Question & AnswerQ&A (PTBP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 03-03)
The legal authority for the Routeing System at Corregidor Island Passages is R.A. 5173, as amended by P.D. 601.
The rules and regulations apply to all vessels, but they are optional for fishing vessels, sailing vessels/yachts, motorized bancas, ships of war, and Philippine government-owned vessels.
The purpose is to improve the safety of navigation, efficiency of traffic, and protection of the marine environment in the Corregidor Island Passages.
A Traffic Separation Scheme is a routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.
Penalties include suspension of the Master/Patron's License for three months for the first offense, one year for the second offense, and revocation of the license for the third offense.
The established direction of traffic flow follows the directional movement of traffic as established within the traffic separation scheme for both inbound and outbound traffic lanes in the North and South Channels.
No, vessels are prohibited from anchoring in, near the Traffic Separation Scheme or near its termination areas.
A vessel shall avoid crossing traffic lanes as much as practicable but if obliged to cross, it must do so on a heading as nearly at right angle to the general direction of traffic flow as possible.
They are responsible for disseminating the rules and regulations, ensuring compliance, and may be held liable for any loss of life or property caused by deviation or non-compliance.
In emergencies, a vessel should steer towards safe sea and out of the Traffic Separation Scheme as far as possible, and a vessel not under command must comply strictly with Rule 27 of the COLREGS.
A Separation Zone is a zone or line separating traffic lanes in which ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions.
No fishing or fishing-related activities are allowed within the Traffic Separation Schemes.
The master should use the International Code of Signals signal 'YG' to indicate the other vessel appears not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme.
The Coast Guard District NCR-CL investigates all incidents, and based on findings, recommends penalties against offending masters or patrons as stated in the memorandum.