All operators of sea vessels will now be required to acquire marine radio communications equipment before they are allowed to operate.
Neil Angelo Sanchez, Operations Chief of the Office of Civil Defense- Regional Disaster Coordinating Council said that ships will not anymore be allowed to leave the port if they do not have the said equipment.
Sanchez said that this was agreed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in Central Visayas and the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) in response to the council’s request through a resolution making it as a requirement.
Sanchez said that MARINA’s Engr. Marden Martin vowed to enforce regulations of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) mandating vessels to have on board radio communications equipment, which the crew can use during emergency situations.
Sanchez cited the latest maritime mishap involving a motorized banca, which capsized off the waters of Bantayan Island where rescue groups experienced delays in initiating response operations due to the failure of the vessel crew to send a distress signal.
He also said that they will now require vessel operators to secure permits of their radios first before allowing them to be registered or to renew the registration of their vessels before MARINA.
He informed the council that the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and Regulations imposed this requirement to all vessels.
RDCC 7 chaired by Police Regional Office 7 Director P/C Supt. Ronald Roderos prompted the passing of said resolution so that search and rescue groups can launch immediate and effective response operations during maritime accidents. — Jasmin R. Uy/NLQ