Coast Guard ready for Holy Week rush

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard in coordination with the local shipping companies, ship owners and operators, motorboat operators, port authorities, the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group and active public assistance centers warned passengers to be at the sea port at least two hours before their scheduled departure time.

From April 15 to 26, 2011, Active Public Assistance Centers will be placed in strategic locations in the different ports within Region 7 and 8 as preparation for the arrival of the passengers in the observance of the upcoming Holy Week.

The PAC will provide information, help, and act on complaints and medical assistance on matters relative to sea travel for convenient, orderly, safe and secure departure or boarding of passengers and loading cargos.

PCG personnel will deploy additional combined sea marshals including the blue guards provided by the shipping companies, Special Operation Group and K9 personnel, and Special Medical Assistance Response Teams as necessary to add to ship, passengers, and port security.

The Coast Guard District Central-Eastern Visayas will strictly implement matters pertaining to the safety and security regulations. Passengers are encouraged to be at the sea port area two hours ahead of their departure time to avoid being late or stuck in traffic.

Bringing of flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substance, compressed gasses, radioactive materials and explosives are restricted and prohibited in order to prevent unnecessary delays of ship voyages and inconveniences to other passengers. (FREEMAN)