Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 238)
Cavite Harbor is defined as the portion of Manila Bay southward of a line drawn from Sangley Point to ParaAaque, and extending one-half of a sea mile due north of said line and limits.
The Admiral of the United States Navy in command of the Asiatic Station is vested with police jurisdiction over Cavite Harbor.
The Admiral is authorized to appoint a line officer of the US Navy as supervisor of the harbor and a deputy supervisor. The supervisor manages the berthing of all vessels other than naval vessels and enforces the provisions of the Act.
Such vessels must first obtain permission to berth from the Captain of the Port of Manila, who then notifies the senior naval officer afloat at Cavite with the vessel's details including name, length, and draft when loaded.
The vessel may enter the harbor and take berth as provided by the supervisor, following other harbor regulations as soon as possible.
The supervisor must see that all vessels are met by a steam launch or tug and directed to a proper berth, and ensure vessels move only as directed.
Yes, all vessels must moor if the supervisor directs it and deems it advisable.
All vessels must have steam up and be ready to move during typhoon or other heavy weather.
Dumping ashes or refuse within the harbor is forbidden; lighters remove refuse at the vessel's charge. Sinking obstructions like wrecks or lighters in the harbor is prohibited and must be removed at the owner's expense.
A first offense results in a fine of fifty US dollars; subsequent offenses incur a fine of one hundred US dollars. Fines are payable to the Captain of the Port of Manila and accounted as insular funds. Nonpayment leads to denial of clearance by Customs and possible revocation of charter or trade license.
Yes, they are not fined but reported to the Military Governor for punishment or may be debarred from harbor use.
The Captain of the Port must notify the Collector of Customs, who will refuse clearance and may revoke the vessel's charter or license to trade in the Philippines.