Details

Parent Category: MEMO

Published: 07 January 2014

ROUTEING SYSTEM AT CEBU-MACTAN CHANNEL
SOUTHERN APPROACH

I. AUTHORITY:

R.A. 5173, as amended by P.D. 601

II. REFERENCES:

a. Philippine Coast Pilot, 6th Edition, 1995

b. Regulation V/8 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974/1978

c. Convention on the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea, 1972 as amended

d. IMO Ships’ Routeing System

III. PURPOSE:

This Memorandum Circular prescribes the rules and regulations to be followed by vessels navigating through the Southern Approach of the Cebu-Mactan Channel to improve the safety of navigation, efficiency of traffic and the protection of marine environment.

IV. SCOPE:

These rules and regulations apply to all vessels except motorized/fishing bancas and sailing vessels/yachts, entering and leaving Cebu Harbor through the Southern Approach.

V. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

a. Routeing System

Any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; this system includes traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.

b. Separation Line

A line separating the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions.

c. Traffic Lane

An area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established.
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e. Recommended Track

A route, which has been specially examined to ensure as far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which are advised to navigate.

f. Precautionary Area

An area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution.

g. Area to be avoided

An area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous and which should be avoided by all ships.

h. Inshore Traffic Zone

Area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast.

i. Established direction of traffic flow

A traffic pattern indicating the directional movement of traffic as established within a traffic separation scheme.

j. Southern Approach

Entering channel leading to Cebu Harbor from South situated between Lipata Bank and Lauis Ledge.

VI. CONCEPT:

a. The Routeing System shall be reflected on the NAMRIA Chart Number 4447 (Cebu Harbor and Approaches, Luzon Datum, 1999 Corrected 2nd Edition)

b. Imaginary lines consisting of a separation line, traffic lanes and areas to be avoided shall be established along the Southern Approach as described in paragraph 7(a).

c. The Rules of the Road shall apply in all respects along with the prescribed rules and regulations herein.

d. Notwithstanding paragraph 6 (c), the General Prudential Rule of the Rules of the Road shall take precedence over the prescribed rules and regulations herein.

VII. RULES OF PASSAGE:

a. Description of the Traffic Separation Scheme – Southern Approach

1) A separation line is established by connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( A ) Lat 10º 16’ 23” N Long 123º 53’ 19” E
Point ( B ) Lat 10º 14’ 12” N Long 123º 53’ 10” E
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2) A traffic lane for inbound traffic with a width of 200 meters is established between the separation line and a line connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( C ) Lat 10º 16’ 23” N Long 123º 53’ 28” E
Point ( D ) Lat 10º 14’ 12” N Long 123º 53’ 19” E

3) A traffic lane for outbound traffic with a width of 200 meters is established between the separation line and a line connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( E ) Lat 10º 16’ 23” N Long 123º 53’ 10” E
Point ( F ) Lat 10º 14’ 12” N Long 123º 53’ 01” E

b. Recommended Track and References

1) Inbound Traffic

a) The recommended course to steer for vessels entering Cebu Harbor through the Southern Approach is 004º.

b) Inbound traffic lane shall start when LS Lauis Ledge bears 090º and shall steer the course while maintaining a steady distance of between 240 – 360 meters from LS Lauis Ledge

c) Inbound traffic terminates when LS Cauit bears 270º.

2) Outbound Traffic

a) Outbound vessels from Cebu Harbor shall start the outbound traffic lane when LS Cauit bears 270º, steer course 184º following the Provincial Capital Dome Range and proceeding until LS Lauis Ledge bears 090º.

c. 1) The established traffic separation scheme shall be mandatory for all vessels except motorized bancas/fishing bancas entering and leaving Cebu Harbor and for use by day and by night in all weathers.

2) A vessel navigating a traffic separation scheme shall:

a) Proceed within the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;

b) Keep as near to the outer boundary of the traffic lane, which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable;

c) As far as practicable, keep clear of the traffic separation zone; and

d) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side, shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of established traffic flow as practicable.

3) A vessel shall, as far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angle to the general direction of the traffic flow.

4) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not enter the separation zone except in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger.4

5) A vessel shall so far as practicable avoid overtaking another vessel.

6) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of the TSS shall do so with particular caution.

7) No vessel shall anchor in, near the TSS, or in areas near its termination.

8) A vessel not using the TSS shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.

9) Vessels that are not mandatory to navigate within the TSS shall not impede the passage of a power-driven vessel following the established traffic flow of a traffic lane.

10) By Rules 10(k) and 10(l) of the COLREGS, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for either the maintenance of safety of navigation or the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable within the TSS is exempted from complying with Rule 10 and the rules herein to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. However, shipmasters/owners/operators, government and non-government entities that may be involved in this operation should ensure that:

a) the Philippine Coast Guard through its Districts/ Stations/ Detachments and the Maritime Safety Affairs for the issuance of appropriate Notice to Mariners and

b) no operation shall be undertaken until after the issuance/ dissemination of the required Notice to Mariners.

11) A vessel engaged in towing and pushing shall strictly comply with Rule 24 of the COLREGS.

12) No fishing/fishing-related activity shall be allowed within the TSS.

13) When a master of a vessel observes another vessel not following the prescribed passage rules, shall appropriately use “YG,” meaning you appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme, as provided in the International Code of Signals.

VIII. EMERGENCY RULES OF PASSAGE:

a. In cases of emergency a vessel shall steer towards a safe sea and as far as possible out of the TSS.

b. A vessel not under command shall strictly conform to Rule 27 of COLREGS.

IX. RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. All ship masters/owners/operators shall be held responsible for disseminating the rules and regulations prescribed herein.

b. Masters/patrons of ships/vessels shall be held responsible for any loss of life and/or property as may be caused by any deviation or non-compliance with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular.

c. Master/Patron of any vessel observing vessels not following the Rules of Passage shall report/submit a marine protest as soon as possible to the nearest PCG Unit or at the next port of call.
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d. PCG units, outside of CGD CEV, receiving the report/marine protest shall immediately forward it to HPCG (Attn: CG-3/CGAC), which in turn shall forward it to HCGD CEV and CG-8.

X. DISPOSITIVE ACTION:

a. Coast Guard District CEV (SBMI) shall investigate all incidents reported/forwarded therein and should recommend the following:

1) First Offense: Suspension of Master/Patron’s License for three (3) months;

2) Second Offense: Suspension of Master/Patron’s License for one (1) year; and

3) Third Offense: Revocation of the Master/Patron’s License

XI. EFFECTIVITY:

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.

REUBEN S LISTA
VADM PCG

Details

Parent Category: MEMO

Published: 07 January 2014

ROUTEING SYSTEM AT MALAPASCUA ISLAND, CEBU

I. AUTHORITY:

R.A. 5173, as amended by P.D. 601

II. REFERENCES:

a. Philippine Coast Pilot, 6th Edition, 1995
b. Regulation V/8 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974/1978
c. Convention on the International Regulation for Preventing Collision at Sea, 1972 as amended
d. IMO Ships’ Routeing System

III. PURPOSE:

This Memorandum Circular prescribes the rules and regulations to be followed by vessels navigating through the Cebu and Malapascua Islands channel to improve the safety of navigation, efficiency of traffic and the protection of marine environment.

IV. SCOPE:

These rules and regulations apply to all vessels including ships of war and Philippine government-owned and is optional for fishing vessels, motorized bancas, sailing vessels/yachts.

V. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

a. Routeing System

Any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; this system includes traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.

b. Traffic Separation Scheme

A routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.                                

c. Separation Zone

A zone separating the traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions.

d. Traffic Lane

An area within defined limits in which one-way traffic is established.

e. Recommended Track

A route, which has been specially examined to ensure as far as possible that it is free of dangers and along which are advised to navigate.

f. Precautionary Area

An area within defined limits where ships must navigate with particular caution.

g. Area to be avoided

An area within defined limits in which either navigation is particularly hazardous and which should be avoided by all ships.

h. Inshore Traffic Zone

Area between the landward boundary of a traffic separation scheme and the adjacent coast.

i. Established direction of traffic flow

A traffic pattern indicating the directional movement of traffic as established within a traffic separation scheme.

VI. CONCEPT:

a. The Routeing System shall be reflected on the NAMRIA Chart Number 4405 (Visayan Sea 1999 Corrected 3rd Edition)

b. Imaginary lines consisting of a separation zone, traffic lanes and inshore traffic zones shall be established along the channel as described in paragraph 7(a).

c. The Rules of the Road shall apply in all respects along with the prescribed rules and regulations herein.

d. Notwithstanding paragraph 6 (c), the General Prudential Rule of the Rules of the Road shall take precedence over the prescribed rules and regulations herein.

VII. RULES OF PASSAGE:

a. Description of the Traffic Separation Scheme

1) A separation zone, quarter (1/4) nautical mile wide, is bounded by lines connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( A ) Lat 11º 19’ 17” N Long 124º 04’ 52” E
Point ( B ) Lat 11º 15’ 25” N Long 124º 07’ 56” E
Point ( C ) Lat 11º 19’ 11” N Long 124º 04’ 38” E
Point ( D ) Lat 11º 15’ 25” N Long 124º 07’ 37” E

2) A traffic lane for northbound traffic, three quarter (3/4) nautical mile wide, is established between the separation zone and a line connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( E ) Lat 11º 19’ 46” N Long 124º 05’ 27” E
Point ( F ) Lat 11º 15’ 25” N Long 124º 08’ 54” E

3) A traffic lane for southbound traffic is established between the separation zone and a line connecting the following geographical positions:

Point ( G ) Lat 11º 18’ 42” N Long 124º 04’ 02” E
Point ( H ) Lat 11º 15’ 25” N Long 124º 06’ 38” E

b. Inshore Traffic Zones

1) The area between the northbound traffic lane and the coast between a line drawn from Point ( F ) to SE tangent of Malapascua Island ( 11º 19’ 45” N 124º07’ 11” E) and a line drawn from Point (E) to LS Malapascua (11º 20’ 40” N, 124º 06’ 35” E) is designated as an inshore traffic zone.

2) The area between the southbound traffic lane and the coast between a line drawn from Point ( G ) to Tapilon Point and a line drawn from Point ( H ) TO Campatoc Point is designated as an inshore traffic zone.

c. Recommended Track and References

1) Northbound Traffic

Shall start when Campatoc Point bears 270º and shall steer 322º within a three quarter traffic lane until LS Malapascua bears 051º.

2) Southbound Traffic

Shall start when LS Chocolate Island bears 231º and shall steer 142º within a three quarter traffic lane until Campatoc bears 270º.

d. 1) The established traffic separation scheme shall be mandatory for all vessels passing through the channel between Cebu and Malapascua Islands for use by day and by night in all weathers.

2) A vessel navigating a traffic separation scheme shall:

a) Proceed within the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane;

b) Keep as near to the outer boundary of the traffic lane, which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable;

c) As far as practicable, keep clear of the traffic separation zone; and

d) Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or leaving from either side, shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of established traffic flow as practicable.

3) A vessel shall, as far as practicable, avoid crossing traffic lanes, but if obliged to do so shall cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angle to the general direction of the traffic flow.

4) a) A vessel shall not use the designated inshore traffic zone when she can safely use the appropriate traffic lane. The inshore traffic zone is for vessels optional to pass the traffic lanes.

b) Notwithstanding subparagraph d (i), a vessel may use the inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a place situated within the inshore traffic zone, or to avoid immediate danger.

5) A vessel other than a crossing vessel or a vessel joining or leaving a lane shall not enter the separation zone except in cases of emergency to avoid immediate danger.

6) A vessel navigating in areas near the terminations of the TSS shall do so with particular caution.

7) No vessel shall anchor in, near the TSS, or in areas near its termination.

8) A vessel not using the TSS shall avoid it by as wide a margin as is practicable.

9) Vessels that are not mandatory to navigate within the TSS shall not impede the passage of a power-driven vessel following the established traffic flow of a traffic lane.

10) By Rules 10(k) and 10(l) of the COLREGS, a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver when engaged in an operation for either the maintenance of safety of navigation or the laying, servicing or picking up of a submarine cable within the TSS is exempted from complying with Rule 10 and the rules herein to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. However, shipmasters/owners/operators, government and non-government entities that may be involved in this operation should ensure that:

a) the Philippine Coast Guard, through its Districts/ Stations/ Detachments and the Maritime Safety Affairs, shall be informed for the issuance of appropriate Notice to Mariners. And no operation shall be undertaken until after its issuance and dissemination.

11) Vessels engaged in towing and pushing shall strictly comply with Rule 24 of the COLREGS.

12) No fishing/fishing-related activity shall be allowed within the TSS.

13) When a master of a vessel observes another vessel, not following the prescribed passage rules, shall appropriately use “YG,” meaning you appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme, as provided in the International Code of Signals.

VIII. EMERGENCY RULES OF PASSAGE:

a. In cases of emergency, a vessel shall steer towards a safe sea and as far as possible out of the TSS.

b. A vessel not under command shall strictly conform to Rule 27 of COLREGS.

IX. RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. All ship masters/owners/operators shall be held responsible for disseminating the rules and regulations prescribed herein.

b. Masters/patrons of ships/vessels shall be held responsible for any loss of life and/or property as may be caused by any deviation or non-compliance with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular.

c. Master/Patron of any vessel observing vessels not following the Rules of Passage shall report/submit a marine protest as soon as possible to the nearest PCG Unit or at the next port of call.

d. PCG units, outside of CGD CEV, receiving the report/marine protest shall immediately forward it to HPCG (Attn: CG-3/CGAC), which in turn shall forward it to HCGD CEV and CG-8.

X. DISPOSITIVE ACTION:

a. Coast Guard District CEV (SBMI) shall investigate all incidents reported/forwarded therein and should recommend the following:

1) First Offense: Suspension of Master/Patron’s License for three (3) months;

2) Second Offense: Suspension of Master/Patron’s License for one (1) year; and

3) Third Offense: Revocation of the Master/Patron’s License

XI. EFFECTIVITY:

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.

REUBEN S LISTA
VADM PCG

Details

Parent Category: MEMO

Published: 07 January 2014

ESTABLISHMENT OF MANILA - CAVITE SEA LANE

I. AUTHORITY

A. RA 5173 empowers the Philippines coast guard to establish, develop, maintain and operate aids to navigation and to establish navigation lanes.

B. Convention on International Regulation for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) 1972 as amended by International Maritime Organization (IMO) twelfth Regular Session on 19 November 1991.

II. PURPOSE

To prescribes sea-lane between Manila South Harbor Anchorage to Sangley Point and port San Felipe, Cavite City in order to ensure safety of navigation and to delimit areas where obstructions may be placed.

III. BOUNDARIES OF THE SEA LANE

The sea lane shall bounded by two imaginary lines extending from Markers A, B and C respectively, and from the Sangley Aero Light to jetty No 3, south Harbor, Manila along Port San Felipe – Sangley Point - Manila Anchorage as shown in the Annex.

IV. MARKERS

A. The markers defining points A, B and C shall made of concrete which will be lighted accordingly.

B. There will be three markers: A, B, and C which will be located amid the sea lane at designated points as follows:

Marker A – Lat 14 degs 20 mins 31 secs North
Long: 120 degs 55 mins 24 secs East

Marker B – Lat 14 degs 30 mins 20 secs North
Long 120 degs 55 mins 55 secs East

Marker C – Lat 14 degs 35 mins 05 North
Long 120 degs 56 mins 55 secs East

C. Markers A and B Shall be colored green and Marker C will be red.

V. RULES OF PASSAGE

A. The rule of passage is to keep right within the sea-lane, vessels proceeding to Cavite shall pass at least 500 meters west of the line of markers. (Points A, Band C)

B. A Vessel shall normally join the sea termination of the sea lane, but when joining or leaving from the side, it must do so at a small angle to the general direction of traffic flow a practicable.

C. A vessel shall, as far as practicable, avoid crossing the seal lane but if obliged to do so shall cross at the right angle of the general direction of the traffic flow.

D. No vessel shall anchor cast of the line connecting the south entrance light and sangley aero light within the sea-lane.

E. A vessel engage in fishing shall not impede the passage of any vessel within the sea-lane.

F. In case of emergency and as far as practicable, a vessel shall steer beyond any of the boundaries of the sea-lane.

G. Nothing in the rules shall inhibit a ship from taking course west of the sea-lane if the safety of the vessel so dictates.

VI. PROHIBITION

A. No fishtrap, fishpen or structure of any kind shall be laid or established along or west of the sea –lane.

B. The owner of any fishtrap, fishpen or ant structure within the sea-lane will be required to remove such obstruction within reasonable period of time. Otherwise, such structure will be removed at the expense of the owner.

VII. PENALLTY

A. Any of unauthorized construction of fixed structure within the sea lane as herein established shall constitute violation of this Memorandum circular and shall subject the offender to an administrative fine of not less than five thousand pesos(P 5,000.00) but not exceeding Ten Thousand pesos ( 10,000.00)

B. Violation of rules of passage within the sea-lane shall subject the master an/or ship-owner to a fine of five thousand pesos (5,000.00) or suspension of license or both.

VIII. RESCISSION

All Memorandum circulars or directive inconsistent with the provisions of this Memorandum Circular are hereby rescinded.

IX. Effectively

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect two weeks after submission to the UP law Center or two weeks after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

However, the removal of obstruction shall be done within six (60 months after the completion of the concrete markers.

CARLOS L. AGUSTIN
Commodore AFP
Annex A- Chart of Manila-Cavite Sea lane

Details

Parent Category: MEMO

Published: 07 January 2014

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