WITH only 15 minutes trip between Iloilo and Guimaras, we believe wooden-hulled boats ferrying people and products between the two provinces may be retained but with new safety precautions adopted until such time when the boat operators will be in a position to acquire a more modern boat of aluminum or fiberglass hulls.
This is a justifiable aftermath of the loss of 31 lives on Aug. 3 when three pumpboats capsized in the Iloilo Strait.
While we commented in our column of Aug. 14th about retiring the wooden-hulled pumpboats, and replace them with a more modern ferry service, we said a phase-out program must be adopted to protect those involved in the livelihood.
You will note that the pumpboat is made by local artisans in Guimaras. We wish that the various sectors that met recently as initiated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to phase out the pumpboats could provide new jobs not only for the crew but also for the boat builders that will be out of business.
Meantime, we wish that the boat operators will adopt more safety practices in their operation. For example, it is not enough to just give passengers life jackets but there must be a demonstration from the crew how to wear it, and include other safety tips just like what the airlines do when you take the plane.
Another safety precaution that may be adopted is for the MARINA to require that the pumpboats travel in pairs and see that they comply strictly with the authorized passenger and loading capacity per trip. A pass system may be used and given to the boat after inspection before it is allowed to sail.
We wish that MARINA in the meantime will impose a moratorium on fare increase in order not to further prejudice travel between Iloilo and Guimaras and maintain economic stability.
We are glad to note of the concern for Guimaras by various sectors after the accident. We wish that the workshop mentioned above led by MARINA to assist the pumpboat sector will enable the boat owners to avail of financial assistance or other benefits taken up in the day-long session.
How soon will new aluminum and fiber-glass boats be seen now sailing at Guimaras Strait?
GEM OF THOUGHT
“Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current. No sooner is a thing brought into sight, then it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.” – Marcus Aurelius (For comments or re-actions, please e-mail to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com/PN)
