Purpose and Policy
- Purpose: Implement procedures for entry and conduct to achieve conservation objectives.
- Policy: Conservation of natural living processes, resources, flora, fauna, and abiotic materials are priorities.
- Entry is a privilege, not a right; must be responsible.
- TRNP is designated as a no-take zone.
Construction and Interpretation
- Interpretation resolves any doubt based on the declared policies of conservation and protection.
Definitions
- Commercial Diving Operations: Fee-based scuba diving services.
- Boat Operator/Manager: Person/entity conducting diving/snorkeling operations.
- Entrants: Individuals or vessels entering TRNP, classified as visitors, crew, or unauthorized entrants.
- Grounding and Beaching: Accidental or intentional reef contact by watercraft; damage to substrate penalized.
- Moorings: Fixtures for vessel tie-up to prevent coral damage.
- Fishing: Taking fish/sea species by any means, including mere deployment of gear.
- Fishing Gear: Instruments used for fishing, including rods, nets, lines, etc.
- Repeat Offender: Person with previous violations or pending cases with park authorities or courts.
Responsibilities and Permitted Activities
- Boat operators must ensure compliance by all passengers and crew.
- Only tourism under Management Plan, research, and authorized park activities allowed.
- Mandatory registration with Ranger Station upon entry.
- Use only provided mooring buoys; boats over 200 GT use at own risk.
- Inform Ranger Station before and after mooring use.
Permit Application and Requirements
- Accurate completion of entry permit applications mandatory.
- Dive operators must submit MARINA Registry at season start.
- Vessels must carry first aid, emergency, oxygen, and SOLAS safety equipment.
- Foreign divemasters/crew require certifications, employment permits, and passports.
- Diver to divemaster ratio capped at 8:1.
- All fees must be paid before permit issuance.
Park Fees
- Vessel fees based on tonnage (Php 3,000 to Php 6,000).
- Visitor fee Php 3,000; 50% discount for repeat visits.
- Divemaster fee Php 250.
- Minors and boat crew exempted.
- Fees non-transferable and non-refundable; payable in Philippine currency.
Special Permits
- Required for commercial filming; subject to strict conditions.
- Film activities must not interfere with park operations.
- Film use must acknowledge TPAMB and location.
- Research and sample collection require permits and compliance with wildlife laws.
Enforcement and Inspection
- TPAMB has right to board and inspect vessels at any time.
- Official complaints may trigger administrative hearings.
Prohibited Acts
- Commercial diving by small vessels (<25 GT).
- Reef grounding/beaching.
- Entry without a permit.
- Tying to moored boats or damaging moorings.
- Fishing and handling marine life.
- Introducing non-endemic species.
- Use of unauthorized motorized sports equipment.
- Structure construction without permission.
- Cruising, landing, swimming around sensitive islets forbidden.
- Pollution, vandalism, anchoring on reefs prohibited.
- Other activities damaging to the park.
Penalties
- Fines from Php 5,000 to Php 500,000 plus damages and restoration costs.
- Solidary liability for vessel owners, operators, and crew.
- Double fees for non-payment.
- Permit cancellation and expulsion from park for violations.
- One-year ban for repeat offenders.
- Prohibition of permits for operators with prior violations.
- Php 12,000 per square meter fine for reef damage by grounding/beaching.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures legal validity despite partial unconstitutionality.
- Previous rules repealed.
- Rules effective fifteen days after publication.