The Philippine Coast Guard in Dumaguete City has assured its support for the dolphin- and whale-watching tours in Bais City and nearby towns like Manjuyod in Negros Oriental.
Lt. Junior Grade Donna Liza Ramacho gave the assurance as the Coast Guard Dumaguete Station, which she heads, conducted a dialogue Thursday with tour boat operators in Bais City.
The dialogue, with also the Maritime Industry Authority present, aims to discuss concerns with the boat operators the salient laws that require them to have their sea craft duly registered.
Ramacho confirmed that there are many unregistered boats that are operating despite continued warnings from authorities.
These boats are to be registered with the MARINA, the proper agency that has the authority as regard different sea vessels.
According to Ramacho, they just want to make sure that the tour operators are properly documented to ensure the safety of passengers as well as crew members.
She lamented that there are boat operators though who are “stubborn” and refuse to go through the registration process.
One of the concerns raised by a dolphin-watching tour operator is that MARINA has only two personnel based in Dumaguete City and the agency does not even have an office in the Negros Island Region.
The MARINA in Dumaguete City reports to the regional office in Central Visayas or Region 7, which is based in Cebu City. (JFP)
