QuestionsQuestions (CPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 01-00)
It is issued pursuant to Sections 7, 9, and 21 of R.A. 7621 (Charter of Cebu Port Authority), in relation to E.O. 292 (Revised Administrative Code of 1987), and Board Resolution No. 62-2000. This implies CPA has delegated statutory authority to promulgate port rules governing port users within its territorial jurisdiction.
Anchorage is a place with sufficient depth where vessels anchor. Berth is the part of the pier/wharf occupied by a vessel or where a vessel may tie up. Port Facility includes wharves, piers, slips, docks, bulkheads, basins, warehouses, loading/unloading equipment, and passenger terminals and accessories. These control where rules apply (e.g., anchoring prohibitions, berth occupancy, cargo storage obligations).
Prior to ETA, the owner/agent must give written notice to the Authority and apply for a berth if it intends to berth at wharf/pier/anchorage. The master must also contact CPA by radio or other means sufficient to convey the message.
The shipowner or agent must show proof the vessel has a valid MARINA authority—either CPC, Provisional Authority (PA), or Special Permit (SP).
It must include: vessel name/flag; GRT; draft/length overall/beam; owner/master/agent; ETA and ETD; tonnage of cargo to discharge/load; dangerous cargo info; number of passengers embarking/disembarking; and other pertinent information affecting working or safety (e.g., heavy lifts).
Between sunrise and sunset, the master of a vessel entering or leaving a port must hoist national colors and signal letters, if any, and keep them exhibited while the vessel remains in port.
No vessel other than an authorized vessel may approach within 200 meters of a vessel exhibiting these signals. Authorized vessels include Immigration/Health/Customs/Pilot launch/PCG/CPA vessels. No person other than a pilot or duly authorized government officers or duly authorized agents may board/disembark until Immigration/Quarantine/Customs clearance and lowering of signals.
No vessel shall leave a port without a valid CPA Port Clearance issued by/for the Authority, in addition to other government clearances (e.g., PCG SOLAS safety). Clearance may be withheld if the vessel caused damage to CPA facilities (subject to investigation or bond/surety/undertaking rules) or if it has unpaid CPA accounts.
Moderate speed is such caution that the vessel can be slowed and stopped in as short a time as possible with regard to prevailing conditions and safety of passengers and other vessels. HSC must observe maximum docking/berth impact speeds and vessels/HSCS shall not race each other in any event, time, or place.
The vessel causing damage by its wash is held responsible for such damage in the absence of any contributory negligence on the part of the owner/person in charge of the damaged property/vessel.
No vessel may anchor or moor in prohibited anchorage areas; anchors cannot be used there except for assisting berthing/unberthing. Anchoring is not allowed in approaches, principal fairways, in ways that obstruct other vessels’ access to anchorage/pier/wharf, in cable reserve areas or special anchorage except for their designated purpose, or in positions likely to foul another vessel.
The person in charge must ensure secure anchoring/mooring to prevent swinging outside limits and clear of other vessels under wind and tide. The vessel must have sufficient competent crew onboard to tend anchor/lights/gear and take emergency action. Violations may be deemed abandonment and are subject to forfeiture by CPA, subject to due process.
Berthing priority is generally first come-first served, subject to exceptions. Vessel arrival means either the time the vessel drops anchor at the Anchorage Area when no area is available, or the time the vessel reaches the Port’s boarding area when a berth is available.
When available berthing space is inadequate for a larger vessel with priority. The smaller vessel next in priority may berth on condition that if additional space becomes available enabling the larger vessel to berth, the smaller vessel must be moved at its own expense to allow the larger vessel to berth.
No idle vessel or one without activity/operation shall remain at berth for more than one (1) hour if there are other vessels waiting to berth.
While in a port, no vessel may carry out engine repairs or related work that may render it unable to move when required, without written permission. While berthed at a pier or wharf, no vessel shall undertake any repair unless with prior permit from the Authority.
Proper gangways must be provided and securely fastened between vessel and wharf/pier and adequately lighted at night. No person shall embark/disembark other than over the required gangway or accommodation ladder.
Incoming vessel must sign and furnish two copies of ICM at least 24 hours before arrival for overseas vessels, and not later than 1 hour upon arrival for coastwise vessels. Outgoing vessel must submit two accurate copies of the OCM within 3–5 hours before departure in English.