The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and boat operators have agreed to implement several measures, including a pre-departure mechanism, to prevent serious accidents from occurring on the water, Director of Maritime Safety John Flores says.
According to Flores, a meeting was convened between MARAD and 23 boat owners after a vessel, Miss Shivita 2, capsized and sank in the Waini River over a week ago.
A probe into the incident found that the vessel was overloaded with groceries and other items.