Question & AnswerQ&A (MIA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 121)
The guidelines apply to all persons, corporations, firms, and entities engaged in the operation of high speed craft for compensation, commercial or public use involving the carriage of passengers and cargoes between various ports and places in the Philippines.
A High Speed Craft is defined as a craft capable of maximum speed in meters per second (m/s) equal to or exceeding 3.70 times V^0.1667, where V is the displacement in cubic meters corresponding to the design waterline, with a minimum service speed of at least 25 knots.
The age limits for importation and/or chartering vessels are: 10 years maximum in 1997, decreasing by one year each subsequent year, down to 5 years maximum age beyond 2001.
All vessels must be classed by a recognized International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) classification society with rules specifically developed for HSC and must be maintained in class during domestic operation.
Operational limitations include restrictions on area of operation (coastwise, partly protected, protected waters), limitations to daytime navigation unless Night Vision Equipment (NVE) is fitted, and speed limitations to 90% of maximum speed, with additional restrictions for weather and safety.
First infraction: P25,000 per vessel; Second infraction: P50,000 and/or suspension of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC); Third infraction: P100,000 and/or cancellation of CPC. Separate fines apply to seafarers' infractions with possible suspension or cancellation of licenses.
Required documents include a letter of intent/application, signed agreement (Memorandum of Agreement/Deed of Sale/Bareboat Charter Contract), valid Certificate of Vessel's Registry, General Arrangement Plan, class certificate or certificate of compliance, and payment receipt for processing fee of P20,000 per vessel.
For vessels below 100 gross tons, one Master and one 2nd Mate are required. For 100 to 250 GT, one Master (Chief Mate) and one 1st Officer are required. For 250 to 500 GT, one Master (Master Mariner) and one 1st Officer are needed. Deck ratings are required at one for every 100 authorized passengers.
Nighttime navigation is allowed only if the craft is properly fitted with Night Vision Equipment (NVE) operated by the Master and qualified officer, with training and bridge routine compliance. Without NVE, operation is limited to daytime navigation only.