Safety concerns over Outer Cove Marina worries MVA

The Marianas Visitors Authority has expressed concern on allegations raised by the boat owners that the Outer Cove Marina is unsafe because it might endanger the lives of tourists.

MVA Managing Director Perry J. Tenorio and Board Chairman Dave M. Sablan raised these issues in last week’s public hearing in connection with the adoption of emergency rules and regulations on the use of the Outer Cove Marina.

The controversial marina, which was built by Marine Revitalization Corp., a non- stock, non-profit company, for $3.7 million began operation late last year amid criticisms from boat owners on its safety as well as expensive berthing and passenger fees. The marina project covers the construction of berthing area, water and sewerline facility and Mobil convenience store.

According to Tenorio, MVA wants to make sure that fix dock is safe enough to be used by tourists when they board the vessels and it is not going to jeopardize the safety of the visitors.

At the same time, MVA wants to make sure that the fees imposed to boat owners in the Outer Cove Marina are not very high because these would eventually be passed on to the consumers, he said.

In a survey conducted by MVA last year, 64 percent of the visitors interviewed have expressed disappointment on what they considered as high cost of optional tours.

Tenorio clarified that MVA is not taking sides on the current disagreement between the boat owners and MRC. “We want to make sure that the experience of the visitors are worthwhile and that their experience here in the CNMI is worthwhile,” said Tenorio.

Likewise, Sablan said MVA would like to make sure that the boat owners who are members of the industry are not forced into a financial responsibility of saving MRC from bankruptcy.

“If the marina is not safe, then close it down first until the safety issues are resolved,” said Sablan. The boat owners are opposing the $4 departure fee charged to every passenger because of the current slump in the tourism economy.

A study conducted by Allied Marine Surveyors Ltd., an independent firm that ensures safety compliance of vessels in the CNMI, claimed that the marina is unsafe and that potential revenue targets are unrealitistic.

The cash-strapped MRC is hoping that the government would be able to shoulder the construction of a breakwater to prevent the big waves from damaging the boats.

House Speaker Diego T. Benavente, who attended last Friday’s public hearing, questioned why the marina remains not equipped with the safety features when its construction cost has ballooned to $3.7 million from the original construction cost of $2 million.

Benavente said the CNMI government must take the position that the marina is not safe so that the National Parks and Wildlife which operates the American Memorial Park, can allow again the boats to drop off passengers in the Smiling Cove area since it is safer.

While the people are waiting for the results of the audit on the expenses of MRC in constructing the marina, Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez said boat owners must not be charged any fee since the status quo must prevail. The audit is being conducted to find out how much of the alleged $3.7 million was spent to benefit the public.