Question & AnswerQ&A (PTBP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 06-03)
The Routeing System at Malapascua Island is prescribed under R.A. 5173, as amended by P.D. 601.
The purpose is to prescribe rules and regulations for vessels navigating through the Cebu and Malapascua Islands channel to improve navigation safety, traffic efficiency, and marine environment protection.
They apply to all vessels including ships of war and Philippine government-owned vessels, and are optional for fishing vessels, motorized bancas, sailing vessels, and yachts.
A Routeing System is any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties, including traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.
It is a routeing measure aimed at separating opposing traffic by appropriate means and by establishing traffic lanes.
The Separation Zone is a zone separating the traffic lanes where ships are proceeding in opposite or nearly opposite directions.
Vessels must proceed within the appropriate traffic lane in the direction of traffic flow, keep near the outer boundary on their starboard side, avoid the separation zone as much as practicable, and join or leave traffic lanes at their terminations or at a small angle to the traffic flow.
No, the Memorandum Circular prohibits vessels from anchoring in, near the TSS, or in areas close to its termination.
The penalty for the first offense is suspension of the master or patron's license for three (3) months.
They should appropriately use the International Code of Signals "YG," meaning the vessel appears not to comply with the traffic separation scheme, and report or submit a marine protest to the nearest Philippine Coast Guard unit or at the next port of call.
They are responsible for disseminating the rules and regulations prescribed, ensuring compliance, and liable for any loss of life or property caused by deviations or non-compliance.
No, fishing or fishing-related activities are not allowed within the TSS.
In emergencies, vessels shall steer to safe sea and out of the TSS as far as possible; vessels not under command must comply with Rule 27 of COLREGS.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.