A Filipino lawmaker is urging an easing of the no-sail rule for ships, from 36 hours to 24 hours, during bad weather.
Representative Rene L. Relampagos (1st District, Bohol) filed a resolution 13 July urging the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to review the Philippine Coast Guard’s regulation on the matter.
Relampagos wants to change policies on suspending sailing when Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) No. 1 is hoisted
Ship owners and ferry operators feel strongly there is a need for a more reasonable no-sail period after PSWS No. 1 is hoisted, Relampagos said.
PSWS No. 1 is declared if winds of 30-60 km per hour (kph), approximately 16-32 knots, are expected in a place within 36 hours. Vessels are forbidden to sail, except to take shelter, when PSWS No. 1 or higher goes up.
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Relampagos argued that this is unnecessary and disruptive and suggested 24 hours instead.
“In fact, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration ( PAGASA) recommended for the PCG to go with the policy of the no-sail window being reduced to 24 hours, 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,” Relampagos added.
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.
