Maritime Safety Services Unit - Eastern Visayas

17/08/2026

𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐈𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

"𝘝𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘺"

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The personnel of the Port State Control Center–Eastern Visayas (PSCC-EV), under the Maritime Safety Services Unit–Eastern Visayas (MSSU-EV), conducted Port State Control (PSC) inspections aboard foreign-flagged vessels 𝐌𝐕 𝐎𝐂𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐔𝐑 1, 𝐌𝐕 𝐇𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐀, 𝐌𝐕 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐀 37, 𝐌𝐕 𝐁𝐀𝐎 𝐍𝐈 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐌𝐕 𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈 at 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘴 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘭, 𝘓𝘦𝘺𝘵𝘦; 𝘔𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘪 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘶𝘢𝘯, 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘩𝘰𝘯 𝘐𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘶𝘢𝘯, 𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘳.

The inspections were conducted to verify the validity and completeness of each vessel's certificates and documentation, and to assess their overall seaworthiness and structural and operational condition. As part of this process, the inspection team meticulously examined the ships' physical condition, including deck equipment and life-saving appliances, as well as their safety equipment and machinery spaces, verifying that fire-fighting systems, lifeboats, life rafts, and emergency communication equipment were properly maintained and readily operational. The team also reviewed all documents required to be maintained onboard, including certificates of registry, safety management certificates, crew competency records, and pollution prevention documentation, to ensure full compliance with international maritime safety standards and relevant conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

These inspections form a critical component of the Port State Control (PSC) regime, which allows coastal states to verify that foreign-flagged vessels calling at their ports meet international safety, security, and environmental standards - regardless of the vessel's flag state. By identifying and addressing deficiencies before they escalate into serious incidents, PSC inspections serve as a vital safeguard against substandard shipping, protecting not only the vessels and their crews but also the marine environment and coastal communities that depend on it.

The Philippine Coast Guard, through the Port State Control Center–Eastern Visayas (PSCC-EV) and the Maritime Safety Services Unit–Eastern Visayas (MSSU-EV), remains resolute in its mandate to protect the marine environment, promote safe navigation, and uphold the highest standards of maritime safety across all ports and anchorages in the region. Through consistent, thorough Port State Control inspections, the Philippine Coast Guard strengthens public trust and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to international maritime conventions - safeguarding vessels, cargo, seafarers' lives, and the integrity of our waters. This continuing vigilance reflects the agency's broader role in ensuring that the Philippines, as both a major maritime nation and a leading supplier of seafarers to the global shipping industry, upholds its international obligations and reinforces the country's reputation as a responsible and safety-conscious maritime jurisdiction.

14/08/2026

𝗩𝗦𝗦𝗖-𝗘𝗩 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿

The Vessel Safety Services Center – Eastern Visayas (VSSC-EV) conducted a Pre-Departure Inspection Training at Coast Guard Station Northern Samar, attended by 21 students eager to strengthen their knowledge and skills in vessel safety inspection.

The training was headed by ENS JEFFREY V CASTEN PCG, who guided the participants through the essential procedures and standards in conducting pre-departure inspections.

To conclude the training, the students had undergone an On-the-Job Training (OJT) aboard an actual vessel, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in applying the lessons and inspection procedures discussed during the training.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard to continuously develop competent personnel and promote safe, efficient, and effective maritime operations.

13/08/2026

𝐌𝐒𝐒𝐂 𝐎𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐄𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: In its continuing effort to strengthen recreational safety, the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC), through the Maritime Recreational Safety Service (MRSS), conducted a Simultaneous Recreational Safety Awareness Information Drive through its different Maritime Safety Services Units (MSSU's) in various coastal and tourism areas across the country from July to 13 August 2026.

The info drive was conducted to cascade PCG Memorandum Circular Nos. 02-14 and 03-14, promulgating the guidelines and procedures for the operation of recreational watercraft and the safety and security requirements of coastal and beach resorts and vessel pool facilities, including the qualifications and requirements of lifeguards.

Bringing these guidelines closer to the communities, the MSSUs engaged recreational watercraft users, resort operators, local stakeholders, and coastal communities to promote water safety, responsible recreational activities, and accident prevention in beaches, resorts, swimming pools, inland waters, and other recreational areas.

The information drive was carried out by the following MSSUs in their respective areas:

Maritime Safety Services Unit North Western Luzon
– Alaminos, Pangasinan

Maritime Safety Services Unit - Western Visayas
– Brgy. Poblacion, South Oton, Iloilo

Maritime Safety Services Unit Palawan
– Brgy. IV and Onok Island, Brgy. V, Balabac, Palawan

Maritime Safety Services Unit- Southwestern Mindanao
– Pitogo, Zamboanga

MSSU Southern Tagalog
- Brgy. Balaring, Boac, Marinduque;
- Brgy. Penafrancia, Gumaca, Quezon;
- Brgy. Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon;
- Brgy. Janagdong, Mogpog, Marinduque;
- Brgy. Zone 1 Poblacion, Atimonan, Quezon;
- CGS Northern Quezon;
- CGSS Lobo, Brgy. Sawang, Lobo, Batangas;
- Coco Villas Rental, Brgy. Gumian, Infanta, Quezon;
- Municipality of Torrijos, Marinduque;
- Brgy. Binonga-an, San Agustin, Romblon;
- Chalu Vista Beach Resort, Brgy. Poblacion, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; and the
- Municipality of Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro.

Maritime Safety Services Unit - Eastern Visayas
– Brgy. Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Maritime Safety Services Unit - Southern Visayas
- Dauin, Negros Oriental

Maritime Safety Services Unit - Northeastern Mindanao
– Purok 2, Brgy. Poblacion, Lianga, Surigao del Sur

The simultaneous conduct of the information drives shows the Command's continuing effort to bring consistent, standards-based maritime safety implementation closer to the communities it serves, particularly in areas where recreational and tourism-related activities are most active.

More than a pre-anniversary activity, this initiative demonstrates that excellence and innovation are also reflected in how consistently the Command bring safety standards into practice through community engagement and stakeholder participation - turning safety information into practical knowledge and informed action.

Photos by: MSSUs

12/08/2026

Please like and share our entry for the MSSC Lighthouse Photo Contest 2026

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐔𝐋 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄 (𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐎 𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐔𝐋)

Rising approximately 143 feet above sea level, the Capul Island Lighthouse, locally known as Faro de Isla Capul, stands prominently on the northernmost point of Capul Island, guarding the western entrance of the historic San Bernardino Strait.

For more than a century, it has served as a vital navigational aid for vessels transiting one of the Philippines' most important maritime corridors: guiding ships traveling between the Pacific Ocean and Manila through the Verde Island Passage.

Designed in 1892 by Spanish engineer Guillermo Brockman, the lighthouse was conceived as part of Spain's ambitious program to improve maritime navigation throughout the archipelago. Construction commenced on 20 October 1893 under the supervision of Engineer Francisco Perez Muñoz, utilizing primarily local labor from the island's communities, supplemented by skilled workers from Manila.

Although the lighthouse was first illuminated in December 1896, construction was interrupted by the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution. The remaining structures, including its pavilion, were completed during the American colonial period, making the lighthouse a unique symbol of two historical eras that helped shape the nation's maritime heritage.

Built on a cleared hilltop overlooking the narrow channel between Capul Island and the municipality of Matnog, Sorsogon, the lighthouse provides a commanding view of one of the country's most important maritime routes. Its architectural design closely resembles that of the San Bernardino Island Lighthouse and the proposed Viri Island Lighthouse, reflecting the coordinated lighthouse development program undertaken during the Spanish era.

Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Capul Island Lighthouse, together with the Batag Island Lighthouse, was declared a Provincial Historical Landmark by the Province of Northern Samar in October 2008. Today, it remains a proud testament to the enduring role of lighthouses in safeguarding lives at sea and preserving the country's maritime legacy.

Beyond its operational significance, the lighthouse has become an iconic landmark and one of the most visited tourist destinations in Northern Samar. It draws visitors from across the country who come to appreciate its rich history, architectural character, and spectacular scenery. For the people of Capul, it stands as a symbol of identity, resilience, and pride.

Photo by: MSSU EV

12/08/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝑬𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑮𝒖𝒊𝒖𝒂𝒏, 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒓

The Maritime Safety Service Unit – Eastern Visayas (MSSU-EV), through its Recreational Safety Center, successfully conducted a Recreational Safety Enforcement Inspection (RSEI) at selected beach resorts within the Area of Responsibility of Coast Guard Sub-Station Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The inspection covered 𝘓𝘢 𝘓𝘶𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘝𝘪𝘢𝘫𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵, and 𝘉𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘛𝘢𝘵𝘢 𝘑𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯, with the objective of assessing compliance with maritime recreational safety standards and promoting the safety and well-being of beachgoers and resort guests.

The activity focused on identifying potential safety hazards, verifying the availability and proper maintenance of safety equipment, and providing safety guidance to resort owners and operators. The inspection also emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for the public, particularly during recreational activities in coastal areas.

The MSSU-EV remains committed to strengthening maritime safety enforcement and promoting a culture of safety in all recreational establishments within Eastern Visayas.

𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭, 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐲.

12/08/2026

A Purpose-Driven Reception: Breaking Tradition

07/08/2026

𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘

On 05 August 2026, the Maritime Safety Services Unit - Eastern Visayas conducted a Vessel Safety Awareness and Maritime Recreational Safety Awareness Information Drive in Barangay Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, bringing together beach resort owners and fisherfolk to strengthen maritime safety awareness and promote a culture of safety at sea.

The activity was spearheaded by ENS JEFFREY CASTEN PCG, Officer-in-Charge of Vessel Safety Service – Eastern Visayas (VSS-EV) who discussed about equipment, essentials and the importance of vessel safety to the local fishermen in Sulangan. In the other hand, ENS ELOISE FAE PULIDO PCG, together with the DS personnel of the Recreational Safety Center - Eastern Visayas (RSC-EV) tackled on Memorandum Circulars 02-14 and 03-14 which revolve around the topics on recreational safety in Beach Resorts, lifeguards, recreational vessels and the RSEI Checklist.

The information drive was made possible through the invaluable support of Coast Guard Station Eastern Samar, Coast Guard Substation Guiuan, Barangay Sulangan and the Municipal Tourism Office of Guiuan.

Through collaboration, education, and community engagement, the Philippine Coast Guard continues to empower coastal communities with the knowledge and awareness needed to ensure safer vessels, safer recreational activities, and safer seas for all.

30/07/2026

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝘼𝙎𝙉 𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙅𝙖𝙮 𝙃 𝘽𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝘾𝙂! 🎉

Wishing you good health, happiness, and continued success in your service. May God bless you with strength, wisdom, and safety as you continue serving with honor and dedication. Happy Birthday from your MSSU-EV Family!

29/07/2026

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟖

The Maritime Safety Services Unit - Eastern Visayas joined the 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗔–𝗣𝗖𝗚–𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 on 28 July 2026 at the MARINA Regional Office No. VIII, Tacloban City. This forum aimed to bring together key maritime agencies to reinforce inter-agency cooperation in promoting maritime safety, enhancing maritime security, and advancing the sustainable development of the maritime industry.

The forum served as a platform to discuss operational concerns, exchange best practices, share updates, and identify collaborative strategies to further strengthen regulatory coordination and maritime governance within Region VIII.

Through continued partnership and unified action, the PCG remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and efficient maritime operations for the benefit of the Filipino people.

𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗯𝘆: ASN RS Yu PCG