Amend sailing ban rule, says Coast Guard 7

A PROPOSAL to amend the movement and total ban of vessels from sailing during the typhoon signal number 1 has been submitted at the Department of Transportation and Communications office in Manila.

“We sent a proposal to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that some vessels may sail even if there is a typhoon signal number 1,” said Chief Commodore William M. Melad, Philippine Coast Guard of Central Visayas (PCG-7) chief, during Monday’s opening of National Maritime Week.

Melad said certain areas and geographical locations are considered exceptions to vessels in case a typhoon signal number 1 would be raised.

He cited the Guimaras to Iloilo route which was seldom affected by storms.

He said the proposal was already approved by the PCG-7 and was pending approval at the DOTC.

Melad also said that most ship owners in Cebu were complying with the no “overloading” requirement.

All vessels in Cebu port however would be inspected by the PCG-7 before it would be registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Marina conducts a periodic survey of the vessels while the PCG conducts a mandatory pre-departure inspection before the vessels leave the port.

Activities in the National Maritime Week celebrated from Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 include yesterday’s “Scubasurero” in barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

Divers will do an underwater cleanup of the sea.

Melad said this would raise awareness to the public about cleaning up the sea./Reporter Rhea Ruth V. Rosell