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CPA board member Reyes says harbor patrol boat is old, unsafe
A Commonwealth Ports Authority board member wants CPA’s over-15-year-old harbor patrol boat replaced.
This comes soon after CPA police assistant chief Juan Rebuenog told CPA board’s seaport facilities committee chaired by Pete Reyes yesterday that the harbor patrol boat—a 27-foot vessel—is over 15 years old and that it will cost about $270,000 to have it repaired and upgraded in Guam.
Rebuenog said a brand new 37-foot boat that they want to replace the old boat with costs $300,000.
Reyes said he saw the need to either replace the old boat or buy a new one last year after he used the patrol boat to go to Tinian for a board meeting instead of getting on a plane to go there. He said he chose to ride the boat so he could see its performance.
Reyes said he observed that the vessel is not properly equipped with communication tools and that the engine was faltering.
Reyes considers the boat’s performance unsafe for CPA staff to use for patrols.
“I am very concerned about the possibility of failure on the part of the equipment of the boat and concerned for the staff who operates it,” he had said.
In his latest interview, Reyes said the boat needs to be replaced. He said the engine is being constantly repaired and it lacks new technology that is normally found in a new boat.
Reyes also pointed out that a new boat’s engine is more fuel-efficient and economical. He said the existing boat eats up a lot of costs.
Reyes said it does not make sense to fix that boat when, based on Rebuenog’s cost analysis, the estimate to have it repaired in Guam to bring it up to standard is over $270,000, while a brand-new boat is $300,000.
“So, it is a matter of a couple of thousands,” he said, adding that, with the new boat, they don’t have to worry about CPA staff risking their lives.
Reyes said if the cost analysis shows that it’s best to purchase a new vessel rather than to dry dock and fix the old boat, then the board will make that decision.
“I’m still pushing to buy instead. I hate to see people go out there and risk their lives, knowing that the equipment is faulty. That’s not very responsible of us,” he said.
Reyes said if they will buy a new boat, the existing one will most likely be auctioned.
