Manila orders compulsory ship safety systems

Citation

(2001), "Manila orders compulsory ship safety systems", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 10 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/dpm.2001.07310eab.008

Manila orders compulsory ship safety systems

Manila orders compulsory ship safety systems

The Philippines is requiring vessels plying the domestic trades to install a global positioning system to facilitate rescue in case of accidents at sea.

The Department of Transportation and Communication recently issued a department order directing all local vessels to comply by 1 October 2001.

Failure to comply will result in a maximum fine of Pesos25,000 ($500) and revocation of the vessel's operating licence.

The Department of Transportation also announced that it has also approved the implementation of a mandatory ship reporting system (MSRS) to ensure constant monitoring of vessels.

Under the MSRS, local ships will be required to radio position reports at regular intervals to an MSRS centre. Vessels leaving port will also be required to submit a sailing plan that will include name, call sign, date and time of departure, next port of call, intended route, speed and expected date and time of arrival.

The MSRS together with the GPS are part of intensified efforts to improve maritime safety along the country's sea lanes. The two systems are being implemented to ensure that wherever a ship is in distress, aid can be dispatched immediately and accurately.

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands. More than 80 per cent of the country's trade and passenger volume is carried by maritime transport.

The country, however, has a poor maritime safety record because of poorly maintained ships and lack of safety consciousness among the travelling public.

(Lloyd's Casualty Week, Vol. 325 No. 1, 29 June 2001)