Objectives of the Regulation
- Optimize use of government berths in Pasig River for cargo handling and port services.
- Rationalize mooring and anchoring at South Harbor West Breakwater Barge Pool.
- Synchronize entries of loaded barges/watercraft with berth availability to prevent congestion.
- Ensure safe, unobstructed navigation in Pasig River.
- Foster cooperation among port users and stakeholders to support Pasig River Rehabilitation Program.
General Berthing Guidelines in Pasig River
- Permit only single berthing of loaded barges/watercraft parallel to river bank.
- Prohibit idle or non-productive barges at government berths and private port areas; relocate to West Breakwater Barge Pool or other suitable locations.
- Empty barges not allowed entry unless for loading or operating service equipment.
- Service/standby tugboats may berth alongside singly berthed working barges.
- Prohibit Mediterranean berthing (perpendicular to bank).
Procedures for Entry of Cargo Loaded Barges/Watercrafts to Government Berths
- Operator must submit a Berthing Application (BA) 24 hours prior to expected entry to Terminal Supervisor or Harbor Master.
- BA must be supported by an approved PPA Shipside Permit and a copy of Inward Foreign Manifest.
- For outports, Coasting Manifest to be submitted instead.
- BA approval depends on berth availability projected within two hours before arrival and productivity rate.
- Only approved barges may enter designated government berths.
Procedures for Entry to Private Ports in Pasig River
- BA submission at least 12 hours before entry, supported by coasting manifest.
- BA approval contingent upon berth availability confirmed by private port operators.
- Loaded/empty barges rafted logs must be arranged in single rows parallel to river bank including tugboats.
Treatment of Barges Awaiting Berths
- Cargo loaded barges from South Harbor, when no government berths are available, must anchor/moor at West Breakwater Barge Pool, except tanker barges moored outside breakwater.
- Loaded/empty barges destined for private ports but unable to berth must relocate to West Breakwater Barge Pool upon Shifting Order.
Berthing and Cargo Handling at Government Berths
- Single berth of loaded barges parallel to river bank.
- Cargo handled by authorized contractors at productivity rate set by Terminal Supervisor/Harbor Master and cargo handler.
- Barges must leave immediately after cargo handling and proceed to West Breakwater Barge Pool.
- Double-berthing allowed only during typhoon signal No. 1 with agreement of owners/operators.
- Immediate transfer to designated areas required after signal is lowered.
Berthing and Stay at Private Ports
- Single berthing parallel to river bank for loaded/empty barges.
- Empty barges may stay to receive cargo if single berth is maintained.
- Multiple entries allowed if each barge singly berthed parallel to bank.
Movement and Stay of Barges with Export/Domestic Cargoes
- Cargo discharged barges can load export/domestic cargo at government berths if no other approved barges waiting.
- After unloading import cargoes, barges may proceed to private ports if available.
Movement and Berthing of Tugboats
- Service tugboats allowed alongside singly berthed barges for operational mobility.
- When space-limited, tugboats may double berth equivalent to one regular barge space, subject to approval.
- Anchorage at West Breakwater Barge Pool allowed, considering safety and mobility.
Regulation of Movement and Berthing at West Breakwater Barge Pool and Other South Harbor Areas
- Harbor Master regulates anchorage of loaded/empty barges and tugboats at West Breakwater.
- Tugmasters/patrons must communicate movements via Radio Channel 16 to South Harbor Radio Control.
- Separation encouraged between loaded and empty barges.
- Double/multiple bunking allowed if safety and mobility ensured.
Port Usage Fee Collection and Monitoring
- Berthing operators to present approved Shipside Permit for cargo discharge verification.
- Strict logbook monitoring of barges/tugboats entering/staying/leaving West Breakwater.
- Port usage fees collected for barges leaving West Breakwater for outports, including accrued fees from Pasig River stay.
- Coordination between Terminal Management Office Pasig and South Harbor officials to ensure proper fee collection.
Cleanliness and Environmental Measures
- Operators must comply with cleanliness standards for water at government berths, private ports, and West Breakwater.
- Monitoring and enforcement by Harbor Masters and Port Police to maintain cleanliness.
Manning and Security at West Breakwater Barge Pool
- Berthing officers assigned by Harbor Master or PSD Manager to regulate berthing/anchoring.
- Port Police assigned to maintain peace, provide security, and enforce cleanliness.
Assistance for Effective Implementation
- Coordinated efforts between Harbor Masters, Port Police, and Port Management Offices to regulate operations and maintain order.
Sanctions for Violations
- Watercraft violating provisions subject to penalty of 500% port usage fee per day.
- May face penalties under Section 43 of PD 857 including suspension/cancellation of Port Terminal Operator (PTO) license.
- Operators with two prior violations denied priority berthing at government berths.
Review and Amendments
- Circular subject to periodic review by Port Manager with consultation of port users and government/private stakeholders.
- Amendments to be issued as necessary.
- Amends inconsistent prior issuances.
Effectivity
- Circular effective immediately upon issuance (April 12, 1999).