Boat owners in the Calamianes group of islands will soon find it easier to process their applications and other transactions with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) because it is putting up a satellite office in their area.
The Calamianes group of islands is composed of the towns of Coron, Culion, Linapacan, and Busuanga.
Engr. Petronilo Roche, officer-in-charge of the MARINA in the province, said Thursday the local government already donated an area for the office.
Roche said they will assign personnel and staff in Coron, where the office will be placed.
They will be in the Calamianes twice a month.
The office will be beside the municipal hall, he said.
Another satellite office is also being planned for El Nido.
“Ilalagay natin ang magta-tao doon pupunta-punta sya kasi kailangan din niya ihatid ang mga documents dito sa amin tapos babalik siya doon para kunin, ganoon ang mangyayari. Ang observation kasi natin dyan sa Coron at El Nido ay maraming tourist boats na nag-ooperate kaya sana malagyan ‘yan ng mga satelite. As of now, mayroon na tayong area sa Coron,” he said.
Roche said the main office in Puerto Princesa City will still conduct boat inspections.
He added that the inspection is conducted yearly while boat franchise is valid for five years.
“Kami pa rin ang mag-iinspection ng mga bangka, ang gagawin lang sa mga area pupuntahan ng mga tao natin tapos sila na ang magtatangap ng mga application or request for inspection bago natin pupuntahan,” he said.
There will be regular mobile registration, modified safety and basic training for the boat crews and owners.
“Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating mobile boat registration kasi ang goal ay maging zero colorum tayo. Lahat ng mga area ay pinupuntahan natin para malegalize ang kanilang bangka specially ang mga crew,” Roche said.
In Palawan, there are 1,992 registered tourist and passenger vessels.
Since January, the MARINA has already conducted mobile registrations in the towns of Balabac, Busuanga, and Puerto Princesa.
“Yearly ang inspection natin sa mga vessels kasama dyan ang mga safety concerns nila. So far, lahat naman ng dumadaan sa atin ay pumasa at maayos,” he said.
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