In order to ensure the proper treatment, assessment and collection of port charges on Philippine-registered vessels documented for domestic operation and granted special permit to engage in overseas operations under par. 1 & 2 of MARINA MC No. 166, the following guidelines are hereby prescribed:

Vessels operating under the said circular shall be required to present to PPA the Special Permit issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

1.         Assessment against vessel:

1.1    The Special Permit issued by MARINA shall determine the conversion of vessel from domestic to foreign trade status.

1.2    Philippine-registered vessel en route to a foreign port commences its conversion to foreign status from its last port of call.

1.3    Philippine-registered vessel coming in from a foreign port retains its foreign status until it departs from a port of entry to a domestic port. The vessel's subsequent call at other domestic ports shall be treated as coastwise/domestic operations.

The above shall be the basis in determining the applicable port charges, tug assistance rate and pilotage fees chargeable against shipping lines.

2.         Assessment against cargo:

2.1    Cargoes loaded/unloaded as indicated in the outward/inward foreign manifests/transit manifests shall be assessed and computed in foreign rates for wharfage, cargo handling services and other port related services.

2.2    Cargoes loaded/unloaded as indicated in the outward/inward coasting manifest shall be assessed and computed in domestic rates for wharfage, cargo handling services and other port related services.

These guidelines shall take effect immediately and shall remain in force until revoked or amended.

Adopted: 02 Oct. 2002

(SGD.) ALFONSO G. CUSI
General Manager