Compulsory Tug Assistance at SOCSARGEN Ports

Applies to all foreign and domestic vessels with a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 1,500 and above
Specifically covers vessels docking and undocking at Makar Wharf, Port of General Santos
Extends to other ports within the South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos (SOCSARGEN) area

Protect government port facilities from damage
Ensure safe maneuvering of vessels at the ports under the jurisdiction of the Port Management Office (PMO) - General Santos

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is responsible for providing tug assistance
PPA may authorize shipping companies or private entities to offer tug services on a non-exclusive basis

Tug operators must secure an annual permit issued by PPA to operate within harbor limits
Permit issuance subject to terms, conditions, and compliance with other agencies' regulations
Tug operators are required to provide suitable and efficient tug equipment
Operators towing their own barges/lighters with tugboats are exempt from permit requirements when not servicing other vessels
Permit required if tugboats service other vessels apart from own barges/lighters

Tug assistance is mandated based on vessel GRT and tug horsepower (HP) as follows:
- 1,500 to 3,000 GRT: 500 HP tug or equivalent
- 3,001 to 10,000 GRT: 700 HP tug or equivalent
- 10,001 to 15,000 GRT: 1,000 HP tug or equivalent
- Above 15,001 GRT: 1,500 HP tug or equivalent
Absence or insufficiency of tugboats can be compensated by motor launches to reach required combined HP
Vessels with functional bow and stern thrusters of adequate capacity are exempt from tug requirements
Vessels with only functional bow thrusters must have 50% of the required tug horsepower
Non-propelled vessels (e.g., barges/lighters) are exempt but must maintain their own tugboats while at berth per PPA Memorandum Circular No. 22-86
No vessel of 1,500 GRT or more is allowed to dock/undock at covered ports without conforming to tug assistance requirements

PPA prescribes fees and rates for tug services after consultation with port users
In absence of prescribed fees, rates agreed upon by shipping company and tug operators apply
In case of disagreement, PPA settles the tug service rates

Damages to port facilities caused by vessels under tug assistance are charged to parties at fault
Fault determination is based on applicable existing laws

Any unconstitutional or invalid provision of the Order does not affect the validity of the remaining sections

Previous PPA orders inconsistent with this Order are repealed or amended accordingly

The Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation
Officially adopted on February 13, 1996 by General Manager Carlos L. Agustin