PCG detains 17 dredging ships in Zambales
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has detained 17 of 28 inspected vessels involved in dredging activities in Zambales from March 19 to 21, 2024.
PCG spokesman Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said three of these vessels are foreign (China, Sierra Leone, and Panama), while 25 are bareboat charters registered in the Philippines with full Filipino crew members.
The marine environmental protection and vessel safety enforcement inspection were conducted based on a directive by PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
Three hundred and thirty-four deficiencies were recorded and are slated for adjudication at the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Manila.
Balilo said the vessels will be detained until the deficiencies are corrected and the owners have paid the fine.
During the inspections, PCG personnel secured a copy of the Special Permits and Bareboat Charter issued by the Maritime Industry Authority to compare it with the list of identified dredgers and suction cutters in Zambales.
On March 19, the Port State Control Division Subic inspected three foreign vessels that were involved in dredging activities: a cutter suction dredger from China with six deficiencies, an anchor boat from Sierra Leone with seven deficiencies, and a tugboat from Panama with 12 deficiencies.
Balilo added that while the foreign vessels have deficiencies, they were not detained.
On March 20, Coast Guard personnel inspected a suction cutter, a tugboat, and an anchor boat and identified several deficiencies.
The PCG issued an Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) for adjudication of the CGS Zambales.
Furthermore, 13 dredgers within the area of responsibility of CGS Manila were also found with several deficiencies. They were issued with EIARs for adjudication, while nine have been detained.
On March 21, eight of 10 inspected vessels were also seized due to 30 detainable deficiencies. More than 150 deficiencies were identified and listed with corresponding EIARs to be adjudicated by CGS Manila.