QuestionsQuestions (PPA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 19-96)
The circular cites Presidential Decree No. 857 and PPA Administrative Order No. 13-77. This indicates that the circular is grounded on statutory/charter authority of the Philippine Ports Authority and its enabling administrative framework, giving it regulatory force for port operations.
The circular applies to all foreign and domestic vessels that are berthed/anchored in a government port during a tropical storm/typhoon.
To promote the safety of vessels, facilities, users, and port operations during storms/typhoons.
All vessels in the port, whether self-propelled or non-propelled, must be attended by a sufficient number of crew capable of moving the vessel upon notice.
Precautions include having sufficient crew at standby, tugboats at standby, and vessels at berth advised to double their mooring lines. Operations at anchorage may be suspended on a case-to-case basis.
All operations at the anchorage must be suspended. Loading/discharging of containers and other cargoes must be suspended and structures secured. Cargoes, cargo handling equipment, and their accessories must be secured.
The piers, slips, and wharves must be cleared of vessels of more than 1,000 GRT. Vessels not more than 1,000 GRT may be allowed at the anchorage, and those remaining moored at piers/slips/wharves must take necessary precautions like double or multiple mooring lines, sufficient officers and crew onboard, standby engines, etc.
Any damage caused to the pier, slip, or wharf shall be borne by the owners of the vessels.
All precautions for Storm Signal Nos. 1, 2, and 3 must be exercised, and all operations in port except emergency in nature shall cease.
It provides thresholds: below 4 feet—no suspension of work; 4–5 feet—suspension only at anchorage; over 5 feet—suspension on both at dockside and at anchorage.
Yes. The circular states that the PMO Port Manager may direct the clearing of piers/wharves of vessels at any time during typhoons as necessary under prevailing conditions.
Every four (4) hours during presence of typhoons or storms within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the Port Manager must maintain contact/liaison with PAGASA to monitor developments, and coordinate with the local Philippine Coast Guard Station regarding movement of vessels.
The PMO must maintain and compile the Daily Official Weather Bulletin/Report and record hourly wind force and direction and the wave height for reference.
Aside from regular personnel, the Port Manager, PSD Manager, ESD Manager, Port Police Commander, Harbor Master, and the Terminal Supervisor and/or next ranking officers must report for duty for the duration of Storm Signal No. 2 or above.
The Harbor Master must establish contact/coordination with vessels in port to facilitate vessel operations and movement at pier/anchorages during typhoons.
Immediately after the storm, the Terminal Supervisor conducts a damage survey and submits a damage report to the Port Manager not later than 24 hours after the storm has passed, including details of damage/losses/injuries/casualty and recommendations plus cost estimates. Additionally, a similar report is submitted by the Port/Terminal Operator to the PPA office monitoring the port activities. Within 24 hours, the Port Manager must also contact and make an initial damage report to the NPOC, Head Office.
If deemed necessary, the shipmaster/agent or the arrastre/stevedoring contractor may file a formal request for suspension of vessel operations with the local PMO. The Port Manager or authorized representative acts on the request in accordance with the circular’s guidelines.
The Suspension Order must be accomplished in four (4) copies: Original retained by PPA, Second copy to Cargo Handler, Third to Shipping Company/Agent, and Fourth to Cargo Owner/Broker. Standby charges shall not be assessed due to issuance of the Suspension Order provided stevedores are allowed to disembark at the ship accommodation ladder; failure to provide safe disembarkation makes the Master and/or agent liable for standby charges.