THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will place all units on heightened alert starting Friday as ship passengers are expected to troop to ports across the archipelago for Holy Week vacation.

Coast Guard commandant Admiral Rodolfo Isorena said the heightened alert status will be from March 27 to April 6.

He emphasized the preparedness and readiness of all the PCG’s personnel assets to respond to any maritime emergencies or situations.

Ship inspectors and Coast Guard K-9 teams were also instructed to exercise extra vigilance in ports and to conduct random checks on passengers and their luggage to ensure that no dangerous cargoes or explosive materials will be carried by passenger and cargo vessels.

He said mandatory pre-departure inspections will be intensified to prevent ships from carrying passengers more than its capacity and to ensure that the vessels are seaworthy and have adequate number of life-saving equipment onboard.

Ships must also present all valid pertinent documents prior to granting of clearance to depart.

Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) booths will also be established in every ports nationwide and will be manned by the PCG together with personnel from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and with close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cater to the concerns and needs of the passengers.

The PCG chief said medical teams will also be placed on standby at the said booths.

He advised the public to be at the seaport at least three hours before the departure time and to avoid carrying prohibited cargoes such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials and explosives.

Passengers are also asked to present complete documents if carrying firearms to avoid search delays and inconvenience. (Sunnex)