LOOK: Sustaining the Command's thrust towards stakeholder's engagement, the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC), in collaboration with Coast Guard District Central Visayas  and through the Maritime Safety Servies Unit (MSSU) CV hosted the second sortie of Navigational Safety Forum at Crown Regency Hotel, Cebu City last 19 June 2024.

With the theme, "𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝑻𝒐𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔", 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 posed by recent developments in Cebu, an integral maritime hub of the country.

Coast Guard Vice Admiral (CG VADM) Joseph Coyme, the Commander of MSSC and Coast Guard Commodore (CG COMMO) Christopher Meniado, Commander of CGD CV collectively called for collaboration among stakeholders and took this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and formulate solutions for the ultimate end-goal of saving lives and property at sea.

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

1. Guidelines for Movement of Vessels in Cebu-Mactan

Channel (CG COMMO ROMMEL A SUPANGAN)

2. Draft Memorandum Circular on E-Passenger Manifest System (CG CDR ORLY A WONG)

3. Buoy’s Establishments, Anchorage Areas and Updates on Port Operations and Management in Cebu (Cebu Ports Authority);

4. Buoy’s Establishments, Anchorage Areas and Updates on Port Operations and Management in Central Visayas (Philippine Ports Authority)

5. Rules and Regulations Relating to Registration and Licensing of Shipbreaking/Ship Recycling Facilities; and Rules to Govern the Installation and Implementation of AIS of Passenger Ships 300 GT and above and Cargo

Ships 500 GT and above (MARINA Region VII)

6. Safety Information Discussion on Submarine Cable and High Voltage Transmission Lines in Cebu (NGCP)

7. Rules and Regulation on the Administration and Management of Foreshore Lands and Guidelines on the Issuance of Area Clearance for

Reclamation Projects (DENR Region VII)

8. Ongoing and Future Infrastructure Development within Coastline Areas (DPWH Region VII)

These developments, while synonymous with the progress of the country, also posed challenges in terms of maritime safety and its enforcement.

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 Coast Guard Commander (CG CDR) Argie Lyn  Mahinay, Commander of Navigational Safety Services Unit (NSSU) capped the forum with a challenge to translate the dialogues into tangible actions towards bridging the gaps and improving navigational safety in Central Visayas.

Also, the Ceremonial Blessing of the MSSU CV Mess Hall was conducted before the forum started.

This Navigational Safety Forum has served as a crucible of collaboration and enlightenment, reaffirming the truth that maritime safety in Central Visayas is NON-NEGOTIABLE. This stakeholder's engagement is part of the Command's proactive approach towards being more relevant in the performance of its maritime safety mandates.