Referenced Materials
- Philippine Coast Pilot, 6th Edition, 1995
- Regulation V/8 of SOLAS 1974/1978
- Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, 1972 (COLREGS)
- IMO Ships' Routeing System
Purpose
- To prescribe comprehensive rules and regulations for vessel navigation through the Southern Approach of the Cebu-Mactan Channel.
- Goals include improving navigational safety, traffic efficiency, and protection of the marine environment in said area.
Scope
- Applies to all vessels, except motorized/fishing bancas and sailing vessels/yachts, entering and leaving Cebu Harbor via the Southern Approach.
Definitions of Key Terms
- Routeing System: A system of routes or measures aimed at reducing navigation casualties, including traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas.
- Separation Line: A line dividing traffic lanes with opposite or nearly opposite directions.
- Traffic Lane: Defined area with one-way traffic established.
- Recommended Track: A specially examined safe route advised for navigation.
- Precautionary Area: Zone requiring navigation with particular caution.
- Area to be Avoided: Navigation is hazardous and should be avoided.
- Inshore Traffic Zone: Between landward boundary of traffic separation scheme and coast.
- Established Direction of Traffic Flow: Indicates the direction within a traffic separation scheme.
- Southern Approach: The channel leading to Cebu Harbor from the South, located between Lipata Bank and Lauis Ledge.
Concept of the Routeing System
- Reflected on NAMRIA Chart No. 4447 (Cebu Harbor and Approaches).
- Imaginary lines such as separation line, traffic lanes, and areas to be avoided are established in the Southern Approach.
- The Rules of the Road apply in full along with these prescribed regulations.
- The General Prudential Rule in the Rules of the Road supersedes these prescribed rules where applicable.
Rules of Passage
Traffic Separation Scheme Setup:
- Separation line defined by specific geographical points (A and B).
- Inbound traffic lane of 200 meters width between the separation line and a line connecting points C and D.
- Outbound traffic lane of 200 meters width between the separation line and a line connecting points E and F.
Recommended Track:
- Inbound vessels should follow course 004° beginning at the bearing of LS Lauis Ledge 090°, maintaining a distance of 240-360 meters from LS Lauis Ledge until LS Cauit bears 270°.
- Outbound vessels start at LS Cauit bearing 270°, steering course 184°, following Provincial Capital Dome Range until LS Lauis Ledge bears 090°.
Obligations for Vessels in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS):
- Mandatory navigation within designated lanes for all vessels except motorized/fishing bancas.
- Proceed within the appropriate lane with traffic flow, keeping close to the starboard outer boundary safely.
- Avoid crossing the traffic lanes if possible; if crossing, do so at a nearly right angle.
- Avoid entry into the separation zone except in emergencies.
- Avoid overtaking, anchoring, and fishing activities in or near the TSS.
- Joining or leaving the lane must be done at or near the lane ends and at minimal angles to traffic flow.
- Vessels not mandated to use TSS must avoid impeding vessels following TSS lanes.
- Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver for safety operations or submarine cable maintenance are exempted but must coordinate and issue Notice to Mariners appropriately.
- Towing and pushing operations must comply with COLREGS Rule 24.
Communication Protocol:
- When violations are observed, vessels should signal "YG" (you appear not to be complying) per International Code of Signals.
Emergency Rules of Passage
- In emergencies, vessels must steer towards safe sea and exit the TSS if possible.
- Vessels not under command must follow COLREGS Rule 27 strictly.
Responsibilities
- Dissemination of these rules is the responsibility of all ship masters, owners, and operators.
- Masters or patrons are liable for loss of life or property due to deviations or non-compliance.
- Observers of non-compliance must file a marine protest with the nearest Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) unit or at the next port of call.
- PCG units outside the Cebu District must forward reports to the appropriate higher authorities (HPGC, HCGD CEV, CG-8).
Enforcement and Penalties
- The Coast Guard District CEV (SBMI) will investigate reported incidents and recommend disciplinary action:
- First offense: Suspension of master/patron’s license for three months.
- Second offense: Suspension for one year.
- Third offense: Revocation of license.
Effectivity
- The memorandum circular takes effect fifteen days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.