Appointment of Harbor Supervisors
- The Admiral is empowered to appoint a line officer of the U.S. Navy as supervisor of the harbor.
- The supervisor manages berthing of all vessels except U.S. naval ships and enforces the Act's provisions.
- A deputy supervisor, also a line officer, may be appointed to assist and share the supervisor's powers.
Permission and Notification for Berthing
- Any vessel other than U.S. naval ships must obtain permission from the Captain of the Port of Manila to berth within the harbor limits.
- The Captain of the Port must notify the senior naval officer afloat at Cavite about the vessel's arrival time, name, length, and draft.
- Vessels forced to enter the harbor urgently without prior permission may berth in accordance with the Act's provisions.
Berthing Procedures and Vessel Movements
- The harbor supervisor directs the berthing of all vessels and the enforcement of the Act.
- All vessels must be met by a steam launch or tug upon entering and be escorted to proper berths.
- Vessels not met upon entry can temporarily anchor in any open berth but must keep steam up and be ready to move.
- Vessels may be directed by the supervisor to moor if deemed advisable.
- During typhoons or heavy weather, vessels must have steam up and be ready to move.
Prohibited Activities and Harbor Cleanliness
- Dumping of ashes or refuse within the harbor is prohibited.
- The supervisor provides lighters to remove refuse and charges vessels for this service.
- If weather prevents lighters from coming alongside, refuse must be retained onboard until conditions improve or the vessel leaves.
- Sinking obstructions like wrecks, lighters, or other navigation hindrances is forbidden.
- Such obstructions must be removed by the supervisor at the expense of those responsible.
Penalties for Violation
- Failure to comply with these regulations or future rules issued by the Admiral incurs fines: $50 for the first offense, $100 for subsequent offenses (U.S. currency).
- Fines are payable by the vessel's master, owner, or agent to the Captain of the Port and accounted as insular funds.
- Non-payment of fines results in notification to the Collector of Customs who will refuse vessel clearance and may revoke the vessel's charter or trade license.
- Vessels of the U.S. Quartermaster's Department are exempt from fines but are subject to disciplinary action by the Military Governor or harbor use restrictions.
Effective Date and Enactment
- The Act took immediate effect upon passage on September 24, 1901.
- The enactment was expedited to serve the public good, in accordance with legislative procedures of the time.