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The Maritime Industry Authority kicked off today (April 1) intensified monitoring of passenger vessels’ safety compliance ahead of the expected influx of passengers during Holy Week
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The random inspection was led by MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan and will be conducted over two weeks on various passenger routes
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) kicked off today (April 1) intensified monitoring of passenger vessels’ safety compliance ahead of the expected influx of passengers during Holy Week.
Led by MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan, the random inspection of passenger vessels will be conducted April 1-12 on various routes, mostly in the nautical highway, where there is heavy passenger traffic especially during peak travel seasons. It is on top of the annual ship inspection and aims to ensure the safety of passengers during the peak season.
“Safety is non-negotiable. With the expected surge of passengers this Holy Week, we are doubling our efforts to ensure that vessels are compliant with safety protocols and ready to transport passengers safely and efficiently,” Malaluan said while inspecting a ropax ship in Batangas port.
Seven teams from MARINA will conduct the random inspections, checking the vessels’ safety certificate, and condition of the vessel engine, life-saving appliances such as life vests and life rafts, and firefighting equipment, among others.
Malaluan acknowledged that given MARINA’s limited personnel, they will not be able to cover all passenger vessels but assured they will continue coordinating and will share their inspection reports with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which already conduct pre-departure inspection of vessels.
MARINA regional offices have already issued orders for ships to increase trips to accommodate the high volume of passengers during the peak season, Malaluan said.
She appealed for passengers to plan their trip ahead and take advantage of online booking and ticketing services of shipping lines.
Intensified monitoring is also eyed for other peak seasons, such as before All Souls’ Day and Christmas.
During the inspection, Malaluan met with key officials from the PCG District Southern Tagalog Headquarters, spearheaded by District Commander Geronimo Tuvilla to discuss inter-agency efforts in ensuring passenger safety and vessel compliance, reaffirming MARINA’s strong partnership with the PCG in maritime enforcement and safety initiatives.
“Hindi na bago ang inspection na ito ng mga barko. Ito po ay routinary activity ng ating ahensya para matiyak na ligtas at maayos ang biyahe ng ating mga kababayan lalo na tuwing peak season (Inspection of ships is not new; it’s a routinary activity of our agency to ensure safe travel during peak season),” the MARINA chief added.
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