Coast Guard launches ‘Oplan Kahandaan’
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Visayas is on heightened alert with the onset of school opening and rainy season.
Yesterday, the PCG-6 launched their “Oplan Kahandaan” as classes from private and public schools officially start.
According to PCG-6 Commodore William Melad, seaports and passenger vessels are expected to be crowded, thus, passengers’ safety and security are their main concern.
Melad appealed and advised the public to be extra vigilant against vessels committing blatant violations of maritime safety rules and regulations such as those who deliberately carry passengers in excess of their authorized capacity, those lacking in lifesaving devices and those operating “colorum” vessels.
“Colorum” boats are those that cannot pass the minimum safety requirements set by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for their intended utilization.
“They are prone for maritime incidents,” he stressed.
Melad added that these “colorum” boats are not seaworthy and lack the necessary life saving devices onboard.
The commander also advised the public to be aware of regular weather updates so as to avoid being stranded in cases where passenger or RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) ships and boats will not be allowed to sail during bad weather.
Aside from these, Melad said they are ensuring the strict implementation of the following:
- * Activation of passengers/commuter assistance “help Desks” in strategic ports in respective areas.
- * Strict and proper conduct of Mandatory Pre-Departure Inspection (MPDI) of vessels by PCG boarding teams.
- * Deployment of additional personnel and other assets in busier ports with high influx of passengers.
- * Close monitoring, reporting and coordination of maritime incidents using satellite phones, radios by respective command centers and through 24/7 manning, guarding of respective command centers.
- * Intensified seaborne and campaign against “colorum” vessels which may take advantage of the situation.
- * High state of preparedness rescue swimmers, K9s, medical teams, Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers and other responding teams.
- * Active participation of local PCG Auxiliary units, and other vessels in the vicinity or close to vessels in distress or in the ports and organization of rescue volunteers from local motorboat owners or operators which could help during maritime incidents.
- * Undertake pro-active measures by organizing dialoues, meetings, trainings or combined exercises with shipping and boat operators, coastal communities and Local Government Units (LGUs) to promote safety and security awareness.
For any complaint or violation, report to PCG Hot text numbers 0917-7243682.
