Tightened security check on Ro-Ro vessels imposed

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bacolod said it has tightened inspection procedures on all roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels arriving and leaving the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (Bredco).

The procedures are aimed for safety of the traveling passengers, especially on low-faring sea transport system.

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Senior Chief Petty Officer Victor Pulvora of PCG Bacolod said the recent sea tragedies on holiday in Luzon waters are alarming, as dozens of lives were lost to the accident just before 2009 closes out.

Last December 26, 2009, a Ro-Ro vessel M/V Baleno-9 capsized off Batangas waters, leaving more than 45 passengers dead and dozens more missing.

On December 24, a wooden-passenger vessel M/V Catalyn B sank off Cavite after colliding with a fishing vessel Anatalya, leaving dozens of passengers dead.

Pulvora said the accident might be avoided if proper checkups were conducted on the vessels before sailing, especially on MV Baleno-9 where passengers claimed overloading that triggered the vessel's sinking.

PCG also warned Ro-Ro companies to only allow loads and cargos that exceed the allowed tonnage of cargos for a particular vessel.

Also, PCG said it would look into the vessel's passenger's manifests to ensure that all on-aboard passengers are in the manifest list.

This, after PCG Manila found that many of the victims in the capsized M/V Baleno-9 were not included in the passenger's manifest, thus triggering the possibility of overloading.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on transportation is set to conduct an inquiry into the two recent maritime accidents once Congress resumes session, said panel chairman Bacolod Representative Monico Puentevella.

"We're scheduling another inquiry as soon as possible when Congress convenes. The inquiry will determine what more can be done to effectively prevent maritime accidents and save lives," said Puentevella.

Officials of companies involved in the accidents plus officials of government maritime agencies will be invited to the hearing. (With Sunnex)