Coverage
- Applies to all persons, corporations, firms, and entities operating HSC in domestic marine transportation for compensation or public use in the Philippines.
Definition of Terms
- Coastwise Voyage: Voyage limited to Philippine jurisdiction waters.
- Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC): Craft operable on/above water with unique safety considerations.
- Daytime Navigation: From sunrise to sunset, specifically 0500H to 1700H ±30 minutes.
- High Speed Craft (HSC): Craft capable of specific speed thresholds, minimum service speed 25 knots.
- IACS: International Association of Classification Societies.
- IMO: International Maritime Organization.
- MARINA: Maritime Industry Authority.
- Maximum Speed: Speed at maximum continuous propulsion power.
- Night Vision Equipment (NVE): Cameras for short-range target detection in darkness.
- Partly Protected Waters Voyage: Voyage within 100 miles from departure and no more than 20 miles from land.
- Protected Waters: Areas within 3 miles from land.
- Recognized Classification Society: Full IACS member.
- The Code: IMO International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft.
Acquisition of High Speed Craft
- Wooden hulled HSCs prohibited.
- Age limits set with maximum ages decreasing yearly from 10 to 5 years by 2001.
- Must be classed by recognized IACS society with compliance certificates submitted to MARINA within 60 days.
- Pre-approval documents replaced by post-approval submissions except for specific key documents and payment of P20,000 processing fee.
Issuance of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC)
- Liberal consideration of sailing schedules for new entrants if no conflicts.
- Minimum 30-minute intervals between HSC arrivals/departures.
- MARINA may prescribe schedules to serve public interest and limit vessel entry when facilities are insufficient.
- Emergency vessel substitution permitted with 24-hour written notice and reasons.
- Operational limitations include restrictions by route and daytime navigation unless equipped with NVE and proper training.
- Operational speed limited to 90% of maximum speed; minimum service speed 25 knots.
- Passenger seating based on permanent approved seats.
- Required manuals (Operating, Route, Training, Maintenance) must be onboard and MARINA-approved.
- Rates prescription guided by deregulation except particular provisions remain in effect.
- CPC validity varies by vessel age: 10 years for vessels 5 years old or less, 5 years for older vessels.
Maximum Service Standards
- Service standards equivalent to Second Class accommodations.
- Design to protect occupants, prevent injury, and have emergency accessible seating and controls.
- Safety belts required on seats facing hard surfaces.
- Facilities to prevent baggage or cargo shifting.
- Non-skid walkways, handholds on stairs, no passengers on open decks.
- Multiple unobstructed exits facilitating quick evacuation.
- Mandatory safety demonstration via film or tape.
- Accessibility provisions for disabled persons including designated seating, lifejackets, ramps, accessible facilities, and personnel coordinators.
- Waterfront accessibility measures including wheelchair availability and designated disabled persons' stations.
- Toilets provided at minimum ratio of one for every 80 passengers, separated by gender.
Manning Requirements and Qualification of Crew
- Filipino officers and ratings required, except with MARINA authorization.
- Crew must be qualified and medically fit per PMMRR 1997.
- Watchkeeping crew must meet STCW 1978 training; non-watchkeepers require basic safety training.
- At least one Red Cross certified first aider per 100 passengers onboard.
- Minimum manning tables established for deck and engine departments according to vessel size and horsepower.
- Nighttime navigation allowed only with approved NVE and qualified operators.
Penalties and Sanctions
- Progressive administrative fines for operators/owners: P25,000 for first, up to P100,000 and/or license cancellation for third infractions.
- Similar fines and possible license suspension/cancellation for seafarers.
- Fines imposed without prejudice to criminal, civil actions or professional disciplinary measures.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent existing MARINA regulations and orders are repealed or modified accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect the validity of remaining provisions.
Transitory Provisions
- MARINA to conduct re-inspection of existing fast craft.
- Existing HSC to comply with requirements by January 1, 1998 or be reclassified.
- Circular effective August 15, 1997 after publication.