Question & AnswerQ&A (CPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 118-2012)
The primary policy is to regulate the discharge of wastes in the port and its approaches to ensure wastes are properly contained, labeled, collected, transported, disposed, and treated to prevent marine pollution in compliance with MARPOL 73/78 Annex I, II, & V.
It applies to all foreign and domestic vessels calling at the Port of Cebu, all licensed/accredited Cargo Handling Service Providers operating at Cebu ports, and waste contractors.
Ship-Generated Waste includes all types of waste generated during the service of a ship such as sewage, oily waste, noxious liquid substances, garbage, and cargo-associated wastes like spillage, packing materials, pallets, and other related wastes.
The Authority must provide adequate shore reception facilities through authorized waste contractors; no dumping of waste within 3 nautical miles of the port jurisdiction; waste discharge must be offloaded at the shore reception facilities; designated use of shore reception facilities by cargo handling providers; prescribed charges; and allowed offloading only when vessels are safely anchored or berthed.
Exemptions include warships and naval auxiliaries not in commercial service, vessels fresh from dry-docking with certification, safe emergency discharges as allowed by MARPOL, small vessels of 6 GRT and below, vessels with valid Waste Delivery Receipts, and cases of force majeure as determined by the General Manager.
Penalties include fines of P25,000 for the 1st offense, P50,000 for the 2nd offense, and P100,000 for the 3rd offense with possible additional payment for cleaning expenses and damages. Repeat violations may result in suspension, revocation, or cancellation of privileges or permits. Ships may also be detained until compliance and payment.
The Safety and Environmental Division is responsible for taking notifications of waste delivery prior to vessel arrival, monitoring compliance with waste management, maintaining reports and databases, and instituting Waste Oil Management Programs per existing laws.
Green plastic bags for biodegradable garbage, black plastic bags for non-biodegradable garbage, and red plastic bags for hazardous garbage. If unavailable, black bags must be clearly labeled with the type of garbage.
They must provide shore reception facilities, secure Environmental Guarantee Funds or insurance, have treatment facilities accredited by DENR, have trained regular employees with personal protective equipment, secure necessary government accreditations, submit quarterly reports, and bear costs related to spillage during operations.
They must notify the Authority's Safety and Environmental Division at least 24 hours before arrival for scheduled vessels or 36 hours for unscheduled vessels, submit the Advance Notice Form for Waste Delivery, obtain clearance, and coordinate waste delivery and collection.