The local government, under Mayor Pablo Ortega, has enacted a law requiring watercraft riders to wear life vests to ensure their safety.
Known as the Life-Vest Ordinance, it would apply to all owners, operators, fishermen and passengers of any watercraft in the city who ride for pleasure, recreation, commerce, and transports. These watercrafts are boats, jet skis, yachts and rafts.
A penalty of P5, 000 is imposed on violators to be shared between the owner and the operator. Sixty percent from fines or penalties would go to the city coffers and 60 percent to the barangay which apprehended the violator. A passenger who failed to wear a life vest would be fined separately in the amount of P2, 500.
The operator is the person who was designated to steer the watercraft and takes charge of the passengers while in the water. The owner/manager owns and provides the means including labor, land, capital, fishing gear and watercrafts. He is not necessarily engaged in fishery.
Section 5 of the ordinance stated that before taking a ride, all passengers shall wear a life vest throughout the ride and any passenger who refuse won’t be allowed to board the craft.
The owner of the craft is responsible for providing the life vests and ensures a sufficient number for each rider including the operator and that it should always be in good condition. These life vests would be inspected and registered during the renewal of permits for watercrafts operation.
Agencies which were authorized to apprehend violators are the City Agriculture Office, Task Force Sagip Karagatan, City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, Barangay Captains and councilmen in the coastal barangays in coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy. |
