Question & AnswerQ&A (HPCG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 01-09)
The main purpose is to prescribe policies and procedures to enhance maritime safety during occurrences of tropical depression, storm, or typhoon within the Philippine area of responsibility.
This circular applies to all vessels operating within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines, except for exemptions listed in the circular.
Tugboats assisting in docking or undocking, government-operated vessels used for non-commercial purposes, and vessels called upon by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to assist in specific search and rescue operations are exempted.
Heavy Weather refers to violent atmospheric conditions involving wind and sea such as tropical depressions, storms, or typhoons.
PSWS Number 1 is declared if winds of 30-60 kph (approximately 16-32 knots) are expected in the locality within at least 36 hours.
Vessels of 1,000 gross tons or below shall not sail, except to take shelter, when PSWS Number 1 is hoisted within their point of origin, route, or destination.
Yes, the movement of vessels above 1,000 gross tons during PSWS Number 1 is left to the discretion and responsibility of the ship owner and master.
Vessels of any tonnage shall not sail, except to take shelter, when PSWS Number 2 or higher is hoisted within their point of origin, route, or destination.
They must exercise extra precautionary measures, carefully study the storm's effects on the voyage based on weather bulletins from PAGASA, and ensure safety of ship and crew.
The Master must ensure no passengers are onboard during departure, properly stow and lash cargoes, inform the nearest PCG unit in writing about the decision to take shelter, and maintain communication with the ship owner and PCG.
The Director coordinates with PAGASA to obtain weather bulletins, disseminates information to PCG units, monitors maritime incidents, and recommends activation of Crisis Management Committee during major incidents.
They must maintain continuous communication, conduct communication checks at least every 30 minutes, and report any failure of communication or maritime incidents immediately to the nearest Coast Guard unit.
The Master must avoid the path of the storm, take shelter at the safest place, and promptly inform the ship owner and nearest Coast Guard unit.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
The circular is issued under the authority of Republic Act 5173 as amended by Presidential Decree 601.
They are in violation of maritime safety policies and must exercise extraordinary diligence required by law as common carriers to ensure safety; failure may result in administrative or legal actions as prescribed by law.