Declaration of Policy
- Establishes specific policies and procedures for handline fishing and related boats.
- Aims to develop the handline fishing industry, enhancing competitiveness, sustainability, and social development.
- Mandates strengthening existing regulations and ensuring safety and seaworthiness of handline fishing boats.
Definitions
- Handline Fishing: A traditional fishing technique using a hook on a single line dropped vertically into the water.
- Handline Fishing Boat: A fishing vessel that uses the handline fishing method exclusively, which may have outriggers or auxiliary small boats.
Documentation and Regulation of Handline Fishing Boats
- Registration, inspection, manning, and documentation of handline fishing boats as flag boats managed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
- Licensing and related documentation as fishing boats are the responsibility of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Operations in International Waters
- Philippine registered handline fishing boats may fish in international or permitted foreign waters.
- Such boats must comply with safety, manning, and communication standards to promote seaworthiness.
- Boats must secure an international fishing permit and clearance from BFAR.
- Fish caught under these conditions are considered Philippine catch and exempt from import duties when landed in government-designated ports.
- Fishermen on these boats fishing beyond the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone are not classified as overseas Filipino workers.
Manning Requirements
- Handline fishing boats (except auxiliary boats) must be manned according to prescribed conditions.
- Boat Masters require a Boat Captain License, submission of engagement certificate, owner's affidavit of responsibility, and completion of training.
- Boat Engineers require a Boat Engine Officer License with similar requirements.
- Identification cards for both positions explicitly limited to handline fishing boats.
- Incumbent Boat Masters and Engineers must comply within one year.
- Boats fishing beyond Philippine waters require additional documentation such as Seaman's Identification and Record Book.
Construction and Inspection of Boats
- All handline fishing boats must be registered, admeasured, or re-admeasured.
- Boats of five gross tons and below require submission of photographs and dimensions.
- Boats over five gross tons require boat plans signed and sealed by a Naval Architect.
- Approved existing boat plans meeting specifications are accepted as compliant.
Implementation and Rules
- The Department of Agriculture Secretary, through a technical working committee involving BFAR, MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard, National Telecommunications Commission, and other agencies, must issue implementing rules within 90 days.
- Measures include establishing a one-stop shop, safety equipment provisions (first aid, life-saving, firefighting devices), radio communication facilities, and reportorial requirements.
- The rules aim to promote seaworthiness and effective implementation of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws, decrees, executive orders, or regulations are repealed or modified accordingly to harmonize with this Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect fifteen days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation.