Check all boat passengers, Marina 7 tells shipping firms

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 yesterday warned shipping companies that all passengers, including those with cars or riding on Ceres buses, of board RoRo vessels must undergo security check as required by law.

Marina 7 safety specialist Mardon Martin issued the warning after Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said that when they attended the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Dumaguete City two weeks ago, their vehicle was allowed to roll straight to the RoRo vessels without its passengers being checked.

“All the passengers should disembark from the buses or cars and go to the passenger terminal for security screening. They cannot go directly to the vessel,” Villarete said.

Villate said that under the law, passengers are not allowed to stay in the bus or car when the Roro vessel is sailing.

Seats

“Each of the bus and car passengers must be provided with seats by the shipping company. Passengers of a bus and car which are rolled into the RoRo vessel must be listed in the manifest and the seating capacity of the vessel must correspond to the number of life jackets they have on the ship,” Villarete said.

Coordination

Cebu Port Authority (CPA) General Manager Dennis Villamor said they will coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Marina 7 on how the law on security can be strictly implemented.

However, Villamor observed that RoRo vessels have limited seats, which may be the reason they allow car owners and bus passengers to stay inside their vehicles during the sailing time.

Capt. Anelito Gabisan of PCG said they are strictly implementing the laws, rules and regulations on security and safety.

Terminals

But he said some private ports in Cebu don’t have passenger terminals where they can conduct security check.

Villamor said the CPA will soon focus on constructing terminals in ports without this facility.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 Director Raul Aguilos said they will strictly monitor the buses making trips outside their routes without a permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.