Verde Island Passage Vessel Routeing Rules

To prescribe binding rules and regulations for vessels navigating through the Verde Island Passage.
Aims to enhance maritime safety and traffic management within this critical navigational area.

Routeing System: A set of measures including traffic separation schemes and precautionary areas designed to minimize maritime accidents.
Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS): Established lanes separating opposing maritime traffic flows.
Separation Zone: The buffer zone between traffic lanes with vessels moving in opposite directions.
Traffic Lane: One-way corridors designated within the routeing system.
Recommended Track: Safe navigational routes recommended after thorough hazard examination.
Precautionary Area: Zones requiring heightened navigational caution.
Area to be Avoided: Hazardous areas vessels must avoid.
Inshore Traffic Zone: Areas adjacent to shorelines outside the main traffic lanes.
Established Direction of Traffic Flow: Directional patterns within traffic lanes intended to regulate vessel movement.

The Routeing System is delineated on NAMRIA Chart Number 4305.
The system comprises imaginary lines defining separation zones, traffic lanes, and inshore traffic zones.
The International Rules of the Road complement these specific provisions.
General prudential navigation rules override in cases of conflict with this Circular.

Geographic boundaries of separation zones and traffic lanes precisely defined by latitude and longitude points.
Two traffic lanes: one northbound and one southbound, situated between separation zones.
Areas to be avoided and precautionary areas specified in proximity to Verde Island.
Inshore traffic zones located alongside the Batangas and Mindoro coastlines.
Mandatory use of the traffic separation scheme at all times for vessels passing the passage.
Specific navigational conduct required: maintaining lane direction, staying close to starboard boundaries, avoiding crossing lanes unless necessary, and proper joining and leaving of lanes.
Inshore traffic zone usage limited to vessels unable to safely use traffic lanes or avoiding danger.
Entry into the separation zone prohibited except in emergencies.
Special caution prescribed near TSS terminations.
Anchoring banned within or near the TSS.
Vessels not using TSS must give wide berth and avoid impeding vessels following established traffic flow.
Exemptions for vessels restricted in maneuverability during specific operations once proper notices are issued.
Fishing activities are strictly prohibited within the TSS.
Use of international signal "YG" encouraged to indicate non-compliance with the TSS.

Vessels must steer to safe waters and away from the TSS in emergencies.
Vessels not under command shall adhere strictly to Rule 27 of COLREGS concerning vessel status and movement.

Masters, owners, and operators bear responsibility for disseminating and complying with the Circular.
Liability for loss of life or property resulting from non-compliance rests with the vessel’s master or patron.
Observers of violations must report incidents through marine protests to the nearest Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) units.
PCG units have protocols for forwarding reports to higher Coast Guard authorities for action.

The Coast Guard District STL (SBMI) is tasked with incident investigation.
Penalties for violations are progressive:
- First Offense: 3-month suspension of master/patron license.
- Second Offense: 1-year suspension of license.
- Third Offense: Revocation of master/patron license.

Memorandum Circular 06-93 and any other provisions inconsistent with this Circular are amended or modified accordingly.

The Circular takes effect 15 days post-publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Officially adopted on 9 July 2003 under the signature of VADM Reuben S. Lista, PCG.