THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Southern Mindanao is pushing for the implementation of a speed limit for all sea transport travelling in the region starting this month.
PCG commander for Southern Mindanao Commodore Joselito Dela Cruz pushed for the implementation of this policy on the sea following complaints by some beach resorts about the big waves caused by foreign vessels when it pass through the vicinity of the resorts.
Dela Cruz said they will be meeting with resort owners, Marina Industry Authority (Marina) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Davao Region to discuss the matter, including security measures for the beach goers.
He added that they will also talk about the registration of the fishing boats and motorboats to ensure all boats plying around the shore in the region are authorized.
"Ang complaint kasi nila pag may mga dumadaan na foreign vessels, the big waves generated by these vessels affects the beach goers, particularly along Pakiputan Strait and Paradise Beach Resort, which I had observed," dela Cruz said.
Dela Cruz said the speed limit will not only cover foreign vessels but also motorboats and roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships. He added that they will inform the operators and the harbor pilots of the vessels on the matter.
"We will implement maximum speed for the vessels and motorboats including Ro-Ro to avoid having big waves along the beach resorts, though there are no major incidents. But the way I see it, it is a disaster waiting to happen and that is why we have considered this initiative," he said.
To ensure safety along the shores, Dela Cruz said the PCG has been conducting intelligence monitoring, in coordination with other units and augmentation of their floating assets.
Dela Cruz also said that sea marshalling or security escort system to passing vessels in their area of responsibility will also be enforced.