Marine vessels inspected for seaworthiness

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Visayas will start inspecting the seaworthiness of all maritime vessels in the region to make sure the safety of the riding public, at the onset of the typhoon season.

PCG-Reg. 6 commander Commodore Athelo Ybañez said his coastguard personnel assigned to every station are the ones conducting inspection before the sea vessel will leave the seaport going outside their areas of responsibility.

“Upon inspection, we will not allow the sea vessel to travel if ever the vessel is unseaworthy,” he said during the 30th Founding Anniversary celebration of PCG-6 held at Brgy. Obrero in La Paz district of this city last Friday.

Ybañez said the common violations his command found on some vessels were expired licenses of their officials, dilapidated equipment, especially radar system, and unserviceable or lack of life jackets, which he added should be issued only by a supplier accredited by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

A vessel found to be not seaworthy will remain on the port until the crew could fix the problem, and that registration of such could not be renewed, he said.  (FREEMAN)