A shipping lines was fined after one of its vessel was found carrying passengers beyond its capacity.
M/V Graceful Star violated the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Order No. 2003/43 or the guidelines for preventing excess passengers and unauthorized persons on board domestic vessels, said Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu Station Commander Rodulfo Villajuan.
Villajuan said the vessel, which left Babay, Leyte Saturday evening, has a capacity of 692 passengers but it was found to be carrying 736 passengers.
Because of the violation, an adjudication hearing was held and two representatives from Roble Shipping Lines attended.
They explained that they allowed more passengers to take their boat for “human consideration.”
PCG and the shipping firm’s representatives agreed that a fine should be imposed. It was the first time for the shipping firm to violate the DOTC order.
After the hearing, Roble Shipping Lines immediately settled the fine but Villajuan refused to reveal the amount.
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