Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9379)
The short title of Republic Act No. 9379 is 'The Handline Fishing Law'.
The State's policy is to promulgate specific policies and procedures governing handline fishing and utilization of handline fishing boats, support the development of the handline fishing industry, promote competitiveness, sustainability, and social development of handline fishing and allied industries, and strengthen rules to ensure safety and seaworthiness of handline fishing boats.
Handline Fishing is defined as a traditional fishing method that uses the hook and line, a passive fishing gear with a single vertical line carrying one hook and used by simply dropping the line into the water and waiting for the fish to bite.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is responsible for the registration, inspection, manning, and other documentation of handline fishing boats as flag boats, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) handles the licensing and related documentation as fishing boats.
Yes, Philippine-registered handline fishing boats may operate in international waters or waters of countries that allow such operations, provided they comply with safety, manning, and radio communication standards, secure the appropriate international fishing permit and certificate of clearance from BFAR, and fish caught are considered as caught in Philippine waters when landed in government designated ports.
No, fishermen on board Philippine registered handline fishing boats conducting fishing activities beyond the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone are not considered as overseas Filipino workers under this law.
Boat Masters and Boat Engineers must be issued a Boat Captain License and Boat Engine Officer License respectively, after submitting a Certificate of Engagement from the boat owner, an affidavit of the boat owner's responsibility, and a Certificate of Completion for theoretical and practical training. Their identification cards must indicate 'ONLY FOR HANDLINE FISHING BOAT'. Incumbents have one year to comply with training requirements.
Existing and new handline fishing boats must be admeasured or re-admeasured and follow prepared boat plans. Boats of five gross tons and below require a picture and actual dimension submission; boats above five gross tons require a boat plan signed and sealed by a Naval Architect or compliance with previously approved plans.
The Department of Agriculture, through a technical working committee composed of BFAR, MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard, National Telecommunications Commission, and other concerned agencies, in consultation with fisherfolk and industry stakeholders, shall promulgate the rules and regulations.
Republic Act No. 9379 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.