Title
PPA Inclement Weather Port Ops Guidelines
Law
Ppa Memorandum Circular No. 19-96
Decision Date
Apr 30, 1996
PPA Memorandum Circular No. 19-96 establishes revised guidelines and standard operating procedures for ensuring the safety of vessels and port operations during tropical storms and typhoons, detailing precautionary measures and responsibilities for port management and vessel crews based on varying storm signal levels.
port operations
inclement weather
safety measures

Policy, objective, and coverage

  • This Circular is required for all foreign and domestic vessels that are berthed/anchored in a government port during a tropical storm/typhoon.
  • Its objective is to promote the safety of vessels, facilities, users and port operations during storms/typhoons.
  • It governs inclement-weather port operations during typhoons or storms affecting the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
  • For ports/terminals operated under exclusive management and operation of a private contractor, references to the PMO Port Manager or Terminal Supervisor are treated as references to the Port/Terminal Operator and its corresponding officers.

Definitions and storm signals

  • Storm Signal No. 1 applies when winds of 16 to 32 knots are expected in the locality within the next 36 hours and a tropical cyclone will affect the locality.
  • Storm Signal No. 2 applies when winds of 32 to 54 knots are expected in the locality within the next 24 hours and a moderate tropical cyclone will affect the locality.
  • Storm Signal No. 3 applies when winds at 54 to 100 knots are expected in the locality within the next 18 hours and a strong tropical cyclone will affect the locality.
  • Storm Signal No. 4 applies when winds of 100 knots and above are expected in the locality within the next 12 hours and a very intense typhoon will affect the locality.

General precautionary measures by signal

  • Under Storm Signal No. 1, all vessels in the port (whether self-propelled or non-propelled) must be attended by a sufficient number of crew capable of moving the vessel upon notice.
  • Under Storm Signal No. 2, the measures under Storm Signal No. 1 on crew standby must be observed, tugboats must be at standby, and vessels at berth must double their mooring lines.
  • Under Storm Signal No. 2, operations at the anchorage may be suspended on a case to case basis.
  • Under Storm Signal No. 3:
    • All precautions for Storm Signal Nos. 1 and 2 must be exercised.
    • All operations at the anchorage are suspended.
    • Loading/discharging of containers and other cargoes to/from vessels must be suspended and the structures secured.
    • All cargoes, cargo handling equipment, and their accessories must be secured.
    • The piers, slips, and wharves must be cleared of vessels of more than 1,000 GRT.
    • Vessels of not more than 1,000 GRT may be allowed at the anchorage, and those that remain moored and secured at piers/slips/wharves must take necessary precautions (including double or multiple mooring lines, sufficient officers and crew on board, standby engines, etc.); any damage caused to the pier, slip or wharf is borne by the owners of these vessels.
  • Under Storm Signal No. 4:
    • All precautions for Storm Signal Nos. 1, 2, and 3 must be exercised.
    • All operations in port except emergency in nature cease.
  • Regardless of storm signal, work is governed by wave height:
    • below 4 feet: no suspension of work
    • 4–5 feet: suspension only at anchorage
    • over 5 feet: suspension on both at dockside and at anchorage
  • The PMO Port Manager may direct the clearing of piers/wharves of vessels at any time during typhoons when necessary under the prevailing situation.
  • If the situation requires it, the PMO Port Manager’s direction on clearing piers/wharves controls operational safety actions during typhoons.

Standard operating procedures (PMO duties)

  • During the presence of typhoons or storms and similar weather disturbances, the Port Manager must maintain contact/liaison with PAGASA (Weather Bureau) every four (4) hours to regularly monitor weather developments in the locality/jurisdiction.
  • The Port Manager must coordinate with the local Philippine Coast Guard Station on the movement of vessels during typhoons.
  • The PMO must maintain and compile the Daily Official Weather Bulletin/Report at all times, and must record the hourly wind force and direction and the wave height for the reference of all concerned.
  • During Storm Signal No. 2 or above, the following officials (in addition to regular personnel on duty) must report for duty for the duration: Port Manager, PSD Manager, ESD Manager, Port Police Commander, Harbor Master, and the Terminal Supervisor and/or next ranking officers.
  • If the interest of the public so requires, the Port Manager and/or the Terminal Supervisor may redirect operations in their respective areas.
  • The Harbor Master must establish contact/coordination with vessels in port to facilitate vessel operations and movement of vessels at pier/anchorages during typhoons.

Damage reporting after the storm

  • Immediately after the storm or typhoon, the Terminal Supervisor must conduct a damage survey.
  • The Terminal Supervisor must submit a damage report to the Port Manager not later than 24 hours after the storm or typhoon has passed.
  • The damage report must state details of the damage, losses, injuries, or casualty, if any.
  • The damage report must include the reporting officer’s recommendations and cost estimates for repair or replacement of the losses or damages.
  • A similar damage report must be submitted by the Port/Terminal Operator to the PPA Office tasked to monitor port activities.
  • Within 24 hours after storms/typhoons, the Port Manager must contact and make an initial damage report to the National Port Operations Center (NPOC), Head Office using the fastest means of communication available.

Request for suspension and suspension order

  • The shipmaster/agent, or the arrastre/stevedoring contractor, may file a formal request for suspension of vessel operations with the local PMO if deemed necessary.
  • The Port Manager or the authorized representative must act on the request in accordance with the applicable guidelines under this Circular.
  • When issued, the Suspension Order must be accomplished in four (4) copies distributed as follows:
    • Original — retained by PPA
    • Second Copy — Cargo Handler
    • Third Copy — Shipping Company/Agent
    • Fourth Copy — Cargo Owner/Broker
  • Standby charges must not be assessed as a result of issuing the Suspension Order, provided the stevedores are allowed to disembark at the ship accommodation ladder.
  • If the Master and/or agent fails to provide for the stevedores’ safe disembarkation, the Master and/or agent is liable for payment of standby charges.

Effectivity

  • This Order takes effect immediately.
  • It is adopted on April 30, 1996 by (SGD.) CARLOS L. AGUSTIN, General Manager.

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