Friday, July 11, 2008 All ships in Central Visayas not qualified to sail: Marina chief
IF maritime laws were followed strictly, no vessel owned by shipping lines in Central Visayas would be allowed to sail because of numerous defects, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Vicente Suazo Jr. said yesterday.
Suazo said the inspection team he organized in Manila uncovered what he described as “questionable” approval and granting of Certificates of Public Convenience (CPCs) by Marina 7 officials.
This, he said, endangers the lives of the public.
Marina 7 is authorized to issue CPCs because the task has been deregulated.
Despite their issuance of CPCs, Marina 7 inspectors and auditors failed or intentionally did not attach a copy of inspection reports of vessels to the CPC forwarded to the Marina central office, Suazo said.
He said he wanted a copy of the inspection reports because he will compare these with the report of the inspection team he organized after the mv Princess of the Stars sank last month in stormy weather.
Suazo said he received reports that Marina 7 officials are in the payroll of several shipping firms, and that this is why all vessels were certified as seaworthy when these should have been grounded.
Suazo also said he already ordered an investigation on allegations that Marina 7 allowed Rolly Shipping Corp. to operate “dilapidated” vessels for three years, even if the shipping firm allegedly failed to meet the requirements.
Suazo said he received reports that Rolly Shipping was able to continue operating because Marina 7 extended its franchise for three years.
Rolly Shipping vessels operate in the Cebu-Leyte route.
Sun.Star Cebu failed to locate Rolly Shipping president Virgilio Alcaraz for comment yesterday.
When asked for his side, Marina 7 Director Glenn Cabañez refused to comment on Suazo’s allegation. But, he said, he will look into the allegations raised.
Cabañez said it would be better if Suazo will also present proof to back his allegations so that those linked to it can be investigated.
Cabañez also refused to comment on the issue raised against Rolly Shipping, saying he will discuss it first with his subordinates. (EOB)
