Policy purpose for scuba diving regulation
- The Letter of Instruction recognizes the Philippines as a country renowned for aquatic resources.
- The Letter of Instruction establishes scuba diving regulation as necessary to safeguard human lives and ensure the orderly conduct of underwater activities.
- The Letter of Instruction treats sports scuba diving as a contributor to tourism, identifying it as the second largest special interest tourist activity.
- The Letter of Instruction states the need to establish a regulatory board to ensure the continued development of Sports Scuba Diving.
- The Letter of Instruction directs the commission to support both development and marine conservation, especially in areas of high touristic value.
Commission creation and composition
- A Philippine Commission on promotion and development of Sports Scuba Diving is created.
- The Commission is composed of the Minister of Tourism as Chairman.
- The Commission includes one member from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
- The Commission includes one member from the Ministry of National Defense.
- The Commission includes one member from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
- The Commission includes five other members from the diving communities and industries, appointed by the Chairman.
Core powers and program functions
- The Commission promulgates programs and projects geared to the development of the country as a premier diving area in Asia.
- The Commission formulates rules, regulations, safety standards, and operating procedures to implement the development of Sports Scuba Diving.
- The Commission undertakes studies, researches, and surveys for possible incentives to the private sector.
- The Commission studies incentives for private sector projects and programs beneficial to the development of Scuba Diving Tourism within the framework of related Presidential Decrees.
- The Commission formulates and implements programs on marine conservation, particularly for areas of high touristic value.
Implementation direction and institutional coordination
- The Chairman is empowered to appoint the Commission’s five other members from diving communities and industries.
- The Commission’s regulatory work is directed toward development, safety, and orderly underwater activity through safety standards and operating procedures.
- The Commission is tasked to coordinate development initiatives with marine conservation in high-value tourist marine areas.
- The Commission’s development planning is carried out through programs, projects, studies, and proposed incentives for private sector participation.