VTMIS to take time; other temporary options raised

CEBU, Philippines - Maritime authorities yesterday appeared before the Cebu City Council to enlighten the body on momentary measures to be used to address concerns on sea management while waiting for the implementation of Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS).

This, following the authored resolution of Councilor Gerardo Carillo, urging government agencies responsible for sea management to present suggestions on what to do to improve maritime traffic management in Cebu in order to prevent sea mishaps like what happened last August 16 when the passenger vessel, MV St. Thomas Aquinas sank after colliding with the cargo vessel MV Sulpicio Express Siete at Lauis Ledge, Talisay City Cebu.

PCG Cebu Station Commander Weniel Azcuna revealed that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has approached his office two weeks before last month’s sea tragedy.

“Two weeks before the accident, JICA representatives went to my office. They wanted to install VTMIS in Cebu. They have so far identified three sites where to install these radars. But the plans were postponed due to the accident as we got busy with rescue and then retrieval,” Azcuna said.

JICA will donate the satellite equipment while PCG will shoulder operational and maintenance expenses, which source of fund concerned Azcuna.

Just last week, Azcuna said JICA representatives went back to his office and presented the identified sites for the three radars which include a CPA owned property in Talisay City, an area under the Mactan Bridge, and a privately owned lot in Bantolinao Point near MEPZA.

The control tower, as discussed with the Japanese representatives, will be put up inside the PCG Central Visayas District Command.

While  waiting for VTMIS installment which Azcuna said would take years, he said the PCG has been taking measures to ensure the safety of the vessels. 

“We are strictly monitoring the speed limit of vessels when passing through Cebu channel which is at five to eight knots. We send constant reminders to shipping companies to follow traffic separation plan, and we conduct pre-departure inspection of every vessel in our ports in Cebu,” he enumerated.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) also has patrol boats manning the sea traffic near Cebu harbor as “there is no navigational or monitoring equipment” that their agency is using, said Harbor Master Captain Jaybee Chiongson.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-7 Regional Director Nanette Dinopol said their office has prepared a draft circular requiring vessels to acquire an Automated Information System (AIS) in preparation for future implementation of VTMIS in Cebu.

Also, a summit that will thoroughly discuss functions of all concerned maritime agencies as well as local government units was suggested by Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) Commander, Commodore Reynaldo Yoma.

“DOTC can organize a summit and come up with solution, and delineate tasks of each concerned agencies cracking heads together and come up with something solid,” Yoma said.

Carillo said he was already aware of the JICA proposal of donating VTMIS to Cebu but stressed the fact that this takes time.

With this, the councilor said he will pass an ordinance requiring domestic vessels to have AIS since only international vessels are required to have such.

Further, Carillo said the city plans to strengthen its marine traffic monitoring by acquiring equipment for Bantay Dagat to help monitor inbound and outbound vessels. —(FREEMAN)