QuestionsQuestions (TPAMB)
The rules prioritize the natural living processes of the park, conservation of resources, and protection of flora, fauna, and abiotic resources. Visitation is a privilege, not a right, so visitors must act responsibly to maintain the park’s economic, biological, educational, socio-cultural, and scientific values.
Commercial diving operations refer to the delivery of scuba diving gears and scuba diving services for a fee. It is relevant because Section 7 limits commercial diving operations inside the park to vessels of at least 25 gross tons.
No. Section 7 prohibits any vessel less than twenty-five (25) gross tons from undertaking commercial diving operations within the park.
Dive operators or their representatives must register with the Ranger Station by radio using VHF Channel 16 upon entering. If radio registration is not possible, they must report in person.
Moorings are concrete semi-permanent fixtures installed by TPAMB to provide a steady position for vessels and to avoid damaging corals, including buoys, ropes, chains, and related components. The key rule is that all boats shall use the mooring buoys provided; tying to a moored boat is prohibited.
Boats above 200 gross tons tie to mooring buoys at their own risk and are required to drift during rough weather.
Negligence includes (9.1) running over/dragging rope and buoy, (9.2) failure to untie from moorings during bad weather, and (9.3) other similar acts resulting in damage. The user is liable for the cost of damage or reinstallation of the moorings.
Boats must inform the ranger station of the buoy used prior to mooring and upon disengaging. The time and date the buoy is used are recorded by the ranger station and in the vessel logbook.
All vessels and persons must secure an entry permit and pay the appropriate charges in accordance with the fee schedule. Applications must be accurately completed; misrepresentation constitutes a violation.
Examples include: (11.1) submitting a current copy of Philippine MARINA registry for TRNMP files at the beginning of the season; (11.2) having first aid and emergency equipment including oxygen and SOLAS equipment; (11.3) foreign divemasters/crew must show certification cards, alien employment permits, and passports; and (11.4) maintaining a diver-to-divemaster ratio of 8:1.
Local tourists get a 50% discount. There is also a 50% discount for repeat visits within the season.
No. Vessel and visitor entry fees are not transferable or refundable.
Section 13.1 prohibits all forms of fishing, whether catch-and-release, for recreation, or for consumption. Section 13.2 requires that fishing gear be stowed in a locked container prior to entry; failure to stow any fishing gear component/accessory constitutes a distinct violation and may be fined accordingly.
Boats must obtain clearance to cruise around the South and North Islets and must not approach closer than 100 meters (13.9). Landing on the islets is prohibited (13.10). Swimming, snorkeling, or diving around the islets and in the lagoons is prohibited (13.11). Unnecessary noise such as shouting or clapping that disturbs wildlife on the islets is strictly prohibited and is considered harassment.
Anchoring on the reefs is prohibited under Section 13.14.
Violations may lead to restoration and payment of actual damages, fines (not less than Php5,000 per violation), 200% surcharge for non-payment of fees, cancellation of permit, expulsion of the dive boat and its complement and passengers for violations of Sections 13.10 (landing on islets) and 13.14 (anchoring on the reefs), and other restrictions like a one-year prohibition for repeated violations.
Liability is solidary. Dive operators/charterers, ship’s captains, and owners are all solidarily liable for fines for any violation or damage to the reef caused by their crew/passengers. Dive operators also have the responsibility to ensure guests and crew are aware of the rules.