Marina to shipowners: Prioritize relief operations

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has called on shipowners to prioritize the transport of relief and rehabilitation goods in areas hit by Typhoon Odette.

Marina Administrator Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad tasked the agency's regional directors to coordinate with shipowners whose vessels were unaffected by the typhoon to resume operations and prioritize the carriage of relief operations. He also directed the agency's safety engineers to immediately assess the seaworthiness of vessels in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands and that their Certificates of Public Convenience, Special Permit, or other authority to operate are valid.