More shipping firms follow maritime safety rules, PCG 7 says
More shipping companies are now instituting safety measures to prevent overloading of passengers, PIA reports. “There is no much problem now on overloading and excess of passengers because shipping companies and operators are now doing something in controlling the number of passengers their vessel can accommodate,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) -7 Commander Commodore William Melad said
In a press conference marking the 2012 National Maritime Week (NMW) celebration, Melad added that the coast guard has the responsibility of inspecting passenger vessels to make certain that their passenger manifest only carried the required number of passengers their vessel can accommodate, this is learned.
This year’s NMW celebration carried the theme “100 Years After Titanic: Lessons From Past Maritime Disasters.” Melad said overloading has always been an issue in past maritime disasters in the country.
The official also emphasized that the capability and performance of seafarers today have also improved due to the numerous training they are mandated to take in order to be globally competitive.
Melad credited the improvement in the maritime industry to the other mandating agencies who have been implementing the appropriate rules and guidelines to improve maritime safety.
