MARINA orders ship owners, operators to prepare for Typhoon Rolly

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Infographic from PAG-ASA
  • Shipowners told to take necessary precautions and measures ahead of the November 1 or 2 landfall in the Philippines of Typhoon Rolly
  • MARINA Advisory No. 2020-79 directs shipowners to comply in case “no sail” advisories are issued, and conduct safety monitoring and sheltering of their ships
  • US Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center warned that Typhoon Rolly could develop into a “super typhoon” before hitting land
  • PCG districts, stations, and sub-stations will be on heightened alert to prevent or minimize maritime accidents
Infographic from PAG-ASA

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is advising shipowners to take all the necessary precautions as Typhoon Rolly (international name Goni) further strengthens on its way to make landfall in the Philippines by Sunday evening or Monday morning.

Through MARINA Advisory (MA) 2020-79, the agency cites previous issuances such as MARINA Advisory Nos. 2013-04, 2018-04, 2019-27, and 2019-01 for guidance on the necessary precautionary measures and procedures that domestic shipowners, bareboat charterers/ship operators, and all concerned entities should take during severe weather disturbances.

MA 2020-79 further tells shipowners to monitor the weather announcements of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA).

They should also comply with the Notice to Mariners relating to sea state and gale warnings issued daily by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Shipowners are also urged to follow warnings and advice of government forces stationed at ports on the movement of vessels during inclement weather.

To avoid maritime incidents, MARINA also directs all shipowners to comply with relevant advisories that may be issued relating to “no sail” policy, and to continuously conduct safety monitoring and sheltering of their ships.

Communication equipment should always be observed closely to maintain safety and avoid disaster on board and at sea. All concerned entities must also ensure compliance with the Strict Implementation of Code of Safety Stowage and Securing in domestic shipping.

Ships should not sail if the port of destination or areas of operations are affected by even the lowest signal of weather disturbance, and shipowners must ensure their ships are put to shelter without delay, MARINA noted.

It also urges officers and crew members to be on alert at all times and prepare for abrupt changes in weather conditions, as areas considered sheltered may quickly become exposed.

In areas/ports with no government regulators, concerned entities should observe precautions and regulate their operations as deemed necessary. If even the lowest weather disturbance signal is announced, big and small watercraft should not sail, MARINA stressed.

PCG, in a separate statement, said all Coast Guard districts, stations, and sub-stations to be directly affected by the typhoon will be on heightened alert to prevent or minimize loss of lives and properties due to maritime accidents caused by strong winds and rough seas.

Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), in a statement sent to PortCalls, said preparations are underway and contingency measures are in place to avoid operational disruptions in its terminals. ATI added that safety of stakeholders is topmost priority and vessel, yard, and terminal gate operations will also adjust accordingly depending on prevailing typhoon developments.

According to PAGASA, Typhoon Rolly is forecast to gain strength before its expected landfall between Central Luzon and Quezon province in the evening of November 1 or morning of November 2.

The United States Navy Joint Typhoon Warning Center earlier reported that the typhoon could develop into a “super typhoon” before hitting land.

PAGASA said the trough of the typhoon will bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains in Bicol Region, Visayas, Caraga, Northern Mindanao, and Zamboanga Peninsula on October 30. Beginning October 31 or November 1, heavy to intense rains may be felt over Northern and Central Luzon and the Bicol Region.