MARINA OIC Conducts Random Inspection of RoRo Vessel in Batangas and Calapan Ports

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Officer-In-Charge of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has inspected at random a Batangas and Calapan Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo) vessel at the Batangas Port to strenghen maritime safety measures and look for areas to further upgrade the domestic shipping industry in the Philippines, as part of its eight priority programs under the 10-year maritime industry development plan (MIDP) of MARINA.

MARINA OIC Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr, together with Deputy Administrator for Operations Engr. Nanette Villamor-Dinopol; Capt. Rommel John Mendoza of the MARINA - Enforcement Service (ES); and Atty. Sharon Aledo of the MARINA Region IV, rode a RoRo vessel from Batangas City bound to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro to assess the maritime operations in these areas at the onset of the Lenten Season.

Vice Admiral Vingson and his team inspected the basic condition of the passengers and observed compliances to cargo securing procedures of vehicles and trucks.

The MARINA OIC noted that the inspected RoRo vessel was generally clean with its engine room and emergency generator to be well-maintained and ventilated. Significantly, its sewage tank area was found safely secured and located in a separate compartment aboard ship that was also free from foul odor.

Persons with Disabilities (PWD) elevator was also installed and accessible in the RoRo vessel, while the comfort rooms were well-managed and sanitized.

However, there was a minor deficiency noted by the MARINA, wherein two drivers were seen inside their vehicles while the vessel was underway.

Nonetheless, the deficiency was immediately rectified by the vessel’s crew, and requested the drivers to vacate their vehicles and stay at the passengers area for their safety.

“Maritime safety is non-negotiable. The MARINA is consistently working with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the PPA to ensure that our sea passengers enjoy a safe, comfortable, and convenient travel at all times,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.

Finally, the MARINA is calling all shipping operators across the country to uphold all the fundamental elements of the maritime safety.

The public, meanwhile, is encouraged to report violations by filing a complaint through these contact details: 0995 400 7336 or +632 521 804.