PCG reduces boat passengers

PCG reduces boat passengers

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Davao has already enforced a new policy mandating that only 75 percent of the total passenger capacity of passenger motorboats will be allowed to travel following the Iloilo-Guimaras maritime incident.

In an interview on Sunday with the Coast Guard Station Davao head, Commander Garry Laynesa said that they have been implementing the new policy since last August 19.

"All open deck and outrigger passenger motorboats are directed to only carry 75 percent of their total allowed passenger capacity, this complies with Secretary Tugade’s directives to Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and PCG," Laynesa said.

He said the purpose of the new policy and strict implementation of existing policies when it comes to passenger watercraft is merely to secure the safety of the passengers and prevent any possible maritime-related incidents.

Asked if they have apprehended violators, he said, "Wala pa naman kasi alam nila at pinaintindi naman sa kanila that this action is for the safety of the riding public, the PCG and other concerned agencies here in Davao City are working hard to prevent similar incident."

Laynesa said they are aiming for zero maritime incidents in Davao Region; thus, stringent measures are being implemented to ensure that the motorboats have complied with the requirements before they will be allowed to depart.

"Since this is a special directive of the secretary, what we do is to closely monitor the number of passenger boarding in their motorboat, since we are conducting Pre-departure inspection which is the total head counting of passenger, wala pa namang nag-violate," he said.

There is no fine yet to be given for the violators however, these motorboats will not be allowed by the coast guard to travel if they carry more than 75 percent of their passenger capacity.

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