Philippine Coast Guard wants you

Sunday, June 26, 2005
By Rafael Alfredo Santos

From across the room, he looked the part of a gentleman and an officer in a military movie: crisp uniform, stern mien and that innate aura of authority. Ensconced firmly on a chair, he looked every inch the military man. I was honestly looking for a monocle, or a sort of man who cracks whips on pavements just to scare the hell out of Reserve Officer Training Corps plebes.

Imagine my surprise when I heard him speak. He spoke calmly, but in a tone that exuded confidence and demanded respect. Rear Adm. Elpidio Padama, deputy commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), was more approachable than I feared.

We talked at length about his career as a serviceman and later as administrator in the Philippine Navy. He rose through the ranks, not bad for an ROTC graduate. When the PCG was detached from the Navy and transferred to the Department of Transportation and Communication, Padama stayed with the PCG, and it has obviously paid off as he holds one of the highest ranks in the department.

Padana holds a doctorate degree in business from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, not something one usually sees when talking about military career men. But he offers no apologies for being an academic: he is working on another degree to add to his portfolio. This, he says, is a way to keep up with the times.

“A man never stops learning, especially with the advent new technologies, we in the service should keep up so we can better fulfill our duties,” he said.

The state of the Philippine Coast Guard is a topic that is close to Padana’sheart. He explains that although the PCG is a relatively young organization still trying to find its feet, it is coping better than expected since it separated from the Navy.

“We are actually doing pretty well for ourselves. Remember, we were only placed with the Department of Transportation and Communications in 1998, and we are proud to say that we have been able to fend for ourselves mostly through resourcefulness and sound policies,” Padama said.

The PCG has managed to acquire brand new ships and equipment mostly through soft loans and donations from other maritime services. It currently operates 8 new modern search and rescue ships bought from Australia, and these boats are one of the most modern surface assets in the entire surface fleet of both the Navy and the PCG. The PCG’s resourcefulness has also enabled it to get training time with the Japanese Coast Guard without even spending a single centavo. These training exercises plus the gradual modernization of its assets and capabilities have Padama beaming optimistically about the agency’s future.

“We are gradually improving our capabilities, so that we can further serve our mandate better. It is imperative that we have a capable coast guard patrolling our maritime lanes and ensuring that maritime laws on safety and cleanliness is observed,” he said.

Padama, however, laments the Coast Guard’s lack of manpower. There are 4,000 PCG personnel patrolling the country’s shoreline, which is longer than the mainland America’s coastline. He jokes that “one coast guard watches two islands,” and estimates that there is one PCG monitoring 7 kilometers of coastline.

“We are very overstretched at the moment. Because of the Coast Guard’s unique mandate, in addition in its role as protector of maritime safety, we are also the enforcer of fisheries laws and the like. Being undermanned poses a serious challenge for us to do our job, but we are coping as best as we could,” Padama said.

Perhaps a big obstacle in recruitment is the low salaries armed services such as the PCG can offer. A sailor’s salary is slightly lower than that of teacher’s. Most PCG men admit that they serve “because it is their calling,” not because of the pay. Work hours are 8 hours a day, but they are on call 24/7 even on holidays. Offshore or office work, it is a grueling full-time job.

The PCG is also becoming picky with its recruits. For one, the applicant must now be a college graduate, with a degree related to maritime services, like naval architecture and maritime technologies. However, it does have a 10 percent quota for liberal arts graduates to fill up positions in the Public Information Office, as well as marine biologists and other auxiliary services.

Rear Admiral Padama says that it takes a “dedicated man to make it in the PCG.” When asked what made him decide to become a sailor, Padama answers in his distinct monotone, “The challenge to make a difference. I really wanted the challenge, and I am thankful that when I wake up everyday, I still feel that same urge to better than what I am,” he said.

http://www.manilatimes.net

given that the PN does most of the necessary patrols against smugglers, etc., the national defense duties of our overworked sailors, and the invariably parlous state of the PN budget, the effort against economic criminals suffers - consequently the revenue losses and the damage to our natural resources continues unabated, undercutting moves to improve the economy, so that come the next budget deliberations the PN leaves empty-handed once again, the smugglers go on running wild - a vicious circle.

wouldn't a better solution be, to review the mandate of the PCG and build-up its capabilities in order that it may take the bulk of the law enforcement role (anti-smuggling, environmental protection, etc.) away from the PN, leaving the PN to concentrate on the task of national defense? - if that means giving ships and other acquisitions that would normally go to the PN, so be it: the budget necessary to operate a fleet of patrol/SAR vessels would presumably be considerably smaller than the budget needed to fund a fleet of military ship types, hence patrol/SAR operations would not be as vulnerable to the vagaries of the appropriations process...thus better insulating the effort against economic criminals from funding shortfalls.

not saying the PN should be neglected, I'm saying the PN should be given the tools needed to perform military responsibilities while the PCG gets the resources to do law enforcement duties. get the PN the transports and combat vessels it alone can and must operate - everything else, give it to the PCG: simply put, I am merely advising against putting all one's eggs in one basket.

hmmm... not a bad idea, but we must balance an already tight budget. :dunno:

I agree to rear admiral padama on what he said that PN should focus on national security and PCG is for law enforcement. Even they have a small number of personnel in vessel provided with enugh equipmwnt that they needed they cn function already. equip them and enhance their capability. nice start for PCG for what they are. at list their duty was clearely defined and given much importans.

that is one heck of a requirement to join the pcg. a college deree? we were looking at the requirements for enlisting in the different branches of the afp and again were surprised. i'm did a tour as an instructor and to tell you the truth, even stuff like the f-14 fire cotrol system were designed to be maintained by people who barely made it out of high school. same goes in the civilian world. is this cultural? all i can say is that it is a waste of talent and intelligence to put people in places where they are under achieving...(and a waste for not hiring a person with lesser skills but fit the rquirement...)

would suggest to the coast guard request a mandate to do the same thing that the dea is doing. when you catch a druggie, confiscate and sell at auction all drug related items be it houses, cars, etc. imagine what you can do with profits from selling a few fishing boats or yatchs used for smugling. expand it to poachers...

You cannot blame them. With so many college graduates increasing every semester, tri-mester, whatever, which would you choose? A college graduate looking for a break or a high school graduate who is just starting to enjoy puberty stage? Nowadays, you can get college graduates with honors, accepting position before handled by high school graduates. Positions for college graduate levels are now handled by those with units in the Masterals. Take the case of OFWs. See how they fared well, like the DH, wherein their teaching skills are being enjoyed by their wards in their schooling.

With so many college graduates hanging around with their talents being wasted, isn't it better to put them into better use, like professionalizing the PCG and other services? :armyLol:

:exactly:

I will cost us much if we will equipt our CG the way we are equipping our Navy.

Come to think of it, with the Tennix ships,... WHO'S BETTER-EQUIPPED, BTW? :dontgetit:

I would suggest arming CG with more rescue boats. The Tennix ships with medical facilities, rescue helicopters and RHIBs are perfect for CG operations.

All the Navy's smaller ships should be given to the CG to give the CG more capability to check our ports and coastal waters.

The Navy should be given bigger and better-armed ships.

OPVs, Frigates, Corvettes.

The Navy should maintain the major role in anti-terrorism operations and piracy because they have the men and the expertise to handle the job.

Smuggling, Environmental protection, rescue, law enforcement should be the main focus of the CG.

Border patrols should be given to the Navy. :exactly:

The CG, considering cost-saving measures should focus watching ports and our coasts.

If you will direct the CG to handle border patrols, it will only take their focus away from law-enforcement dealing with port operations and safety of maritime commerce.

It is best the we maximize the Navy's potential by letting it focus more on the border patrols and anti-terrorism. That's the Navy's job anyway.

one other possible change: at present the PCG is under the Dept of Transportation, its mandate primarily concerned with safety at sea - how about changing that and placing the Coast Guard under the Dept of Finance? make revenue its primary concern like in many European countries, what better way to control smuggling than sending the tax-collectors out to sea? the proposal to take in lawyers and accountants would mesh with this perfectly. 'course the need to take care of SAR and accidents at sea must be worked into this, but the arrangement would be no different from, say, the Navy assigning one unit the ASW mission while another handles amphibious operations.

:drunk: wouldn't want to run into a boatful of tax-collectors though...

I'd rather suggest that the MARINA and COAST GUARD will be merge into one. Coz all their functions are just the same.If we can merge them its a big help also to the budget of the Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation.

Nice suggestion, possible.

The DOT setup is still the most appropriate for the CG though.

I suggest that they look into hiring "tax and revenue generation experts" to help the BIR collect more taxes.

One would be "how the CG can estimate" how much a commercial ship should be paying for their taxes..... based on what the CG can check when they board the ships for inspection.

Also, if the ships are caught violating laws, how much should these shipowerns be paying the govt.

The CG must be taught on how to analyze how much a shipowner must pay the govt for violating laws.

They should also be taught on what evidence or criteria to check on in finding out how much must a shipowner pay the govt for violating the rules.

Nice one, possible. :thumb:

You have a point there still.

Could you help us find out what precisely MARINA's function is?

MARINA

Vision

MARINA as a strong, dynamic, proactive, responsive, committed MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, steered by competent, multidisciplinary, innovative and highly-motivated officials and employees in the next 10 years envisions to:

* LINK the islands towards national unity through the accelerated integration of the Philippine maritime industry that will provide, safe, secured, viable, reliable, efficient, competitive, adequate, affordable and environment-conscious water transportation;
* CREATE wealth to improve the quality of life of the Filipino through the stimulation of investments, the adoption of appropriate technology and the sustained provision of competitive and well-trained maritime manpower;
* FULFILL the country's commitments/obligations to the international maritime community; and
* PROMOTE good governance through a quality public service that is efficient, effective, honest, and upright

Mission

In support of our shared VISION as the MARITIME ADMINISTRATION, WE, the officials and employees of the MARINA are committed to:

* LEAD in the adoption and implementation of a practicable and coordinated Maritime Industry Development Program that will provide effective supervisory and regulatory regime for an integrated Philippine maritime industry;
* FORMULATE and IMPLEMENT responsive policies that seek to promote and develop a competitive investment climate for the modernization and expansion of the Philippine merchant fleet and the shipbuilding/ship repair industry;
* DEVELOP a human resource program that will match the maritime industry requirements;
* PROJECT the country as a responsible member of the international maritime community and FOSTER support and confidence of our multilateral/bilateral partners; and
* PROMOTE good governance and ADHERE to the highest standard of integrity in the delivery of quality and timely service to its clientele through a dynamic organization complemented by a pool of competent, values-oriented and highly motivated civil servants.

Background

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) was created on 01 June 1974 with the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 474 to integrate the development, promotion and regulation of the maritime industry in the country. It was originally placed under the Office of the President. With the creation of the Ministry (now, Department) of Transportation and Communications by virtue of Executive Order No. 546 was attached to the DOTC for policy and program coordination on 23 July 1979.

The regulatory function of the MARINA was increased with issuance of EO No. 1011 which abolished the Board of Transportation and transferred the quasi-judicial functions pertaining to water transportation to the MARINA.

On 30 January 1987, EO No. 125 (amended by EO 125-A) was issued reorganizing the Department of Transportation and Communications. The powers and functions of the department and the agencies under its umbrella were defined which further increased the responsibility of the MARINA to the industry.
Sectoral Coverages

The Authority has jurisdiction over the development, promotion and regulation of all enterprises engaged in the business of designing, constructing, manufacturing, acquiring, operating, supplying, repairing, and/or maintaining vessels, or component parts thereof, of managing and/or operating shipping lines, shipyards, drydocks, marine railways, marine repair ships, shipping and freight forwarding agencies and similar enterprises.
Basically, the Authority deals with four (4) major maritime sectors:

1. Domestic Shipping:
2. Overseas Shipping;
3. Shipbuilding & Shiprepair; and
4. Maritime Manpower.

Management

The Authority is governed by a Board known as the Maritime Industry Board. It is composed of the Secretary of Transportation and Communications; the Secretary of Trade and Industry; the Secretary of National Defense; The General Manager of the Philippine Ports Authority; the Chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines; and the MARINA Administrator.

The management of the Authority is vested on the Administrator directly assisted by the Deputy Administrator for Planning and the Deputy for Operations. They directly control and supervise the operations of the Authority's 11 line and staff offices, and 10 regional offices all headed by
Directors.
Plans/Programs/Projects
Domestic Shipping

1. Further deregulation
2. Lower rates for basic commodities

Overseas Shipping

1. Shipowning
2. Ship Management
3. ISM Code Implementation

Shipbuilding/Shiprepair

1. Upgrading the capability of the local shipyards
2. Promotion of the local shipyards
3. Niche marketing

Maritime Manpower

1. Increase of share in employment of Filipino seafarers onboard world fleet
2. Compliance with STCW '95

Improved quality service

1. Computerized processing of applications
2. Reduction in the processing time of applications

Implementation of High-Impact Projects

1. Fight corruption program
1. Reduction in documentary requirements
2. Minimization/elimination of window discretion
3. Institutionalization of a system to avoid person to person transaction
2. MARINA Public Assistance Desk
3. Promotion of three (3) shipyard such as:
1. one in GenSan (South Cotabato)
2. one in Coron (Palawan)
3. one in Salomague (Ilocos Norte)
4. Pro-poor Programs
1. Reduction of fees for vessel documentation for motorized bancas
2. Increase mobile registration activities
3. Creation of Foundation based on Shipyard Development Fund (SDF) balances
http://www.marina.gov.ph/profile/

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD (PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard is the guardian of travelers who ply the Philippine waters. It is the main government unit tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, safeguard marine resources and environment, promote maritime security, and assist in the enforcement of laws on the high seas under jurisdiction of the Philippines.

Operations of the PCG is supervised by an Office of the Commandant. The Commandant also heads the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) which investigate marine accidents in relation to the liability of the ship owners and officers as well as complaints against marine officers arising from the accidents.

http://www.dotcmain.gov.ph/html/web/coast.htm

Looking at it MARINA, quite has a lot of responsiblity to handle but lacks the manpower and equipment for law enforcements especially when it comes to safety of life at sea. Tends to have some rivalry at times and finger pointing when disaster strucks. But I see, they are making corrective actions to further improve their services. There was a proposal to create a separate Department for Maritime Affairs like in other countries to handle all those maritime functions of the country, don't know what happened.

there should really be a Department of Maritime Affairs that will merge the functions of the MARINA and PCG.

however, the function of safety and a little of law enforcement is exclusively in the province of the PCG will national security is that of the PN. i do not see any reason why the PCG should be enlarged and be sized like that of the PN.

no surprise seeing objections to the idea proposed so to respond it's only a matter of reiterating what has been previously said: the point of making the PN concentrate on national defense while the PCG tackles law enforcement is clearly focus.

merging the PCG with the MARINA - an agency which, judging from the charter posted by saver, possesses a very broad mandate concerning the RP maritime industry in general - would merely serve to dilute that focus. better to build them up separately, the MARINA to something akin to, say, the American FAA or NTSB, bodies tasked with the standards-setting role and involved investigations into accidents and other transport related-issues. the PCG to the MARINA would be like the grim-looking police dudes on CSI, the enforcer-on-call while the investigators do the time-consuming legwork. only being practical, the fight against smugglers and poachers is a full-time job, essential PCG personnel need not be burdened with reconstructing ship sinkings while being tasked to watch the seas at the same time.

in this proposed retooled PCG, there would be SAR experts aboard PCG ships, but my idea is that these would all belong to a special unit, a central command to whom all rescue specialists land/sea/air report to, be they normally assigned to the AFP, PNP, or even BFP. makes training easier, procedures more consistent, thus inter-operability better overall. important since we really can't afford to train that many, so if something comes up that would require a large no. of these specialists we can easily pool together a force from diff. services.

as for the MARINA, since the investigators and standards regulators would be assigned to it, it can take over the everyday safety-at-sea job, the whole reason why the PCG is currently under the DoT. on the other hand, the point of placing the PCG under the Finance Dept serves a double-purpose, not only to place the necessary means to fight economic crimes - financial (DoF number-crunchers) and maritime (PCG sailors) expertise - under one roof, but so that the overall fight against economic criminals can pay for itself: as argued earlier, the present set-up of the latter role being in the hands of the PN leads to that effort suffering as the PN budget is constantly neglected, wouldn't that effort be better served if the agency tasked with pursuing it need only be concerned with securing the hundreds of millions necessary to buy and operate Coast Guard cutters instead of the billions needed to purchase and man Navy frigates? - besides, if revenue collections improve thanks to the PCG's change in direction, the Navy will eventually get its warships: one step backward,...

as for a Dept of Maritime Affairs, now what would be the rationale for lumping agencies like the PCG, MARINA, PPA, BFAR, together? do these really perform related roles? other than working on the water, what else do they have in common? - nothing, really. better to hook these up to departments that provide the relevant direction (DoF, DoT, DENR, respectively) instead of simply saying that being aquatic is a good enough reason to stick together. govt agencies aren't ducks.

eventually, like to see the PCG evolve into something like Italy's Guardia di Finanza, not really a maritime org per se, it is THE Italian tax-collection service. it reports to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, but administered by the military. actually, it doesn't just go after tax-evaders, it hunts down drug traffickers, money launderers, counterfeiters (both fake goods and monetary notes), and all kinds of smuggling in general. if we had to look for a Pinoy analogue, there is none, the GdF would be akin to the BIR, the NBI, the PNP (it has SWAT units at its disposal), and the PCG combined, with a small Air Force thrown in. there is in fact a saying in Italy, "the Mafia does not fear the police but the Mafia pays its taxes on time." the feasibility of creating such a powerful force here is doubtful, but nothing wrong with the PCG aspiring to commanding such awe if not fear in would-be perps as a long-term goal :devilwink:

but enough of trial balloons: since such an ambitious re-assignment of roles would also require a build-up in material, it's only logical that material also be re-assigned where it can immediately help the fight against economic criminals. so my solution would be to delete at least half of the ANDRADA-class PCF inventory from the PN and transfer these to the PCG. the anti-terrorist campaign need not suffer since the PN's remaining ANDRADAs can then be concentrated in the critical Western Mindanao region while the PCG takes over the task of watching the ports and coastal areas of Luzon, Visayas and elsewhere - enough of hearing "internal security first, external defense later blablabla...", time to put one's solutions where one's mouth is.

How does one get a Philippine Coast Guard Commission? Do they go through Navy OCS? Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.

MS

MSantor: your timing is perfect, but you have to move fast

PIA Press Release
08/24/2005

Philippine Coast Guard looking for applicants

by AD Cahilog

Davao City (24 August) -- The Philippine Coast Guard is looking for applicants who are interested to be enlisted and take part in safeguarding our seas.

The Philippine Coast Guard is an armed agency but civilian in function after former President Fidel V. Ramos on March 30 1988 invoked the presidential authority to reorganize government agencies and transferred the Philippine Coast Guard from the Department of National Defense to the Office of the President by virtue of Executive Order 475.

On 15 April 1988, Executive Order 477 further transferred the Philippine Coast Guard from the Office of the President to the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Interested applicants who are interested to join the Philippine Coast Guard must be a natural born Filipino citizen, single, not less than 21 years old but not more than 26 years old for male or not less than 21 years old but not more than 25 years old for female. Not less than five feet and four inches (5'4") in height for male and five feet and two (5'2") inches in height for female.

Must also be a college graduate (preferably holders of Associate or BS Diploma in Marine Transportation and Marine Engineering, BS in Computer Science), of good moral character, physically and mentally fit.

Initial screening will be on August 29 2005 at Headquarter Philippine Coast Guard Km 10 Port of Davao, Sasa, Davao City. Applicants are adviced to bring /submit the following documents: Birth Certificate duly authenticated by National Statistics Office, College Diploma/Associate Diploma, Transcript of Records and 2 pcs. Colored ID picture size 2x2.

Date of pre-qualifying examination is on August 31, 2005, 8:00 a.m. at PCG Headquarters. For more inquiries contact PCG Operations Center and look for MCPO Danilo A Cariño PCG at Tel. # 235-0002 and 235-3389. (PCG-PIA XI)

http://www.pia.gov.ph

God bless!

[QUOTE]as for a Dept of Maritime Affairs, now what would be the rationale for lumping agencies like the PCG, MARINA, PPA, BFAR, together? do these really perform related roles? other than working on the water, what else do they have in common? - nothing, really. better to hook these up to departments that provide the relevant direction (DoF, DoT, DENR, respectively) instead of simply saying that being aquatic is a good enough reason to stick together. govt agencies aren't ducks.

The real Problem in our government right now is the over lapping of the duties of the different agencies.And it those make sense because it will affect our national budget and policies. Bureaucratic practices was over imposed.

overlapping, right. so the PCG which is equipped for law enforcement should stick to law enforcement, the MARINA should take up the safety role because it is more in line with its charter and, apparently, it is now mandated to do so

MSantor, if you're still interested in applying for the PCG, check the previous page.

:agree:

I believe the PCG and the MARINA have different roles, as what saver has illustrated.

MARINA should not prohibit the PCG from conducting ship inspections, even if it is done before a ship departs from a port, because this will render the PCG's role in law-enforecement ineffective.

How can they enforce the law when they are prohibited from inspecting ships?

How can they know what has been violated if they cant see the evidence that can only be seen when they inspect the ship thoroughly?

MARINA should stick to maritime industry development.

While the PCG should stick to law-enforcement and maritime safety. The PCG has the manpower and other resources to fulfill that job while MARINA does not.

:exactly:

Marina has nothing but administrators and a bunch of policy-makers and planners.

It is best that MARINA functions under the DOTC because maritime transportation still falls under the jurisdiction of the DOTC.

Come to think of it, why not see this possibility?

It is not a bad idea at all if the PCG will be transferred or merged with MARINA since the over-all administration and development of the maritime industry is being undertaken by MARINA.

If the PCG will be under MARINA, its adminnistrators and planners will be forced to support the PCG because the performance of the PCG will reflect their own performance as well.

This will definitely erase the competition between the two groups involved in the maritime industry. :armywink:

It is best that men from the PCG must be included in MARINA's planning group and even in its administration...

... SO THAT ALL FACTORS IN THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF OUR MARITIME INDUSTRY WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

More studies should be taken though. We should find out what will be the negative effects or drawbacks of having this setup.

If it is really impossible to have this setup, then let's just keep the two bodies as they are now.

err, nice to see you agreeing with yourself as usual mr. flipz, but did you really read through the accompanying article before posting this?

obviously, “outsourcing” is a stopgap solution which MARINA was forced to adopt due to their lack of manpower. which PCG vigorously objected to because, aside from the fact that it distracts the equally overstretched PCG from its primary duties, the PCG leadership rightly foresees that overlapping functions will merely lead to confusion: what happens if a victim’s family or a shipping company challenges the results of an investigation? should PCG personnel leave themselves liable to lawsuits for a job (maritime safety) which it is no longer legally-mandated to perform in accordance with the Domestic Shipping Law?

and have you seen the new Coast Watch thread? - the Aussie solution was not to create a super-body, instead they created a central pool of resources from which agencies with non-overlapping roles could commonly benefit. bureaucratic logjams take place only when there’s overlapping or competition with other agencies, not when there’s focus: a leaner and meaner PCG and MARINA, not another bloated whale of a patchwork solution.

Never mind the "Exactly" icon. It was meant to emphasize something only anyway. :armywink:

But as a compromise, i'll try to minimize the use of that icon from now on. :thumb:

Central pool of resources? So, who will oversee or manage the interaction or cooperation between these resources or groups where these resources belong?

There must be a overseeing body.

I even said that more research should be done to find out if merging the two will only create more problems.

If the govt wants to follow the Aussie concept, then just let the DOTC keep the two bodies independent from each other. Let the PCG handle maritime safety and law-enforcement while letting MARINA handle the policy-making and development. The DOTC will be the overseeing body.

Else, we merge the two. Making the PCG operate under MARINA.

err, it's not the icon, mr. flipz, it's your penchant for quoting someone, saying "I agree" then two sentences later you say something completely opposite to what you quoted, just look at your previous post. come on dude if you disagree with something say it upfront

"Central pool of resources? So, who will oversee or manage the interaction or cooperation between these resources or groups where these resources belong?" - nobody but the "central pool" itself: from the Coast Watch thread

Coast Watch doesn't dictate to its clients, it just hires out its resources just like an FX operator would his vehicle - and look at the diversity of those clients

"Let the PCG handle maritime safety and law-enforcement while letting MARINA handle the policy-making and development" - err, flipzi, again, did you READ that article you quoted?

the maritime safety job is now MARINA's by LAW

the PCG is only doing that role for the moment as a "stopgap" measure - in other words, panakip-butas - because the MARINA "belatedly" found it did not have the manpower. nevertheless, the job will go to the MARINA where it belongs, one way or another...

Pardon me for putting it that way.

I was just trying to imply that despite of my objection at first, I still encourage those who say otherwise to give their own views on the matter. That's how i want to put it.

When i am seeking more justifications or reasons to either support my first stand or change which option I am siding, i put it that way instead.

But when i am dead sure of my stand, then i say my stand clearly upfront. :armysmile:

Nobody but the central pool?

Then it's the central pool who is the overseeing body.

For the Aussies, it's the Coastwatch. For us, we still need to create one, right?

I believe MARINA made a big mistake here. :exactly:

Even Section 10 of the RA9295 you quoted is quite vague because it didn't clearly mention if it becomes the sole responsibility of MARINA now considering what the PCG has been doing for a long time.

It should have made it clear if MARINA has the SOLE AUTHORITY to check the matters on ship's safety.

BTW, one of the reasons why one is trying to get as much task as possible is to GET MORE FUNDS. I am not saying that MARINA might have identified this factor but this is one of the usual goals.

More funds? Well, what does that mean for those who run it?

If only we can convince PGMA because she's the only one who can sign a Republic Act into law and even approve amending it, i will suggest these;

1- Amend RA9295 and state clearly the responsibilities of the PCG and MARINA.

2- Section 10, 13 and 14 are okay. So MARINA can handle the concerns on fines, penalties, licenses, compliance on pertinent rules before a ship is given permit or license and the renewal of such documents.

3- MARINA can carry out surprise inspection as it deem necessary to check for any violation or when acting on complaints filed againts the ship crews or shipowners. They can do this together with the PCG since the latter has the manpower and other resources to carry out such actions.

FOR THE PCG.

4- Enforcement of safety rules and other regulations created by MARINA or that of the RA9295 itself or anything related to it.

5- They can assist MARINA in the ENFORCEMENT OF THE RULES stated in the RA9295 and other rules set by MARINA including those that were created by the PCG.

6- Perform ship inspection in handling concerns like anti-smuggling, anti-hijacking, environmental protection and other related concerns.

7. Handle anti-terrorism and anti-piracy.

8- Provide security to the ship's passengers and crew by assigning Sea Marshalls on all passenger ships.

9- Ensure safety at sea by creating a nationwide network of a quick response team that will handle rescue operations. They should be equipped with choppers, high-speed crafts, dive gears and a nationwide communication system that can provide a 24/7 communication channel between the PCG and the ship including other vital agencies.




BTW, i still have to visit the MARINA website to see what i can find out to understand it better.

Transforming the Coast Guard with an attitude:

http://www.icgsdeepwater.com/resources/vid...oast_G_100k.mpg

http://www.icgsdeepwater.com/overview/mission.php

How I wish :wow:

despite your “objection at first”?! – eh you agreed at first!

sheesh, and you didn’t even understand the article correctly: it’s right there in the title, it’s the PCG which stopped its personnel from conducting ship inspections, not MARINA!

my goodness mr. flipz do you even comprehend what we’re talking about here?

of course because unlike the Australians we have yet to create the central pool of resources! ano ka ba? naiintindihan mo bang pinag-uusapan natin?

“quite vague”?! – ano bang pagkakaintindi mo ng “Jurisdiction; Powers; and Duties of MARINA”? – can you show us any other law which gives someone else the same "authority" given to MARINA? and did you read the section concerning "Repealing Clause"?

every other law which is contrary to RA 9525's provisions is "hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly" - which means the same powers and duites if originally given to someone else now belong to the MARINA. any present deviation from this is but a temporary or "stopgap" solution as noted by the article

MARINA itself came up with the outsourcing idea, and the fact that its called “OUT-sourcing” indicates that MARINA is merely hiring-OUT a function which rightly belongs to itself in the first place – it says so right here

sandali lang ha…

:drunk: eh that’s already the status quo mr. flipz! inaayawan na nga iyan ng PCG, gusto mo pa ring ipilit?

the better solution is to build-up the MARINA so it can take over the safety job completely as the PCG itself is advocating, and the solution for getting “MORE FUNDS” is to place the PCG under the Dept. of Finance in order that revenue become its prime concern – not putting two agencies doing the same job under one department, or downgrading the PCG into an appendage of the MARINA, instead “focus”, as I have been saying from the beginning.

no surprise and no wonder.