Ayon kay PCG Admiral Artemio Abu, magsisimula ang heightened alert status sa Agosto 15 hanggang 29.
“As per the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, said the PCG shall coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) for the 24/7 operations of DOTr Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) in major ports, harbors, and other maritime transport facilities where heavy influx of passengers is expected due to the resumption of classes,” pahayag ni Abu.
Sinabi pa ni Abu na maglalagay ng medical team ang kanilang hanay sa mga Malasakit Help Desk.
“The DOTr MHDs shall also be manned by a medical team to provide first aid and other necessary assistance for sea passengers. Aside from receiving and handling complaints from the riding public and maritime stakeholders, the DOTr MHDs shall also report possible threats to public safety, provide meals to stranded passengers, and assist in booking road transport services,” pahayag ni Abu.
May mga K9 din aniya na tutulong sa pag-iinspeksyon.
“Our Coast Guard Districts will also deploy additional K9 teams and security personnel to intensify vessel safety checks and pre-departure inspections to ensure convenient, safe, and secure sea transport services. They are also in charge of reminding vessel crew and passengers on their compliance with minimum public health standards amid the ongoing pandemic,” pahayag ni Abu.
“We will also conduct 24/7 maritime patrol operations to avoid “colorum” or undocumented watercraft from operating as they are more prone to maritime accidents,” dagdag ni Abu.
Inatasan din ni Abu ang Coast Guard Fleet at Coast Guard Aviation Force na mag-deploy ng vessels at air assets para sa maritime surveillance sa major sea lanes sa bansa.
“The PCG will work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to maintain security and safety in sea transport services. We call on the riding public to comply with stricter inspection of baggage and support the implementation of additional security layers in ports and passenger terminals to prevent hostile elements from perpetrating terrorist acts,” pahayag ni Abu.
Bumuo na rin ang PCG ng deployable response groups (DRGs) para sa maritime accidents, typhoons, at iba pang uri ng emergency.