QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 2038)
A “license” is the privilege or authority granted by PCSSD to own, operate, and maintain a scuba diving establishment. “Accreditation” is a certification issued by PCSSD recognizing compliance with minimum standards of the specific establishment (e.g., dive resorts and tour operators may be accredited upon DOT license).
No. The Rules mandate licensing: no person, natural or juridical, may operate or manage a scuba diving establishment without first being licensed by PCSSD. Allowing premises to be used as such without the requisite license is also an offense.
Individuals desiring to instruct/assist in training or conduct related activities, and establishments organized under Philippine laws and duly registered with appropriate agencies engaged in sports scuba diving activities for a fee.
The branch/extension office must first be licensed by the Commission. A registration annual fee equal to 25% of the license fee is collected per branch/extension office.
Among others: Coast Guard and coastwise trade license for paying passengers; business license/permits; certificate of ownership of vessel; managerial personnel list; complete equipment list with photos; safety equipment and trained personnel certification; current third-party liability accident insurance; and a surety bond of at least P5,000. If with accommodation facilities: bunk beds/mattress specs, dining area capacity, toilet/shower per passenger ratio, drinking water at least 40 liters per person per tour day, and at least two service boats.
Establishment annual license fee: Dive Boat Operator P2,000; Professional Dive Center P2,000; Dive Facility P2,000. Individual annual license fee: Dive Instructor P1,000; Assistant Dive Instructor/Divemaster P750.
It is valid for one (1) calendar year and expires on the last working day of the year.
They must display: (1) the current and appropriate PCSSD license of the dive establishment; (2) the list of diving professional and technical staff employed/contracted with their positions; and (3) the current and appropriate PCSSD license of dive professionals and technical staff whenever applicable.
They are issued license cards they must carry whenever practicable; cards remain valid for one (1) calendar year.
A written notice of loss must accompany the request for replacement. Replacement must be issued within one (1) month from notice, and the applicant must pay a replacement cost of P100.00.
Renewal must be filed on or before December 1. Late applicants are fined 50% of the scheduled fee.
Examples include: non-compliance/non-submission for renewal; violation of PCSSD rules; fraudulent representation by the CEO/manager; gross bad faith or fraudulent solicitation; opening branches without approval; tolerance of gross misconduct/misrepresentation harming clients or marine conservation; employing unlicensed diving instructors/divemasters or without proper working visa/work permits; failure to pay required fines/fees/dues; failure to notify changes in personnel within set timelines; failure to obey PCSSD orders; and violations of tourism/marine conservation laws and related orders.
At least 80% of the staff members must be Filipino citizens, and staff must be of good moral character and not convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Yes. Broadcast or print advertisements must conform to the advertising ethical standards set by the domestic advertising industry association.
Certain controlled equipment may not be sold/rented/loaned/transferred unless a record is made showing the name, address, and diving certificate card (or other reputable proof) of the vendee/rentee/transferee. Additionally, dive centers/facilities must limit rentals of specified equipment to one set per certified diver (with specific maximums for high-pressure cylinders).
Courses must be conducted by a licensed and certified instructor/assistant instructor with current teaching status. Complete records of each student must be kept on file for at least five (5) years.
Cylinders must have a hydrostatic test date of not more than five (5) years; customers must present proof of diving certification; professional dive centers must keep airfill records including cylinder serial number and hydrostatic test date as part of compressor logs; compressors must be maintained and filters changed per manual/manufacturer specifications; a daily operations logbook must be kept.
Complaints must be under oath/affirmation and include required details. Upon receipt, PCSSD furnishes a copy to the respondent and requires the respondent to file a written answer within seven (7) working days from receipt. Proceedings are non-litigious and summary in nature; hearings may involve sworn testimony and evidence without being strictly bound by court technical rules on evidence.