The Ferry and Fishing Boats Collision:
Notes and opinions on deck watch, regulations, and maritime profession
It is very easy to tell who should be held accountable in the wooden ferry and steel fishing boat almost-head-on collision. The images shown on TV news report betray that the officers of both vessels are unaware of the Rules. On the other hand, could it be that the officers and personnel of the proper government agencies lax in implementing the Rules or are they also as clueless as the officers and managers of these boats? Their very own statements on the Philippine Daily Inquirer and TV reports say so. What is the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea for? This is a complete set of Rules, aka Rules of the Road, that will prevent collision, if it is understood by heart since student days. How did they pass the PRC exams? How were they interviewed by the company managers who must also be nautical masters and/or officers?
