11/04/2026
Hello everyone. I just want to share this for the welfare of all passengers who travel by ship. I experienced this when I went on vacation to my hometown with my family. On our way back to Cebu, we rode a ship.
After the ship departed for Cebu, I fell asleep because I was very tired. I didn’t notice that the ship had already left. Around 10 PM, I woke up because I needed to urinate. I looked for a restroom, and what I saw was that the exit door of the ship was blocked by a trash bin.
I found out that the proper place of the trash bin was beside the toilet entrance, but it had been removed and transferred to the exit door of the tourist class accommodation where we were staying. I also noticed that there was a sack of rice placed there.
After I finished using the restroom, I looked for a crew member to talk to, but I couldn’t find anyone, so I went to the canteen. I asked who was assigned in that area. Someone asked me what the problem was. I told them if they were aware of what they had done—why they blocked the exit access with a trash bin.
I explained that this should not be allowed because in case of an emergency, how would passengers be able to get out if the exit is blocked?
After a while, a cadet came to the area, and I asked him the reason why the exit was blocked with a trash bin. He said that it was the porter or stevedore who moved it.
What if there is an emergency—would the passengers be able to evacuate quickly?
That’s why when tragedies happen at sea, there are many casualties, because some domestic ship crew and management are not fully aware or knowledgeable about safety. There is a lack of knowledge regarding safety.
Also, before departure, the coast guard usually boards the vessel. It should not only be about checking for overloading or excess passengers—they should also inspect safety conditions, such as whether safety equipment is obstructed. For example, fire hydrants, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, and others should not be blocked.
Therefore, in my observation, there is a lack of awareness in the domestic shipping industry when it comes to enforcing safety measures. That is why when tragedies happen, there are many casualties.
Shout-out to the crew of MV Filipinas Mindanao, the ship we rode going to Cebu. Officers and crew, please improve your safety practices. This is for your own good and for the safety of your passengers.
