Question & AnswerQ&A (CPA ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 02-98)
A Harbor Pilot is a master mariner duly licensed by MARINA or PCG and a member of an accredited Pilot Organization authorized by the Cebu Port Authority to pilot vessels engaged in foreign or coastwise trade within the Cebu pilotage district.
The Cebu Port Authority, through its General Manager, has direct control and supervision over pilots and Pilotsa Organizations in the Cebu pilotage district.
No. Harbor Pilots and Pilot Organizations, although accredited by the Authority, are not employees of the Cebu Port Authority, and the Authority is not liable for their acts or omissions.
All vessels of 500 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) and above, engaged in coastwise or foreign trade, entering a harbor, anchoring, or passing through navigable waters within the pilotage district, including shifting, docking, and undocking, are subject to compulsory pilotage.
Exemptions include government vessels not engaged in commercial trade, vessels of foreign governments entitled to courtesy, and vessels calling at private ports within designated channels whose owners waive compulsory pilotage.
The Harbor Pilot Organization and the individual pilot are solidarily liable for damages caused by their negligence or fault, but if the vessel Master retains command and causes damage, the vessel owner is liable with possible recourse against the Master.
A Pilot Organization must have a minimum paid-up capital of Two Million Pesos (P 2,000,000.00) whether it is a corporation, sole proprietorship, or partnership.
Each Pilot Organization must post an indemnity bond of Three Million Pesos (P 3,000,000.00) to cover liabilities arising from accidents causing damage to vessels, port property, injury, or death during pilotage duties.
Pilots must not be more than 60 years old at application, except incumbent pilots over 60 can continue up to age 70 unless disqualified for other reasons.
Penalties include fines ranging from P5,000 up to P50,000, suspension, and cancellation of accreditation depending on the violation, including gross misconduct, negligence, unauthorized piloting, and failure to obey lawful orders.