Question & AnswerQ&A (PTBP MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 04-03)
The authority for the Routeing System at Verde Island Passage is Republic Act No. 5173 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 601.
The rules and regulations apply to all vessels transiting through the North and South passages of Verde Island.
A Routeing System is any system of one or more routes or routeing measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties; this system includes traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.
The Traffic Separation Scheme is a routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing traffic by appropriate means and by the establishment of traffic lanes.
A vessel must proceed within the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow, keep near the outer boundary of the traffic lane on her starboard side as is safe, keep clear of the traffic separation zone as practicable, join or leave the lane at the termination of the lane or at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable, and avoid crossing traffic lanes but if necessary, cross at a right angle to the traffic flow.
No, vessels are prohibited from anchoring in, near the TSS, or in areas near its termination.
The penalties include suspension of the Master/Patron's License for three months for the first offense, suspension for one year for the second offense, and revocation of the license for the third offense.
No, fishing and fishing-related activities are prohibited within the Traffic Separation Scheme.
The observing vessel should use the international code signal 'YG' to indicate non-compliance and report/submit a marine protest as soon as possible to the nearest Philippine Coast Guard Unit or at the next port of call.
A vessel may use the inshore traffic zone when en route to or from a place situated within the inshore traffic zone or to avoid immediate danger, but should not use it when it can safely use the appropriate traffic lane.
They are responsible for disseminating the rules and regulations prescribed in the Memorandum Circular and ensuring compliance by their vessels.