Question & AnswerQ&A (BFAR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 204, S. 2000)
Superlight, also called magic light, is a type of strong light using halogen or metal halide either submerged or located above the sea surface, consisting of a ballast, regulator, electric cable, and socket, powered by a generator, battery, dynamo, or the main engine of the boat.
It is unlawful to operate municipal and commercial fishing boats using superlights while fishing/operating in municipal waters, or for commercial fishing boats to fish/operate beyond municipal waters using superlights exceeding prescribed wattage limits.
For small-scale commercial fishing boats (3.1 to 20 GT), the maximum permitted wattage of superlights per vessel is 20 KW.
Medium-scale commercial fishing boats (20.1 to 150 GT) are allowed to use superlights with a maximum wattage of 36 KW per vessel.
Large-scale commercial fishing boats (more than 150 GT) may use superlights up to 40 KW per vessel.
Yes, a gratuitous permit to use superlights in municipal waters may be issued by the Local Chief Executive in consultation with the FARMC for government or private research and educational institutions for research, experimental, educational, and scientific purposes.
Offenders may be punished by imprisonment from six months to two years, or a fine of five thousand pesos per superlight, or both, at the court's discretion, plus confiscation of the superlight, fishing vessel, and gear.
All orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Order are deemed repealed or modified accordingly.
The Order took effect fifteen days after its publication in the Official Gazette and/or in two newspapers of general circulation.