Purpose and Objective
- To designate a specific sea lane between Manila South Harbor Anchorage and Sangley Point-Fort San Felipe, Cavite City.
- Aims to promote navigational safety by providing a clear traffic route.
- Delimits areas where obstructions such as structures or fishing devices may not be placed.
Boundaries of the Sea Lane
- Defined by two imaginary lines extending from three concrete markers (A, B, and C) and from Sangley Aero Light to Jetty No. 3, South Harbor, Manila.
- The delineation follows the coastal alignment connecting Fort San Felipe, Sangley Point, and Manila Anchorage.
Markers Specifications
- Markers A, B, and C are constructed of concrete and equipped with lighting for visibility.
- Positions of Markers:
- Marker A: Lat 14°20'31" N, Long 120°55'24" E
- Marker B: Lat 14°30'20" N, Long 120°55'24" E
- Marker C: Lat 14°32'05" N, Long 120°56'55" E
- Color Coding:
- Markers A and B are green.
- Marker C is red.
Rules of Passage Inside the Sea Lane
- Vessels must keep to the right within the sea lane.
- Vessels heading to Cavite must pass at least 500 meters west of the markers line (A, B, and C).
- Vessels should enter or exit the sea lane at its ends; side entry/exit must be done at a small angle aligned with traffic flow.
- Crossing the lane should be avoided; if necessary, crossing must be at a right angle to traffic direction.
- Anchoring is prohibited east of the line connecting the south entrance light and Sangley aero light within the lane.
- Fishing vessels must not impede passage within the lane.
- In emergencies, vessels may steer beyond lane boundaries as reasonably practicable.
- Safety considerations permit vessels to navigate west of the lane if necessary.
Prohibition on Obstructions
- Fishtraps, fishpens, or any structures are forbidden along or west of the sea lane.
- Owners of such structures found within the sea lane are required to remove them within a reasonable time.
- Failure to remove obstructions results in removal at the owner's expense.
Penalties for Violations
- Unauthorized fixed structures within the sea lane:
- Administrative fine of at least Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000) up to Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000).
- Breach of rules of passage:
- Fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000), license suspension, or both for the master and/or shipowner.
Repeal and Effectivity
- All prior Memorandum Circulars or directives inconsistent with this circular are rescinded.
- The circular takes effect two weeks after submission to the UP Law Center or publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Removal of obstructions must occur within six months after the concrete markers are completed.