Ships allowed to set sail, Marina urges priority transport of relief goods

MANILA, Philippines — The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has allowed domestic ships to sail and move stranded passengers and relief goods to areas affected by Typhoon Odette.

In a command conference late Saturday night, Marina Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad directed all the agency’s regional directors to coordinate with shipowners whose ships were not affected by the typhoon so they can resume their operations and prioritize the delivery of relief items.

“Shipowners may also coordinate with concerned Marina Regional Directors for the possible deployment of their ships to affected areas and to transport relief goods and for other related concerns,” Empedrad said during the meeting as shared by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in a press statement.

Empedrad also directed Marina safety engineers to assess the condition of ships and ensure that their Certificates of Public Convenience, Special Permit, or other authority to operate are valid before they are allowed to sail.

Meanwhile, Marina’s regional office in Surigao City will temporarily hold its operations in its extension office in Butuan City starting on Monday while awaiting the complete repair of its regional headquarters, according to DOTr.

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