Discontinuation of Bills of Health and Similar Certificates
- Bills of Health, regardless of consular visa or other health certificates, are no longer required.
- Any certificate indicating health conditions of a port or airport is specifically excluded from requirements.
Obligations of the Master of the Ship
- The ship's master must ascertain the health status on board before arriving at the first port of call within Philippine territory.
- Upon arrival, the master must complete and submit a Maritime Declaration of Health to the port health authority.
- Submission must occur at the first port of call, ensuring accurate health information is relayed.
Role of the Ship's Surgeon
- If a ship's surgeon is present on board, the Maritime Declaration of Health must be countersigned by this medical officer.
- The ship's surgeon, along with the master, is responsible for providing any further health-related information requested by the health authority.
Provision of Additional Health Information
- The master and ship's surgeon must comply with requests by the health authority for supplementary health information covering the voyage.
- Ensures health authorities have comprehensive data to assess potential health risks.
Compliance with the Prescribed Model
- Maritime Declaration of Health must conform to the model attached to the order.
- Standardization facilitates uniform health reporting and compliance with international standards.
Effective Date and Enforcement
- Regulations were adopted and took effect on May 20, 1953.
- Mandates compliance with updated health declaration procedures to enhance quarantine control measures.