Representatives from the Maritime Industry Authority in Central Visayas (Marina) 7 validated the concerns about conditions of fast crafts plying the Tubigon, Bohol- Cebu route raised by Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.
The vessels were reported to be lacking in emergency exits, air conditioning systems, and having insufficient leg room.
Labella said representatives of Marina 7 went on field to check the vessels and found out that the concerns raised were true.
Labella pressed for corrective measures to be taken for public safety.
The issues of passenger safety were were raised in the the wake of the collision between Starcraft 9 and MV Our Lady of Faith on May 13 at Lauis Ledge off Talisay City.
The collision resulted in the death of the fast craft chief engineer, Romero Astillero.
Labella received a number of complaints from passengers in the vessels about defective air-conditioning systems in both the business and tourist classes of Starcraft 9.
He said the local government takes the safety of passengers seriously, since most of the passengers are residents of Cebu City.
“The emergency exits are very important,” he said.
He asked Marina 7 representatives to put their findings in writing and let City hall known when measures have been taken to correct deficiencies.