OBJECTIVE: To discuss the various factors contributory to maritime disaster preparedness in the Philippines, in the context of the sinking of the MV Dona Paz and formulate recommendations to address these factors.

METHOD: Review of the state of maritime preparedness in the pre-disaster setting and the post-disaster response following the sinking of the MV Dona Paz by the government and responsible agencies. A scrutiny of the state of preparedness of concerned agencies and subsequent response to the disaster was conducted with the objective of formulating recommendations which may lead to prevention and mitigate loss of lives.

RESULTS: Multiple factors accounted for the occurrence of this tragedy. These factors include an inherent risk due to the geography of shipping industry and its labor force. Economic conditions prevent both the industry and government agencies from upgrading vessels and communications equipment. Lack of enforcement of existing regulations allows vessels to sail overloaded and at times manned by less-than-qualified crew. Delayed response and deficient post-disaster medical response may have led to a disproportionately high mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: The systems inadequacies of the Philippine maritime disaster response mechanism are highlighted by the Dona Paz tragedy. Many of the factors contributing to the disproportionately high incidence of maritime disasters in the Philippines and the resulting loss of limb may be preventable. Recommendations on regulation and enforcement, disaster preparedness, search and rescue, and medical response are discussed.