In a proactive move towards improving maritime safety, the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) headed by Coast Guard Vice Admiral (CG VADM) Joseph Coyme, in collaboration with the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) hosted the first-ever Recreational Safety Forum at Paradise Garden Hotel Resort and Convention Center, Boracay last 10 May 2024.

With the theme, "𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚", the timely and relevant forum aimed to provide a platform for maritime industry professionals, relevant agencies, and stakeholders for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to address gaps and challenges in recreational safety enforcement in the country's top tourist destination.

Coast Guard Captain (CG CAPT) Weniel Azcuna, Commander, CGDWV warmly welcomed the contingents and expressed his full support for said stakeholder's engagement.

CG VADM COYME reiterated the timeliness of engaging stakeholders to optimally enforce maritime safety mandates through dialogue and collaboration way forwards. Moreover, he called on the participants to take this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and formulate solutions for the ultimate end-goal of saving lives and improve recreational experience.

The said forum offered interactive discussions of topics by knowledgeable speakers from different agencies, including:

1.  Guidelines for the Safe Operation of Recreational Watercrafts (RSEU)

2. Interim Guidelines in the Conduct of WASAR and Lifeguard Training (MSSC-Legal Unit )

3. Rules on the Registration, Licensing, and Operation of Recreational Boats (MARINA Region VI ) 

4. Accreditation of Tourism Enterprise and other topics related on Recreational Safety and Environmental Concerns (DOT Region VI )

5. Health in Tourism Programs and other topics related on Recreational Safety and Environmental Concerns (DOH Region VI)

An interactive open forum ensued as speakers  engaged with the participants as they answered their questions, clarified points, and offered recommendations.

An Integration  presented by CG CAPT Michael Andag capped the forum with a challenge to translate the dialogues into tangible actions towards bridging the gaps and improving recreational safety in Boracay. 

This initiative is part of the Command's proactive approach towards being more relevant in the performance of its maritime safety mandates.