Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 601)
The title of Presidential Decree No. 601 is the "Revised Coast Guard Law of 1974."
The Philippine Coast Guard operates under the direct supervision and control of the Secretary of National Defense.
The objectives include enforcing laws on the high seas and territorial waters, promoting safety of life and property at sea, aiding in navigation, conducting search and rescue operations, supporting economic maritime development, and enforcing marine environmental protection laws.
It prevents and suppresses illegal entry, fishing, gathering of marine products, smuggling, customs frauds, and violations of maritime and fishery laws within Philippine waters, including surveillance and inspection of vessels entering or leaving Philippine territory.
The Coast Guard approves plans for construction, repair, or alteration of vessels, approves materials and equipment, inspects vessels, registers motorized watercraft, issues certificates of inspection and registry, and enforces safety provisions and load line requirements.
The Board consists of five members appointed by the Secretary of National Defense: one Coast Guard line officer as Chairman, two Master Mariners, one Chief Engineer from the Philippine merchant marine, and one member of the Philippine Bar.
Violators are subject to a fine of not less than two hundred pesos nor more than one thousand pesos, or imprisonment of not less than thirty days nor more than six months, or both. For corporations, the officers or directors responsible may be penalized.
Yes, the Philippine Coast Guard can provide administrative penalties for violations of any regulations it promulgates.
No person, association, or corporation may establish, erect, or maintain any aid to maritime navigation without prior authorization from the Philippine Coast Guard.
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy is placed under the administrative and operational control of the Philippine Coast Guard, headed by a superintendent appointed by the Secretary of National Defense upon the recommendation of the Commandant.