PCG: Don't travel on unsafe ‘colorum’ boats

With the summer vacation approaching, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday reminded the public not to travel using colorum boats as these pose risks to passenger safety.

“Paalala, huwag po tumangkilik ‘yung mga colorum na motor bancas kasi they would be compromising your safety,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said in a public briefing.

(We want to remind the public to avoid traveling using colorum motor bancas because they would be compromising your safety.)

Cayabyab issued the reminder after PCG rescued 14 passengers from a boat that sank in the waters off Ternate, Cavite in February. The boat was originally a fishing vessel.

The PCG said the motor banca lacked proper documentation and was not registered as a tourist or passenger boat.

The boat’s capacity was only 10 passengers, as authorities said overloading was also evident.

The PCG noted that fishing boats are usually used as passenger or tourist boats during off-peak fishing season, but maintained that fishing boats still need to be registered with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for this purpose.

Cayabyab explained that colorum vessels do not undergo inspection to determine if they are seaworthy, have life-saving equipment, and are manned by competent crew.

She urged the public to report similar incidents through the PCG’s social media accounts or through their hotlines at 09662179610 or 09696418964.

Cayabyab also reminded the public not to swim after partaking of liquor, as it increases the risk of drowning. — JMA, GMA Integrated News