RP Coast Guard pushes more responsive maritime traffic system

After a series of maritime incidents in recent weeks, the Philippine Coast Guard is pushing for the installation of more responsive maritime traffic systems to lessen sea accidents caused by human error. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo citing the need to add more Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) facilities. Tamayo said the Philippines, being an archipelagic country of more than 7,000 islands, has only three VTMS facilities located in Manila, Corregidor, and Cagayan de Oro. He said more VTMS facilities have to be installed in busier ports around the country to safely guide mariners, just like the way airport towers do for pilots. Earlier, the Coast Guard pushed for a review of domestic policies on ship crew competence. Tamayo said the PCG will recommend to the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) the regular review of domestic seafarer competency standards. He will also push for stiff sanctions for erring crew, ranging from reprimand to suspension and revocation of licenses, if proven negligent or irresponsible. The Coast Guard record shows the ships that had run aground in recent weeks included the M/V Pacific Cruiser, M/Y Nomad Korea, M/V Ivatan, M/V Tong Shun, M/V Sta. Filomena, M/V Super Shuttle Ferry and M/V Filipina Ozamis. "Said incidents happened during the months of May and June alone. Initial reports pointed to the human factor as the possible cause of the incidents," the Coast Guard said. The PRC issues the competency certificates for all ship officers while TESDA issues the Rating Certificates for non-officers. Marina issues the Qualification Document Certificate for both officers and crew. Tamayo said the human element plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of vessels, its passengers and the protection of the marine environment. The PCG voiced alarm over incidents of sea vessels running aground and called on concerned agencies to immediately review existing policies and sanctions to erring ship officers and crew. also, it said the incidence of maritime casualties attributed to the human factor shows an increasing trend. "Most of the said incidents happened in clear visibility, fair weather condition and in an area where appropriate aids to navigation are in place. Further, most of the vessels involved have been on their regular routes where the ships’ Masters have familiarity of the area," the PCG added. According to him, accidents arising from human error may be attributed to error of judgment, complacency, incompetence, or lack of sleep or stress. On the other hand, the Coast Guard said several international conventions had been adopted to address this problem, which includes the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the ILO’s Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 78/95. — LBG, GMANews.TV