Purpose
- Establishes guidelines and procedures for processing and approval of specific vessel plans and certificates for Philippine registered vessels including Shipas Plans, Admeasurements, Stability, Loadline, and Passenger Accommodation Plans.
Scope
- Applies to processing, review, and approval of:
- Shipas Plans
- Admeasurements/Readmeasurements
- Inclining Experiments and Certificates of Stability
- Loadlines
- Passenger Accommodation Plans
Authority for Approval
- Approvals are made in the name of the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard (CPCG).
- Approval may be conducted by:
- Commander, Maritime Safety Office (CMSO)
- Commander, Coast Guard District/Station (CCGD/CCGS)
Procedure for Shipas Plans
- Submission:
- Three copies, signed/sealed by a registered Naval Architect and Marine Engineer; Electrical Plans by a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer.
- Submitted to CMSO through CCGS and CCGD having jurisdiction over construction or homeport.
- Direct submission to CMSO allowed for convenience.
- Review:
- Conducted by Naval Architect and Engineer Division (NAED) and Maritime Safety Engineer.
- Approval:
- Signatures of NA, CNAED, and CMSO appear on plans.
- Approved plans returned to shipowner; files retained at MSC and CG district.
- Vessels ≤ 15 gross tons may be approved by CGS/CGD with assigned Maritime Safety Engineer, with simplified requirements for open deck vessels not engaging in coastwise trade.
- Construction Survey:
- Conducted by assigned Maritime Safety Engineer for vessels ≤ 250 gross tons.
- Conducted by NAED for vessels over 250 gross tons.
Certificate of Admeasurement and International Tonnage Certificate
- Application:
- Submitted to CCGD/CCGS or directly to CMSO.
- Admeasurement performed by NAED, MSO or qualified personnel at CGD/CGS for smaller vessels.
- File copy of tonnage calculations and certificates submitted to MSO within ten calendar days.
- International Tonnage Certificate issued for vessels engaging in international trade pursuant to the 1969 International Convention on Tonnage Measurement.
Certificate of Stability
- Application for Inclining Experiment filed with CGD/CGS or directly with MSO.
- Inclining Experiment conducted by qualified persons under supervision of licensed Naval Architect or Maritime Safety Engineer for small vessels.
- Data and calculations signed/sealed and submitted for review and approval by CMSO.
- Issuance of Certificate of Stability follows approval.
Loadline Certificate
- Administered and enforced by CCGD.
- Applications for assignment, certification, or renewal made by vessel owner to Assigning Authority.
- Assigning Authority (government designated entities or persons) issues Loadline Certificate after verifying compliance.
- Certificates must be endorsed annually after loadline survey.
- Copies of certificate and data summary filed with CCGD and MSO.
Passenger Accommodation Plan
- Submitted in triplicate, signed by registered Naval Architect and Marine Engineer.
- Submission via CCGD/CCGS or directly to CMSO.
- Inspection during construction by Maritime Safety Engineer for vessels ≤ 250 GT and by NAED for vessels over 250 GT.
- Approved plans returned to CGD; original posted aboard vessel.
- Prerequisites for approval include comprehensive plans per Annex A and Inclining Experiment data.
Rescission of Previous Circulars
- Memorandum Circular No. 04-79 and conflicting publications are rescinded.
Effectivity
- Effective one month after publication or fifteen days after submission to University of the Philippines Law Center.
Annex A: Detailed Shipas Plans Requirements
- Specifies required plans for various vessel sizes and types, including new construction and existing vessels.
- Includes general arrangement, construction, stability data, electrical plans, and additional plans for steel hulls and passenger vessels.
- Provides a breakdown by vessel gross tonnage categories:
- Below 15 GT
- 15 GT to 50 GT
- 50 GT to 100 GT
- Above 100 GT
- Additional plans for non-propelled barges.
- Allows waiver of duplicate plans for sister vessels with previously approved plans on file.
- Additional prints treated as new plans for approval.
This circular provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring vessel plans and measurements meet safety, construction, and regulatory standards consistent with maritime laws and regulations in the Philippines.