Question & AnswerQ&A (PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 19-96)
It applies to all foreign and domestic vessels berthed or anchored in a government port during a tropical storm or typhoon.
Its objective is to promote the safety of vessels, port facilities, users, and port operations during storms and typhoons.
All vessels must have a sufficient number of crew capable of moving the vessel upon notice.
All measures under Signal No. 1 must be observed, tugboats must be on standby, vessels at berth should double their mooring lines, and operations at anchorage may be suspended on a case-to-case basis.
All previous precautions must be exercised, operations at anchorage must be suspended, loading/discharging cargoes must stop, cargoes and equipment must be secured, piers must be cleared of vessels over 1,000 GRT, and vessels below 1,000 GRT must take all necessary precautions.
All operations in port except emergency ones must cease, and all previous precautions for lower signals must be followed.
If wave height is below 4 feet, no suspension; between 4 to 5 feet, suspension only at anchorage; over 5 feet, suspension at both dockside and anchorage.
The PMO Port Manager may direct the clearing at any time as necessary under prevailing weather conditions.
The Port Manager must maintain contact with PAGASA every four hours, coordinate with the Coast Guard, maintain daily weather records, and facilitate vessel movement and operations adjustments.
The Port Manager, PSD Manager, ESD Manager, Port Police Commander, Harbor Master, Terminal Supervisor, and their next ranking officers.
A damage survey is conducted by the Terminal Supervisor who submits a damage report within 24 hours to the Port Manager and the PPA monitoring office; the Port Manager also reports to the National Port Operations Center.
The shipmaster, agent, or arrastre/stevedoring contractor may file a formal request with the local PMO; the Port Manager or authorized representative shall act on the request.
It took effect immediately upon adoption on April 30, 1996.