SPECIAL REPORT; Maritime Safety: Issues, concerns and best practices (Last of three parts)

CEBU, Philippines - One of the trade secrets of successful businessmen is that they do not completely entrust the management of their business to other people. They take charge of the operations themselves.

Chester Cokaliong, chief executive officer (CEO) and chief operating officer (COO) of Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc., revealed this secret when he delivered a speech before a group of shipping company officials during the National Forum on Safety of Domestic Ferries at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Multi-Purpose Hall in Manila recently.

Cokaliong Shipping Lines, established in 1989, now has a fleet of nine medium-sized interisland vessels. It has never been involved in any major sea accidents for the past 20 years. And while other shipping companies encountered unfortunate incidents involving ship collisions, sinking, fires and other accidents, many of the vessels of Cokaliong Shipping have been adjudged as cleanest vessels by MARINA and other respectable organizations.

Cokaliong credits his fleet's performance to his being a hands-on owner, supervising his vessels every time one arrives or departs from the Port of Cebu.

"Kada shift or every four hours, makahibalo ko kon kinsa ang mga personnel nga nag-duty sa tanang siyam nako ka barko. Bisan panahon sa gabii or kaadlawon mokontak ko kanila og mangumusta sa ilang biyahe. Usahay sila ang motawag nako og mokonsulta," said Cokaliong.

One time, when an interisland vessel from a competing company experienced engine trouble off Dumaguete City and a Cokaliong vessel passed by, Cokaliong instructed his personnel to rescue the passengers of the other vessel.

The Cebu City Council that time passed a resolution admiring the heroic act of Cokaliong and his personnel for rescuing the passengers of the competing vessel. 

Almost every year since 2004, one or two of Cokaliong's vessels have been awarded as cleanest vessels in various categories, such as passenger and cargo category.

On its official website, Cokaliong said he aims to be the country's ideal shipping operator in the domestic shipping industry because his company is "committed to give excellent and quality services for our passengers and shippers with their complete satisfaction in mind."

"We also ensure that all our vessels and equipment shall surpass the minimum standard requirements and our actions shall comply with all pertinent rules and regulations in the domestic shipping industry. It's important to remember that what builds companies is the ability to deliver new ideas again and again. We have to think positively and adopt a "can do" attitude. We have to look at adversities as opportunities," Cokaliong said. — /QSB (FREEMAN)