Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol Region (PCG-5) on Tuesday maintained a high level of operational readiness and issued a sailing advisory for vessels operating in Masbate as a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring adverse weather across the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, PCG-5 commander Commodore Ivan Roldan stated that the Coast Guard Station Masbate, led by commander Lt. John Louis Sibayan, has advised all vessels and watercraft weighing 250 gross tons (GT) or less in the province's waters to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary voyages until weather and sea conditions improve significantly.
The order is consistent with the Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard Office of the Coast Guard Commander Memorandum Circular No. 03-01, which provides guidelines for vessel movement in the absence of tropical cyclone wind signals but under hazardous sea conditions, and with a directive signed by Masbate Gov. Richard Kho adopting precautionary measures against the effects of the LPA.
Roldan emphasized that although no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised over Masbate, the prevailing rough seas and strong winds from the weather disturbance pose risks to maritime navigation, especially for small and medium-sized vessels.
As per the advisory, vessels weighing 15 GT or less are prohibited from sailing when conditions reach Beaufort Scale No. 4, characterized by a moderate breeze with wind speeds of about 11 to 16 knots.
Roldan also reminded vessel masters, owners, operators, and shipping agents to comply strictly with their respective safety management system manuals in line with the International Safety Management Code, Maritime Industry Authority regulations, and other existing maritime safety policies.
They were also advised to keep monitoring weather bulletins issued by the state weather bureau and to exercise prudent seamanship in voyage planning and operational decisions.
The sailing advisory is currently in effect and will remain active until authorities decide to lift it.
Roldan mentioned that PCG-5 personnel are on standby, with search-and-rescue assets strategically positioned to enable an immediate response to maritime incidents and other weather-related emergencies.
