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After several complaints of unsanitary and unsafe passenger vessels, the Maritime Industry Authority ? Central Visayas (Marina 7) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) will conduct random inspections on passenger ships at the Cebu port starting today.
A joint inspection team composed of members from both government agencies will inspect the vessels and, if needed, note any deficiencies, said Marina Region 7 Director Nanette Dinopol and BOQ chief Emmanuel Labella during yesterday's press conference.
Both agencies, however, didn't specify what sanctions they would impose on violators except to issue a notice of deficiencies to the ship owners or operators, so that they could rectify or comply within a given period based on the gravity of the violation.
Both agencies signed a memorandum of agreement yesterday to implement the joint inspections.
?Marina 7 has been receiving complaints from the riding public regarding common sanitation problems and unsatisfactory service of some passenger ships,? the MOA states.
Marina is mandated by the Domestic Shipping Act of 2004 to inspect all vessels to ensure and enforce compliance with safety standards and to require all domestic ship operators to maintain its vessels in safe and serviceable conditions.
Since the BOQ is the enforcement agency for quarantine laws and regulations, they have the technical expertise on health and sanitation to assist Marina in implementing the project.
