Operators of around 100 bancas (boats) have been issued official documents and registration by the Marine Industry Authority (MARINA) after the agency conducted a mobile and “pro-poor” registration last week.

According to MARINA Bohol chief Norma Enriquez, the three-day registration held in Panglao allowed boat operators to make their operations legal by paying P750 instead of the usual P6000.

The need for several regulatory requirements was also suspended during the mobile registration to accommodate more registrants, said Enriquez.

Requirements such as a certificate of accreditation from the maker of the banca’s hull and a two-way radio were not needed to secure a registration during the event.

Enriquez said that the less stringent processing of registration would solve the longstanding problem of illegal operations of motorized boats in Bohol particularly in Panglao, Baclayon and islands in the province.

She noted that securing a registration would protect operators if accidents occur.

Having a registration would also insure passengers should mishaps happen at sea, Enriquez added.(Allen Doydora)

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