NAVIGATIONAL CLEARANCE FOR ROAD BRIDGES

I. REFERENCE / AUTHORITY:

Republic Act 5173, as amended, known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law.

II. PURPOSE:

To prescribe policy guidelines on the construction / establishments or modification of road bridges over navigable waters of the Philippines to enhance safety of life and property in the course of navigation.

III. SCOPE:

This policy applies to all road bridges over all bays, rivers and lakes subject to the jurisdiction of the Philippines.

IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

A. Bridge – a structure constructed over the navigable waters of the Philippines including causeway, approaches, fenders and other appurtenance thereat.

B. Navigable waters – all waterways, including rivers, lakes and basins that are subject to the jurisdiction of the Philippines.

C. Navigable Span – the distance measured between two (2) vertical posts of the bridge that allow for safe navigation of a particular watercraft traversing the waterway.

V. POLICY:

A. In our common goal of ensuring the safe passage of all vessels and watercrafts thru all navigable waters subject to the jurisdiction of the Philippines, the construction of all bridges over navigable waters has to be referred to the PCG for issuance of appropriate clearance, particularly confirming that the structure would not be hazardous to navigation.

B. As practicable, a road bridge for inland waters must have a minimum vertical clearance of 3.75 meters (10 ft) from the highest water level that would allow the safe passage of vessels or watercrafts.

C. The navigational span of the bridge should be provided in a way that it does not obstruct the safe navigation of appropriate vessels or watercraft passing through the area.

D. The installation and placement of all applicable navigational lights and markings in the navigable approaches of a road bridge, which is an inherent obligation of the constructor, have to be in conformity with the International Association of Lighthouse Authorities Buoyage System.

VI. RESPOSIBILITIES:

A. AC of S, CG-10, in coordination with DPWH, shall confirm the authority for the construction of the bridge, and review the construction plan to ensure its consonance with relevant regulations.

B. Cognizant Coast Guard District Commander and Station Commander, in consultation with the Aids to Navigation Boards (NABAN and DIBAN) and users of waterway (fishermen, maritime sector and local authorities) shall prescribe, as practicable, the minimum requirements in the bridge construction, particularly relative to safe navigation through the waterway.

VII. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

A detailed report containing statement of findings, particularly including Coast Guard precedence, conclusion thoroughly discussing on the following, shall be submitted for CPCG’s appreciation.

A. Comparison of the proposed bridge with existing bridge(s) over the waterway; comments or suggestions from local authorities; summary of objection or recommendations raised by public; probable effect on navigation; and comments/ recommendations of the District Commander concerned.

B. Description on the trafficability of the waterway on or shortly beyond the site of the proposed bridge, emphasizing the number/ type of vessels passing though the area at any one time, principal method of handling traffic and towage system (if any)

C. Concurrence or objection to the construction plan of a bridge should be reasonably supported, providing a leeway for the contractor/ builder to revise such plan.

VIII. RECESSION CLAUSE:

Any other Memorandum in conflict with this policy is hereby rescinded.

IX. EFFECTIVITY:

This Memorandum Circular will take effect after fifteen days following the completion of their publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general publication.

MANUEL I DE LEON
Commodore AFP