $215-million Port Development Project.

The vessels include three multi-purpose patrol crafts, a garbage collection/fire fighting vessel, an oil skimming/fire fighting vessel, a search and rescue (SAR) vessel, and a line handling and work vessel.

Calilim said that the vessels are currently being manned by the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) while training Freeport Services Corp. (FSC) personnel to handle the vessels.

Aside from the training of Freeport-based personnel, an emergency response team was also formed to respond to the safety and security needs of this premier Freeport.

The Seaport Emergency Response Team (SERT) is composed of Seaport personnel who are trained and equipped to carry out search, rescue and recovery operations around the designated areas in Subic Bay.

"Residents and investors are now assured that the operations of our new port facilities will be safer for them and the environment, especially for the safety of our community, and preservation and care of the environment are and will always be the SBMA’s top priority," Calimlim explained.

The SBMA also received the compliance certificate for the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code that guarantees safety measures in port operations and ship handling.

The ISPS Code is a standard international security plan code required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for all port facilities accepting foreign vessels to ensure the safety and security of all ships coming in and out of foreign ports, mainly as a precautionary measure against all forms of transgression.

Calimlim said that with the ISPS Code, Subic seaport is assured of more port calls which means healthy business and more job openings for the Filipino people.

"We welcome this development because it will give Subic bigger role in advancing the 10-point agenda of President Arroyo, which includes the Subic Bay Port Development Project," he said.