CPA cites Tinian’s SN Five for alleged violations

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has cited a cargo shipping company on Tinian for violating the agency’s rules and regulations in transporting products between Saipan and Tinian.

SN Five Shipping Co. was issued a notice of violation by the agency after the company was found operating without proper documents.

CPA executive director Efrain F. Camacho yesterday confirmed that the notice has been sent to the shipping firm and that CPA is awaiting its response.

“CPA found that SN Five is operating without the proper documentations of materials being shipped between Tinian and Saipan. They have been notified that part of its operation is in violation of the CPA rules and regulations,” he told Saipan Tribune yesterday.

Camacho said the continuous “non-compliance” of the company will result in a more drastic action.

The executive director admitted that CPA is considering bringing the matter to court if the company fails to comply or respond to their notice.

“We have yet to receive a response from the company, which usually is given up to two weeks to answer. However, if they fail to address the concerns we raised, we may bring this matter to a higher level,” he said.

Camacho declined to specify the violations. However, he cited the “concerns” as serious.

“There is no such thing as small or big violation to the rules. Once you’re found noncompliant, there’s a need to address the concern immediately,” he explained.

Camacho disclosed that SN Five is answerable not just to CPA regulations but to the U.S. Coast Guard as well.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is aware and may be taking actions, especially since a vehicle, which is considered a hazardous cargo, was transported to Tinian on the vessel,” said Camacho in a separate report to the CPA board members.

Saipan Tribune tried to reach SN Five officials but calls were not returned as of press time.

SN Five transports cargo to and from Tinian on a daily basis, depending on the cargo demand. The vessel departs before 7am each day from Tinian for its scheduled arrival of 12 noon on Saipan. The company is owned by Tinian Mayor Jose P. San Nicolas.

CPA executive director Efrain F. Camacho, in a report to the board, said the agency had submitted on Jan. 30 its non-tank vessel response plan to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The plan, which is currently being reviewed, was developed by a committee consisting of the Coastal Resources Management Office, Stevedore, and Allied Pacific Environmental, with CPA taking the lead.

Camacho said the plan may be certified by July 2009.