Coast Guard takes measures to ensure safe sea travel for Christmas vacationers

MANILA, Philippines—Anticipating the yearly Christmas exodus to the provinces, the Philippine Coast Guard has taken measures for travelers’ safe and comfortable trips.

Newly appointed Coast Guard commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena has issued a directive placing all units of the agency on heightened alert as it started preparations to ensure maritime safety for the increased passengers this holiday season.

Isorena said he has directed all Coast Guard units nationwide to enhance vigilance and maintain high state of readiness in major port terminals to be able to respond to maritime emergencies, particularly those caused by unpredictable change in weather.

Among the maritime safety-related measures being undertaken by PCG personnel is the conduct of a more elaborate pre-departure inspection  of vessels and passengers.

Isorena has disclosed that they are keeping a close watch of maritime activities in Cebu, Batangas, Iloilo and Bicol Ports in view of the expected volume of passengers that will be using the RoRo nautical highway routes.  He added that tourist spots like Boracay, Coron and Puerto Galera are also being monitored.

“All Coast Guard stations and detachments have likewise been placed on heightened alert and further directed to ensure that their personnel are more visible and vigilant against overloading of vessels, lack of lifesaving appliances, improper lashing of cargo, and colorum vessels, among others, in coordination with shipping and local port authorities,” the PCG commandant said.

He also reminded travelers to come early to ports and to travel light.

Isorena also said Coast Guard personnel have been instructed to be on the lookout against attempts to smuggle contraband such as drugs, firecrackers and deadly weapons.

He also said response teams would be ready to respond to emergency calls.

He said passenger terminal booths would be placed in major port terminals nationwide to assist passengers encountering problems with shipping operators.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard chief assured the public that search and rescue operations for the missing fishermen typhoon Pablo have been going on and would continue.