PCG seeks more maritime safety measures

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recommended the installation of additional maritime safety measures around the vicinity of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to prevent vessels from running aground in the protected site.

The PCG made the proposal in a report submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in connection with the grounding of the 68-meter US warship USS Guardian at the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site last Jan. 17.

The report would be turned over by the DOTC to Malacañang.

A source said that one of the proposals was to install a Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS) in the area. The PCG would operate the VTMS so they would have direct communication and guide passing ships.

“If there would be a vessel that would enter the exclusive zone, the PCG would call the vessel’s attention,” the source said.

Another suggestion was to use primary light for the lighthouse, which can be seen even at a distance of 15 nautical miles.