Question & AnswerQ&A (PPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 3-96)
The authority basis includes Sections 6(a)(ii)(iii)(v) and 20 of Presidential Decree No. 857 and Section 12 of PPA AO No. 03-85.
All foreign and domestic vessels with 1,000 gross registered tonnage (GRT) and above which dock or undock at the base port of Nasipit, Port of Masao, and Port of Butuan.
To protect government port facilities and to ensure the safe maneuvering of vessels at the ports within the jurisdiction of PMO-Nasipit.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is responsible for providing tug assistance service by authorizing shipping companies or private entities on a non-exclusive basis.
Yes, operators must have an annual permit issued by the Authority (PPA) subject to terms and other agency requirements, except for tugboats towing their own barges or lighters which are exempted.
Requirements vary by vessel GRT: 1,000-3,000 GRT requires a 300 HP tug; 3,001-5,000 GRT requires 500 HP; 5,001-10,000 GRT requires 700 HP; 10,001-15,000 GRT requires 1,000 HP; 15,001 and above requires 1,500 HP tug or equivalent.
Yes, vessels with both functional bow and stern side thrusters of sufficient capacity are exempted, while vessels with only functional bow thrusters must have 50% of the required tug horsepower.
Yes, in the absence or insufficiency of tugboats, a combination of motor launches with combined horsepower equivalent to required tugs may be allowed.
No, propelled barges/lighters are not exempted and must have required tug assistance; however, they must maintain their own tugboats when at berth according to PPA Memorandum Circular No. 22-86.
The Authority prescribes fees and rates in consultation with port users. In absence of applicable fees, rates are mutually agreed between shipping companies and tug operators. In case of disagreement, the Authority determines the rates.
The party or parties declared at fault under applicable laws are liable for damages caused to port facilities by vessels under tug assistance service.
The invalid section or part will not affect the validity of other sections that are not related to the invalidated parts, as per the separability clause.
It took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation following its adoption on February 13, 1996.