Lawmaker urges Coast Guard to relax ‘no-sail policy’ to help shipping, tourism

A Visayan lawmaker has asked the Philippine Coast Guard to review its policy on keeping ships from sailing during bad weather, saying it affects seafaring and tourism. 

 

In filing House Resolution 2137, Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos encouraged the PCG to consider implementing a “more reasonable start” of the no-sail period after Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No. 1 is hoisted, particulary in areas where inter-island trips are short.

 

Under PCG Memorandum Circular No. 02-13, no vessel of any type or tonnage is be allowed to sail except to take shelter when PSWS No. 1 or higher is raised within its point of origin, the intended route, and its destination.

 

Relampagos, however, said the automatic and immediate cancellation of sea travel when the typhoon is still 36 hours away has caused unnecessary and costly disruptions in the flow of sea transport, affecting local and foreign tourists, shippers and consignees of cargoes, especially of perishable goods, and the general riding public.

 

“The present policy on cancellation of sea travel has negatively affected the country’s tourism industry, and has caused undue inconvenience to tourists and disruption to pre-arranged itineraries, hotel bookings and flight schedules. These delays have evident multiplier effects on all the players in the tourism industry, as well as other vital industries in the country,” he said.

 

Relampagos said PAGASA has come up with the position the existing no-sail period should be shortened, especially when the travel time from one point to another is only six hours or less.

 

“In fact, PAGASA recommended for the PCG to go with the policy of reduced 24-hour NO SAIL WINDOW but with precaution taking into consideration the current weather situation such as sea condition, sky condition, visibility, rainfall, wind speed/direction and trend of atmosphere pressure over the area of ship’s origin, route and destination,” he said.

 

Expressing their support for Relampagos’ resolution as co-authors are Reps. Sherwin Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol party-list, Franz Alvarez of Palawan, Mercedes Cagas of Davao del Sur and Abraham Tolentino of Cavite. — Xianne Arcangel/JDS, GMA News