PPA Inclement Weather Port Ops Guidelines

Applies to all foreign and domestic vessels berthed or anchored in government ports.
Enforced specifically during tropical storms or typhoons affecting these ports.

To ensure the safety of vessels, port facilities, users, and port operations during storms and typhoons.

Storm Signal No. 1 (Winds 16-32 knots, within 36 hours):
- Vessels must have sufficient crew ready to move the vessel on notice.
Storm Signal No. 2 (Winds 32-54 knots, within 24 hours):
- Maintain sufficient crew on board.
- Tugboats on standby.
- Vessels advised to double mooring lines.
- Anchorage operations may be suspended case-by-case.
Storm Signal No. 3 (Winds 54-100 knots, within 18 hours):
- Follow all precautions from Signals No. 1 and 2.
- No operations at anchorage.
- Loading/discharging of cargo suspended and cargo secured.
- Piers, slips, and wharves cleared of vessels over 1,000 GRT.
- Vessels under 1,000 GRT may remain at anchorage or piers with stringent precautions including multiple mooring, crew presence, and standby engines.
- Liability for any pier damage lies with vessel owners.
Storm Signal No. 4 (Winds above 100 knots, within 12 hours):
- All previous signal precautions apply.
- All port operations except emergencies cease.
Wave Height Considerations:
- Below 4 feet: No suspension of work.
- 4-5 feet: Suspension only at anchorage.
- Over 5 feet: Suspension at dockside and anchorage.
Port Managers may order clearing of piers/wharves at any time if necessary.

Communication & Monitoring:
- Port Manager must liaise with PAGASA every 4 hours during storms.
- Coordinate with Philippine Coast Guard for vessel movement.
- Maintain Daily Official Weather Bulletin and record wind and wave data.
Manpower Requirements:
- Port Manager, PSD Manager, ESD Manager, Port Police Commander, Harbor Master, and Terminal Supervisors must report for duty during Storm Signal No. 2 or higher.
Operational Authority:
- Port Manager/Terminal Supervisor may redirect operations as public interest demands.
Coordination with Vessels:
- Harbor Master to coordinate vessel operations and movements during typhoons.
Post-Storm Damage Assessment:
- Terminal Supervisor to conduct damage survey immediately after the storm.
- Submit damage report (incl. details, losses, injuries, recommendations, cost estimates) to Port Manager within 24 hours.
- Port/Terminal Operator to submit similar report to the PPA monitoring office.
- Port Manager to notify National Port Operations Center within 24 hours using fastest means.

Requests for suspension may be filed by shipmaster/agent or stevedoring contractor.
Port Manager or authorized representative assesses request per guidelines.
Suspension Order prepared in four copies distributed to relevant parties.
No standby charges if stevedores allowed to disembark safely.
Failure to provide safe disembarkation by master/agent results in liability for standby charges.