Coast Guard on lookout for overloading ships
The Philippine Coast Guard is on the lookout for overloaded ships. Because of the increase in passenger and cargo volume during the Christmas season, ship operators might be tempted to take in excess passengers and load cargo beyond their capacity, said Commander Harold Jarder, acting commander of Coast Guard Station Iloilo.
We have already begun monitoring the ports within our jurisdiction for overloaded ships, he said.
"I have already requested for additional personnel to be assigned in the Ortiz wharf," he said. Ferryboats to and from Guimaras dock at the Ortiz wharf.
They are also monitoring fastcrafts servicing the Iloilo-Bacolod route for excess passengers.
The Plimsoll line along the bow of the ship is the basis in determining whether or not a ship is overloaded, Jarder explained. If it is below the waterline, it means that the ship is overloaded, he added.