Ship owners urged: Ensure vessels’ seaworthiness
The Coast Guard Commandant also talked about his productive meetings with his counterparts in the ASEAN region
The Philippine Coast Guard is urging shipping lines to ensure the vessel's seaworthiness to avoid accidents at sea this Christmas as it is set to declare a heightened alert status for the influx of visitors from provinces that will utilize the country's vast seas.
"During this Season, our kababayans are busy traveling using the seagoing transportation system. We will put our 25,000-strong Coast Guard personnel throughout the country on heightened alert. We remind ship owners to assure the seaworthiness of their vessels and also advise our kababayans to plan their trips for it to be safe and convenient this Christmas," PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said.
He added that the PCG will be launching its yearly "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2022" and the heightened status will be starting from 15 December 2022 to 7 January 2023.
The Coast Guard commandant also talked about his productive meetings with his counterparts in the ASEAN region — emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration and information-sharing to ensure peaceful, safe, and secure ASEAN seas.
"I had got the chance to meet the Chinese Ambassador admiral and told him that we should be one in protecting our territories and respect each other, which is the common thrust of all CG commanders in the region, under a Declaration of Statement. This is to ensure the safety, security, and environmental protection in the ASEAN region," Abu said.
He also discussed the 128th International Maritime Organization Council Meeting in London wherein he thanked IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim for recognizing the importance of Filipino seafarers in the international maritime industry.
Meanwhile, 850 PCG draftees are set to undergo intensive training at the PCG Regional Training Center Zamboanga this 28 December, hoping to be part of the force.
Abu challenged the draftees to prove themselves.
"I look forward to the day that you complete the training and earn the right to wear the Coast Guard uniform," said Abu. "I hope that you will prove yourself to be a valuable addition to our force and a reliable public servant."