Scope and Coverage
- Applies to vessels engaged in domestic trade under NTC Memorandum Circular No. 4-09-88.
- Categorizes vessels as Liners (Passenger and Cargo), Specialized Carriers, and Lighterage Vessels.
- Specifies required radio equipment based on vessel type, gross tonnage, and navigation duration/distance.
Definitions
- Mandatory Ship Reporting System (MSRS): A radio communication system tracking vessel routes and positions.
- Area of Responsibility (AOR): Specific jurisdiction area of PCG where vessel is located during report.
- HF Radio: Equipment operating on working frequencies between 1,605 kHz and 27,500 kHz.
- Position Report (POSREP): Periodic position report vessels must submit.
- Sailing Plan: Document detailing vessel itinerary, including departure, ports, route, speed, and ETAs.
Responsibilities
- Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA): Provide vessel data for NTC and PCG.
- National Telecommunication Commission (NTC): Formulate communication requirements.
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG): Implement and monitor MSRS; operate MSRS Center.
- Shipowners/Operators: Establish policies, submit vessels list, require sailing plans.
- Vessel Masters: Ensure compliance, transmit reports timely, log all transmissions, submit sailing plans, respond to assistance calls, and report departures.
Penalties
- Shipowners/Operators:
- Failure to submit vessel list: First offense - warning; second - fine not less than P10,000; third and subsequent - fine not less than P50,000.
- Vessel Masters:
- False reports: escalating fines and possible license revocation.
- Unlogged reports and improper format: escalating warnings and fines.
- Non-Compliance with report transmissions: warnings, fines, and license revocation recommendation.
Effectivity
- Effective 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- Adopted on 13 June 2001 by Secretary Pantaleon D. Alvarez.