The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday advised passengers and sea travelers to avoid boarding colorum vessels even as it continued to enforce security measures on all ports and ferry terminals nationwide in connection with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)-PCG’s eagle eye program, “Oplan Kaluluwa.”

Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, PCG commandant, advised sea travelers not to ride colorum or illegal vessels which are not safe. He explained that these colorum vessels usually are overloaded with passengers and cargoes.

Many sea travelers are forced to board colorum vessels as they are rushing home in time for the traditional All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

“These are the vessels which often figure in an accident because they transport goods and people without seeking clearance from the authorities such as the PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). Before they depart, the captain should present a Master’s Oath of Safety Departure (MOSD),” he said.

He said that on top of the DOTC Passengers Assistance Centers (Help Desks) set-up nationwide to address the concerns of sea-faring passengers, the heavy migration to the provinces for the All Saints’ Day observance prompted additional Coast Guard personnel deployment on all critical ports to ensure orderly, safe, convenient and secure sea travel.

The PCG had inspected Negros Navigation Pier 2 in Manila as it started bracing up security measures on all ports and ferry terminals nationwide.

Tamayo disclosed that as per coordination with the shipowners and operators, passengers should be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time, avoiding restricted cargo such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gasses, radioactive materials, and explosives to avoid search delays and inconveniences.

Gun owners bringing their firearms should present complete documents, including firearm licenses, permits to carry for the civilians, mission orders and/or letters from the AFP and PNP authorities, Tamayo said, cautioning the public from traveling with firecrackers.