QuestionsQuestions (PHTBP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 09-2001)
The Circular cites PD 600 and PD 979 as its authority.
It applies to all Philippine registered vessels engaged in international or domestic trade.
To prescribe the procedure for the issuance of the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate to Philippine registered vessels.
An Oil Tanker is a ship constructed or adapted primarily to carry oil in bulk in cargo spaces; it includes combination carriers and any “chemical tanker” constructed or adapted primarily to carry cargo of noxious liquid substances in bulk, or when carrying other cargo but part of it is oil in bulk.
They must have (1) an OWS equipment producing effluent not exceeding 15 ppm oil; (2) tanks of adequate capacity to receive oily residues (sludge) for discharge into reception facilities; and (3) an ORB (Oil Record Book), whether as part of the ship’s official logbook.
They must have an oil discharge monitoring and control system in addition to the Oily Water Separating Equipment, plus adequate sludge tanks for reception facilities and an ORD (Oil Record Book).
They must be fitted with a holding tank having adequate capacity for the total retention on board of the oil bilge water for subsequent discharge to reception facilities.
All oil water separator equipment must be duly approved by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
They must be provided with an oil discharge monitoring and control system in addition to the Oily Water Separating Equipment, approved/accredited by the PCG.
The requirement for an oil discharge monitoring and control system does not apply; control of discharge of oil shall be affected by retention of oil on board with subsequent discharge of all contaminated washings to reception facilities.
They must be provided with segregated ballast tanks of adequate capacity to operate safely on ballast voyages without using cargo tanks for water ballast; OR adapt cargo tank cleaning procedures using crude oil washing in lieu of the segregated ballast requirement; OR use dedicated clean ballast tanks in lieu of the above.
They must be provided with segregated ballast tank(s) of adequate capacity so they can safely operate on ballast voyages without using cargo tanks for water ballast.
It must have an oil content meter duly approved by the PCG, and must be provided with a dedicated clean ballast tank operation manual and a supplement to the Oil Record Book in the form specified in Annex II, permanently attached to the Oil Record Book.
Shipowners must forward their applicants in writing to the Commander, Marine Environmental Protection Command (CMEPCOM).
Prior to issuance and before service, an initial survey must be undertaken by the Coast Guard District or Marine Safety Officer. If it is the first issuance, the initial survey must include a complete survey of the marine sanitation device or sewage treatment plant.
No significant changes or alternations shall be made without written authority from the Commandant, PCG; otherwise, the certificate can cease to be valid whenever significant alternations have taken place without written authority.
For international voyages: signed by the Commandant, PCG. For domestic trade: signed by CMEPCOM, subject to periodical surveys every two years.
It has a duration of 5 years from the date of issue, and may be extended for a period not longer than three (3) months under conditions stated (e.g., vessel not in a port/off-shore terminal under Philippine jurisdiction). The extension is only for completing the voyage and returning for survey, and does not entitle the vessel to leave the port without obtaining a new certificate.
It ceases to be valid (1) upon expiration (five years from approval) and (2) whenever significant alternations have taken place in the system/equipment without written authority from the Commandant, PCG.
The Circular requires all listed conditions, including that the vessel is engaged exclusively on voyages within specific areas at regular basis, voyage length does not exceed 72 hours, vessel has adequate holding tanks to retain oily mixtures for subsequent discharge to reception facilities, retains all oil bilge water for subsequent discharge, PCG has determined adequate reception facilities at the next port of call, and records quantity/time/port of discharge in the Oil Record Book.