PCG: In view of the Holy Week observance starting March 29 to April 01, PCG Commandant Rear Admiral Elson E Hermogino has directed all Coast Guard units nationwide to initiate proactive measures in ensuring safety, security, and comfort of the seagoing public who will travel by ship in going to their provinces or other tourist destinations to observe the Lenten Season.

Rear Admiral Hermogino announced that the PCG units all over the country will be on “alert status” from March 21 to April 05, 2018 and tasked its commanders to strictly implement maximum security measures and maintain regular monitoring of all ports nationwide.

The PCG Commandant underscored in his directive the importance of vigilance in undertaking maritime safety related measures such as intensification of ship’s inspection to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel, more elaborate and careful conduct of pre-departure inspection paying particular attention to the number of passengers and the adequacy of life saving equipment on board, and the examination the ship’s documents prior to granting of clearance to depart. The Commandant also said that PCG Public Information Officers must conduct public awareness campaign to highlight safety while travelling and undertaking recreational activities in beaches.

Passengers Assistance Center (PAC) booths will also be established in every port nationwide and will be manned by the PCG and the PCG Auxiliary to cater to the concerns and the needs of the passengers. Coast Guard medical teams will also be placed on standby at the said booths to provide medical assistance.

PCG advises the public to be at the seaport at least three (3) hours before the departure time, and to avoid carrying prohibited cargoes such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials and explosives, and to present complete documents if carrying firearms to avoid search delays and inconvenience. Likewise, it urges passengers riding on boats with open deck to cooperate fully in the regulation on wearing of life jacket during the voyage.