Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 266)
The primary purpose of the Bureau of Coast Guard and Transportation is to organize, direct, and control island and interisland water transportation for governmental purposes and to establish and maintain an efficient coast-guard service.
The Bureau is under the general control and supervision of the Secretary of Commerce and Police.
The Chief of Coast Guard and Transportation is selected by the Civil Governor with the consent of the Commission, and is paid an annual salary of three thousand five hundred dollars, money of the United States.
The Bureau is organized into three divisions: the first handles construction, maintenance, and operation of vessels; the second manages illumination, inspection, and superintendence of lighthouses and related aids; and the third takes charge of constructing lighthouses and related navigational aids.
The Chief of Bureau must cooperate with the Collector of Customs to enforce revenue collection and prevent smuggling and unlawful importations, including assigning revenue agents to vessels when necessary.
The Chief of Bureau must provide transportation for insular and provincial officials, employees, witnesses, prisoners, guards, and the transportation of government goods and freights, as well as municipal officers traveling to and from provincial capitals as required by law.
The Chief of Bureau must cooperate in carrying mails between island points, ensuring postal service effectiveness, and provide accommodations on vessels for Postal Department agents when designated.
With approval of the Secretary of Commerce and Police, the Chief of Bureau may prescribe and enforce regulations for efficient administration, make necessary contracts related to vessels and navigational aids, supervise construction and repairs, prescribe uniforms, and set salaries for lighthouse keepers and other personnel within set financial limits.
Salaries shall not exceed an average of $360 per annum for keepers, $144 per annum for apprentices, and $108 per annum for boatmen.
The Chief must submit a report to the Secretary of Commerce and Police detailing the number and type of vessels required, estimated costs including salaries, running expenses, and necessary repairs, as well as repair shops and docks.