RA 9993 – PCG Law of 2009 i.

To render aid to persons and vessels in distress and conduct

search rescue in marine accidents within the maritime
Legislative Backgrounds of PCG Enabling Laws jurisdiction of the Philippines
1. RA 5173 j. To investigate the inquire into the causes of all maritime
2. PD 601 accidents involving death, casualties and damage to
3. EO 473 properties
4. EO 477 k. To assist in the enforcement of laws on fisheries, immigration,
5. EO 125 tariff and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human
6. EO 125-A trafficking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals,
7. RA 9295 transnational crimes
l. To board and inspect all types of merchant ships and
Sec. 1. Tiitle: PCG LAW of 2009 watercrafts in the performance of this functions
2. Establishment: attached to DOTC/DOTr m. To enforce laws and promulgated and administer rules and
regulations for the protection of marine environment and
Sec. 3. Powers and Functions resources from offshore sources or pollution within the
maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines
a. To enforce regulations in accordance with all relevant maritime n. To develop oil spill response, containment and recovery
international conventions, treaties or instruments and national capabilities against ship-based pollution
laws for the promotion of safety of life property at sea within o. To grant, within the capabilities and consistent with its
the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines and conduct port mandate, requests for assistance of other government
state control implementation agencies in the performance of their functions
b. To conduct inspections on all merchant ships and vessels, p. To organize, train and supervise the PCG Auxiliary for the
including but shall not be limited to inspections prior to purpose of assisting the PCG in carrying out its mandated
departure, to ensure and enforce compliance with safety functions
standards, rules and regulations q. To perform such other functions that may be necessary in the
c. To detain, stop or prevent a ship or vessel which does not attainment of the objectives of this Act
comply with safety standards, rules and regulations from Sec. 4. Gender Sensitivity Program
sailing or leaving port 5. The PCG Commandant
d. To conduct emergency readiness evaluation on merchant 6. Organization
marine vessels 7. Officer Rank Distribution
e. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of the DOTC, to issue 8. Distribution of Flag Officers
and enforce rules and regulation for the promotion of safety 9. Maximum Tenure in Grade
and life and property at sea on all maritime-related activities 10. Maximum Tenure in Position
f. To coordinate, develop, establish, maintain and operate aids 11. Organization of PCGA
to navigation, vessel traffic system, maritime communications 12. Appointments
and search and rescue facilities within the maritime jurisdiction 13. Promotions
of the Philippines 14. Salaries and other Benefits
g. To remove, destroy or low to port, sunken or floating hazards 15. Active Service
to navigation 16. Disciplinary Action
h. To issue permits for the salvage of vessels and to supervise all 17. Retirement
marine salvage operations 18. Retirement Benefits
19. Separation from Service
 20. Collection of Revenues Pre-departure Inspection (PDI)
21. Rules and Regulations
22. PCG Properties and Lighthouse Reservation Emergency Readiness Evaluation (ERE)
23. Establishments and Expansion of Coast Guard Bases and Facilities Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE)
24. Appropriations
Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspections (VSEI)
25. Transitory Probations

Activities
……………………………………………………………………………………………… Publication of Notice to Mariners (NOTAM)
PCG MISSION, VISION AND FUNCTIONS Implementation and enforcement of navigational rules
PCG Core POWERS and
Functions FUNCTIONS Designation of sea lanes
1) MarSaf a, b, c, d, e, f, h, j GOAL: To prevent or Issue permits and supervise all marine salvage operations
minimize the loss of lives
and property at sea. Destroy or tow floating hazards to navigation
2) MarSec k CG K9 Force Ensure operation and maintenance of lighthouses and
Sea Marshal Group navigational buoys
3) MarLen K, l, m Goal: To suppress and
guard against maritime
violations. MARLEN
4) MEP g, n, o Goal: To prevent, control, board and inspect all watercrafts suspected to be involved in or
and investigate oil spills used in illegal trade

Activities
and other types of marine
pollution. implement laws on fisheries (and poaching), immigration, tariff
5) MarSar f, i, Goal: To effectively and customs, forestry, firearms and explosives, human
respond to marine trafficking, dangerous drugs and controlled chemicals, and battle
casualties and disasters. transnational crimes

MARSAF MEP
conduct of marine pollution monitoring and control

Activities
enhancement of PCG capability and oil spill response
operations
enforcement of all marine environmental laws and
regulations
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National Coast Watch Center

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 Boarding Preparations and Procedures

Boarding Process: ………………………………………………………………………………………………

• Pre-boarding (review) Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC)
• Embarkation
• ISI and/or Extended ISI Introduction to Maritime Safety
• Routine Inspection
• Debarkation Maritime Safety
• Debrief - a state of being safe or free from harm in doing activities such navigation,
commerce and recreation on the sea
Boarding Preparation
• Boarding Preparation
• Observations Maritime Safety Conceptual Framework
• Pre-boarding Questions
• Intelligence Prevention Response Formulation
• Boarding Team Brief 19 Sept. 1974
• Boarding Instructions to Subject Vessel - Aids to Navigation Command (ANC) was established as an integral unit
• Boarding Instructions to Master of the PCG.
• Boat Crew Brief
23 Jul 2007
- ANC was deactivated
Gear & Weapon Preparation * *Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard General Order Number 106
Gear the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) was activated to replace the Aids
• Body Armor to Navigation Command.
• Utility Belt
• Boarding Kit Operational Control of the Commander MSSC:
Proper Loading Procedures 1. CGWEISS
• Pistol 2. Medical
• Shotgun 3. Dental
• Rifle / Machine Gun
10 Functional Units of MSSC:
5 Safety Rules For Conducting Boardings 1. Maritime Search and Rescue (MARSAR)
• Work in pairs 2. National Port State Control Service (NPSCS)
• Account for all of the crew 3. Aids to Navigation Service (ANS)
• Watch your line of fire 4. Recreational Safety Enforcement Unit (RSEU)
• Protect your weapon 5. Maritime Safety Services Training Institute (MSSTI)
• Prevent tunnel vision 6. Maritime Casualty Investigation Service (MCIS)
………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7. Vessel Safety Services Unit (VSSU)
Revised Guidelines and Procedures on Disposition of Violations of Code of 8. Navigational Safety Services Unit (NSSU)
Conduct and Discipline
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 range than lighthouses in navigable channels a pile beacon maybe used as an
AIDS TO NAVIGATION (ATON): THE PILLAR OF MARITIME SAFETY alternative to a buoy.
• Lighthouses - 602
LEGAL MANDATES • Operational Efficiency – 84.55%
1. Republic Act 9993 also known as “Coast Guard Law of 2009”
Section 3. Powers and Functions , para (f)
TYPES OF LIGHTHOUSES based Structure/Tower:
2. SOLAS 1974 Chapter V. Safety of Navigation 1. Glass Reinforce Plastic
REGULATION 13 - Establishment and operation of aids to navigation 2. Cylindrical Concrete
3. Aluminum Steel Pole
HISTORY 4. RSL (Ruben S Lista)

• On September 19, 1974, the Aids to Navigation Command (ANC) was IALA/AISM Maritime Buoyage System
established as an integral unit of the Philippine Coast Guard - describes the Cardinal and Lateral Buoyage system with diagrams and
• The Aids to Navigation Command was later deactivated through the written explanations of the five types of marks: lateral, cardinal, isolated
issuance of the HPCG GO Nr. 106 on July 23, 2007. danger, safe water and special marks.
• In the same GO, the Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) was - The PH adopts the IALA B Marine Buoyage System
activated to replace the Aids to Navigation Command.
• Aids to Navigation Service was activated as a Unit of the Maritime Safety • Navigational Buoys – 768
Services Command (MSSC). • Operational Efficiency – 73.31%

CHALLENGES
ATON IN THE PHILIPPINES • Modernization of AtoN
PURPOSE: • Career Development Plan
An Aid to Navigation or AtoN is any sort of marker that guides to mark safe • AtoN Development Plan
waters and also help mariners in determining their position with respect to • Source of Funds
land or any navigational hazard or hidden danger.
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LIGHTHOUSE AIDS TO NAVIGATION
- A lighthouse is the tower itself containing the lantern room with the lens that Power and Functions – Rule e and f
shines its light
1642 – Farola in Pasig River
LIGHTSTATION
- A light station (which is usually onshore, but occasionally on offshore islands) Aids to Navigation
is the property containing multiple outbuildings of the "station", as well as the - A device, system or service, external to vessels, designed and operated
lighthouse tower itself. to enhance safe and efficient navigation of individual vessels and/or vessel
traffic. (IALA Dictionary)
BUOYS Maritime Buoyage System (MBS)
- are navigational aids that float on top of the water and are placed strategically IALA - International Association of Marine Aids and Lighthouse Authorities
to give boaters crucial information about the waterway. IALA Region – Region A and B
BEACONS
-Visual characteristics of a beacon are often defined by daymarks, topmarks, REGION A REGION B
and by numbers. A marine signalling light, if fitted, would generally be of a lower Europe North America
 Middle East South America
South Cardinal Marks
Africa Japan - A south cardinal buoy indicates that the safest water exists to the south of
India South Korea it.
- 2 black cones, one above the other, points downward
China Philippines - Yellow above black
- Pillar or spar
Indonesia - VQ(6) or Long flash every 10s or Q(6) + Long flash every 15s
Malaysia
East Cardinal Marks
Singapore - An east cardinal buoy is located to indicate that the safest water exists to
the east of it
Thailand - 2 black cones, one above the other, base to base
- Black with single broad horizontal yellow band
- Pillar or spar
- VQ(3) every 10s or Q(3) every 15s

Types of Navigational Marks

1. Lateral Marks 6. Emergency Wreck Marker West Cardinal Marks
2. Cardinal Marks 7. Leading Lights - A west cardinal buoy is located to indicate that the safest water exists to
3. Isolated Danger Marks 8. Sector Lights the west of it.
4. Safe water marks 9. Lighthouse - 2 black cones, one above the other, point to point
5. Special Marks 10. Beacon - Yellow with a single broad horizontal black band
- Pillar or spar
1. Lateral Marks - VQ(9) every 10s or Q(9) every 15s
-used in conjunctions with a “conventional direction of buoy” generally
3. Isolated Danger Marks
used for well-defined channels. These marks indicate the port and
- is placed on or near to a danger that has navigable waters around it. The
starboard sides of the route to be followed.
extent of the danger and safe passing distance cannot be specified for all
Modified Lateral Marks
circumstances. The mariner shall consult the chart and the nautical
-may be used at point where a channel divides to distinguish the
publication.
preferred channel or the primary route or channel designated by
the competent authority.
4. Safe Water Marks
2. Cardinal Marks
- indicate that there is navigable water all around the marks; these include
- To indicate that the deepest water in the area lies to the named side of
center line and mid-channel marks.
the marks.
- To indicate the safe side on which to pass a danger.
5. Special Water Marks
North Cardinal Marks
- indicate a special area or feature whose nature may be apparent from
- A north cardinal buoy is located so that the safest water exists to
the north of it. reference to a chart or other nautical publication. They are not generally
- 2 black cones, one above the other, points upward intended to mark channels or obstructions where other marks are suitable.
- Black above yellow.
- Pillar or spar 6. Emergency Marks
- Very Quick VQ(3) or Q Long flash every 15s - Placed above, or as close to new wrecks and under water hazards
7. Leading Lights
- a group of two or more marks or lights in the same vertical plane such
that the navigator can follow the leading line on the same bearing. Can be
any color or shape that provides a distinct mark that cannot be confused
with adjacent structures.
8. Sector lights
- a fixed aid to navigation that displays a light of different colors and/or
rhythms of designated arcs. The color of the light provides directional
information to the mariner.
9. Lighthouse
- is a tower or substantial building or structure, erected at a designated
geographical location to carry out a signal light and provides a significant
daymark.
10. Beacon
- a fixed man-made navigational mark that can be recognized by its shape,
color, pattern, topmark, or light character or a combination of both.
Lantern - The light source of aid to navigation.
Flasher/ Flasher lampchanger - To provide the electric signal of the rhythm
processed for the operating lamp (bulb) mounted on a lamp changer.
Sunswitch/ Photoeye - Switch on and off the operating lamp mounted on a lamp
changer according to its ambient light.
Sunswitch is equipped with light sensor called photo eye (also known as photo
cell or light-dependent resistor) that detects illumination and darkness.
Solar Panel - (also solar module, photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel)
is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic
cells.
Charge Controller - Also known as battery regulator.
- It is efficiently charge the electric power generated by solar photovoltaic modules
in storage batteries.
Battery - stores the electrical energy from the solar panel and power the light
during the night.
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MCIS
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Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS)
Legal Basis – Rule 3.f.
Vessel Traffic System
- It is a service implemented by a Competent Authority, designed to
improve the safety and efficiency of vessel traffic and to protect the
environment. The service should have the capability to interact with the
traffic and respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS Area. (IALA
Dictionary).
Main Objectives:
1. Aid the mariner in the safe and efficient use of navigable waterways.
2. Afford unhindered access to pursue commercial and leisure activities,
subject to any restriction that may exists.
3. Contribute to keeping the seas and adjacent environment free from
pollution
3 Types of VTS
1. Port or Harbor VTS
- It’s mainly concerned with vessel traffic to and from a port or harbor or
harbors.
2. Coastal VTS
- It’s mainly concerned with vessel traffic passing through the area or a
combination of both types.
3. Inland VTS
- To improve the safety and efficiency of navigation, safety of life and the
protection of the environment and or adjoining waterways banks, nearby
residents and enterprises from possible adverse effect of vessel traffic
Types of Service within A VTS:
1. INFORMATION SERVICE (INS)
- A service to ensure the essential information becomes available in time
for onboard navigational decision making. It involves maintaining a traffic
image (the surface picture of vessels and their movements in the VTS
area) of and allows interaction with traffic and response to developing
traffic situations.
2. TRAFFIC ORGANIZATION SERVICES (TOS)
- A service to prevent the development of dangerous maritime traffic
situations and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of vessel
traffic within the declared VTS area.
 procedures relating to safety of the vessel or the prevention of marine
3. NAVIGATIONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE (NAS) pollution;
- A service that provides essential and timely navigational information to
assist in the on board navigational decision-making process and to monitor Deficiency
its effects. It is especially important in difficult navigational or – a condition found not to be in compliance with the requirements of
meteorological (weather) circumstances or in case of defects or relevant maritime regulations;
deficiencies.
Detention
Equipment of a VTS: – intervention action taken by the boarding team/authority when the
• Radar • CCTV • AIS condition of the ship or its crew does not correspond substantially with the
• VHF • Sensor Control & • VTMS Operator applicable laws to ensure that the ship will not sail until it can proceed to
Transceiver Monitor Window Console sea without presenting any danger to the ship or person on board, or
without presenting any threat of harm to the marine environment;
……………………………………………………………………………………………….. Domestic Trade
– any operation of vessel within Philippine waters.
LEGAL BASIS AND INTRODUCTION to Vessel Safety Enforcement
Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR)
Rule 3. b, c, d – a document issued by the vessel safety enforcement inspection of the
PCG to the Master of a vessel after he has been apprised of prima facie
MDSD – Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure findings of violation of maritime safety laws, rules and regulations;
- requirement prior to every voyage to ensure that the Master continuously
comply to the prescribed safety requirements and to develop awareness Fishing Vessel
and responsibility to abide with safety rules and regulations in conducting – a vessel used for catching fish or other resources of the sea;
day to day operations
More Detailed Inspection
1. Conduct Pre-Departure Inspection (PDI) – an inspection conducted when there are clear grounds to believe that the
2. Conduct Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection (VSEI) condition of the vessel, its equipment, or its crews do not correspond
3. Conduct Emergency Readiness Evaluation substantially with the particulars of the certificates;

Philippine-Registered Vessel
– All vessels registered in the Philippines.
1. CONDUCT PRE-DEPARTURE INSPECTION (PDI)
- It is an inspection conducted by a VSE Inspector or Team to all departing Pre-Departure Inspection
merchant vessels from domestic ports to promote continuing compliance – an inspection conducted prior to depart of a vessel;
with safety standards prescribed by the existing policies, rules and
regulations, marine pollution prevention, standards on manning and Pre- Departure Inspection Checklist
competency of seafarers. – a list of documents, equipments, machinery, life saving appliances and
maritime safety devices which shall be examined and evaluated by the
Clear Grounds VSEI while conducting MPDI.
- evidence that the vessel, its equipment, or its crew does not correspond
substantially with the requirements of relevant maritime laws or that the Seaworthy
master or crew members are not familiar with the essential shipboard
 – ability to withstand ordinary stress of wind, waves and other weather
disturbances which the vessel might normally be expected to encounter
and that it is manned by competent officers and crew;.

Stoppage of an Operation
– formal prohibition against a ship to continue an operation due to an
identified deficiency(ies) which, singly or together, render the continuation
of such operation hazardous
Sub-standard Ship
– a ship whose hull, machinery, equipment or operational safety is
substantially below standards required by relevant maritime laws or
regulations or whose crew is not in conformance with standard manning
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requirements.
Valid Certificate Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea,
– a statutory certificate that has been issued by a cognizant government 1972 (COLREGs)
agency or on its behalf by a Recognized Organization which attest to the
substantial compliance of ship, its equipment or crew with the required
standards.
Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection Deficiency Codes

- a list of coded deficiencies that will be used as a guide of the inspectors

in conducting vessel safety inspection to have a uniform and systematic
report.
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2. CONDUCT VESSEL SAFETY ENFORCEMENT INSPECTION (VSEI)

- It is an inspection conducted by a VSE team to determine the continuing

compliance of a vessel to a certain aspect of seaworthiness.

3. CONDUCT EMERGENCY READINESS EVALUATION (ERE)

- the Evaluation is conducted to ensure the quick response of crew during

emergency situation, for the safety of passenger, crew and the vessel
itself.

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MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE (MARSAR)