QuestionsQuestions (HPCG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 01-09)
It is anchored on RA 5173 as amended by PD 601.
To prescribe policies and procedures to enhance maritime safety during the occurrence of tropical depression, storm, or typhoon in the Philippine area of responsibility.
It applies to all vessels operating within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines.
Exempt: (1) tugboats purposely used for assisting vessels in docking/undocking to/from berthing piers or wharves; (2) government-operated vessels used for non-commercial purposes; and (3) vessels called upon by the PCG to assist in a specific search and rescue operation.
It refers to violent atmospheric conditions of wind and sea such as the occurrence of tropical depression, storm, or typhoon.
PSWS 1: 30–60 kph (~16–32 knots); PSWS 2: >60–100 kph (~33–54 knots); PSWS 3: >100–185 kph (~54–100 knots); PSWS 4: >185 kph (~100 knots and above).
They shall not sail, except to take shelter.
Movement of vessels above 1,000 gross tons is left to the discretion and responsibility of the ship owner and master.
Vessels of any tonnage shall not sail, except to take shelter.
They must exercise extra precautionary measures and carefully study possible effects on the voyage with regard to the forecasted track, wind force, and radius of the storm in reference to PAGASA Tropical Cyclone Warning for Shipping issued at 0500H, 1100H, 1700H, and 2300H.
No. Vessels sailing for the purpose of taking shelter shall depart without passengers.
Cargo already loaded may remain onboard, provided maximum precautionary measures are observed, including proper lashing and stowage.
The vessel shall not sail, based on the latest PAGASA weather bulletin and the PSWS Sector restrictions.
They must obtain the latest weather bulletin and plot the typhoon track and PSWS Sectors on the weather chart aboard ship and at the company operations center/office.
The Master/Patron must inform the nearest PCG unit in writing (as may be applicable) of the decision to take shelter in a safer place or avoid the storm’s path, attesting that the decision to leave port is his in consultation with the ship owner.
The Master/Patron must take no other option except to avoid the path of the storm and take shelter, and promptly inform the ship owner and the nearest Coast Guard unit.
Communication must be maintained at all times, with communication checks at least every 30 minutes; any failure must be immediately reported to the nearest Coast Guard unit through any available means.