QuestionsQuestions (PTBP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 05-03)
The circular cites R.A. 5173 as amended by P.D. 601. It prescribes routing rules for vessels navigating the Southern Approach of the Cebu-Mactan Channel when entering and leaving Cebu Harbor.
It applies to all vessels except motorized/fishing bancas and sailing vessels/yachts, entering and leaving Cebu Harbor through the Southern Approach.
To improve safety of navigation, efficiency of traffic, and protection of the marine environment through a prescribed routeing system for the Southern Approach.
It shall be reflected on NAMRIA Chart Number 4447 (Cebu Harbor and Approaches, Luzon Datum, 1999 Corrected 2nd Edition).
Any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties, including traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.
By connecting Point A (Lat 10°16'23"N, Long 123°53'19"E) to Point B (Lat 10°14'12"N, Long 123°53'10"E).
Inbound lane: 200 meters wide between the separation line and the line connecting Point C (Lat 10°16'23"N, Long 123°53'28"E) to Point D (Lat 10°14'12"N, Long 123°53'19"E). Outbound lane: 200 meters wide between the separation line and the line connecting Point E (Lat 10°16'23"N, Long 123°53'10"E) to Point F (Lat 10°14'12"N, Long 123°53'01"E).
The recommended course to steer is 0040.. (as stated in the circular).
Inbound traffic lane starts when “LS Lauis Ledge bears 0900,” and vessels should maintain a steady distance of between 240–360 meters from LS Lauis Ledge. Inbound traffic terminates when “LS Cauit bears 2700.”
Outbound vessels start the outbound lane when LS Cauit bears 2700, steer course 1840 following the Provincial Capital Dome Range, and proceed until LS Lauis Ledge bears 0900.
It is mandatory for all vessels except motorized bancas/fishing bancas entering and leaving Cebu Harbor, and it applies day and night in all weathers.
The vessel must proceed within the appropriate lane in the general direction of traffic flow; keep as near as safe and practicable to the outer boundary of the lane on her starboard side; as far as practicable keep clear of the traffic separation zone; and join/leave a lane normally at lane termination, or when joining/leaving from either side, do so at as small an angle as practicable to the general direction of traffic flow.
No vessel shall anchor in, near the TSS, or in areas near its termination; fishing/fishing-related activities are not allowed within the TSS; and a vessel not using the TSS must avoid it by as wide a margin as practicable.
A vessel should avoid crossing lanes as far as practicable. If obliged to cross, it must cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow.
The master shall appropriately use “YG,” meaning “you appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme,” as provided in the International Code of Signals.
In emergencies, a vessel shall steer towards a safe sea and, as far as possible, out of the TSS. A vessel not under command must strictly conform to COLREGS Rule 27.
It references COLREGS Rules 10(k) and 10(l) and states that a vessel restricted in ability to maneuver engaged in operations for safety of navigation or laying/servicing/picking up submarine cables within the TSS is exempt from complying only to the extent necessary to carry out the operation. But owners/operators must ensure proper issuance/dissemination of the required Notice to Mariners by the PCG and no operation should proceed until after dissemination.
Masters/owners/operators are responsible for disseminating the rules. Masters/patrons are responsible for loss of life/property caused by deviation or non-compliance. If a master observes non-compliance, they must report/submit a marine protest to the nearest PCG unit or at the next port of call as soon as possible.
First offense: suspension of Master/Patron’s license for three (3) months. Second offense: suspension for one (1) year. Third offense: revocation of the Master/Patron’s license.
Fifteen (15) days after its publication once in a newspaper of general circulation.