Marina pushes safety checks of ships
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is urging shipping companies to conduct safety assessment of their vessels in preparation for the influx of passengers this holiday season.
MARINA said it has directed domestic shipping companies, operators, charterers and ship management agents to achieve and maintain high standards of safety, establish safeguards against identified risks on sea transport and improve safety management skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships, including preparations for emergencies.
“The concerned maritime stakeholders are specifically tasked to report any untoward maritime incident or accident to the MARINA’s Enforcement Service, and to provide via written document the full details thereof within 24 hours after its occurrence. Failure to comply will result to the imposition of fines and penalties,” the agency said.
To further promote maritime safety, MARINA said its regional offices are collaborating with other transportation agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to ensure a hassle-free observation of the upcoming holiday.
MARINA said it would assist the Philippine Coast Guard in manning helpdesks at port areas from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5 to cater to the inquiries and needs of passengers.
It said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, on the other hand, will be visible at major transport terminals to ensure that no illegal drugs are smuggled.
The CAAP, for its part, earlier said it is ready for the expected influx of passengers in the country’s airports for the coming holiday season.
The agency said it would implement added security measures to ensure safe, reliable and convenient operations at all 44 commercial airports in the country in the next 10 days, or from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5.