Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10650
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR 
PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972, AS AMENDED, AND THE PHILIPPINE 
MERCHANT MARINE REGULATIONS ON PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA 
INTO THE LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECTIVE 
IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proposed bill on collision regulations is a significant legislative initiative aimed at enhancing 
maritime safety and navigation within Philippine waters. The primary objective of the bill is to 
enhance maritime safety by reducing the risk of collisions at sea. By aligning national regulations 
with international standards, it ensures that all vessels, whether domestic or foreign, operate under 
the same rules in Philippine waters, reducing confusion and enhancing safety. This is particularly 
crucial given past incidents like the tragic collision between MV Doña Paz and MT Vector in 1987, 
which resulted in over 4,000 fatalities. Enhanced safety regulations could have potentially 
mitigated such catastrophic outcomes. 
As a signatory to international maritime conventions such as the International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), the Philippines has an obligation to incorporate these 
standards into its national legislation. Compliance with international laws ensures the country 
maintains its standing and credibility in the global maritime community. The MV Princess of the 
Stars tragedy in 2008, which resulted in more than 800 deaths, highlighted the need for adherence 
to international safety standards to prevent such disasters. 
Collisions at sea can lead to significant environmental damage, including oil spills and harm to 
marine ecosystems. The 2006 sinking of MT Solar 1 off the coast of Guimaras Island, which spilled 
over 2 million liters of oil, exemplifies the severe environmental impact of maritime collisions. 
Strict regulations and effective implementation can help prevent such incidents, contributing to the 
protection of the marine environment. Clear and consistent maritime rules help prevent accidents 
that can lead to costly damages and delays, supporting the smooth operation of maritime trade, 
vital for the economy of the Philippines, an archipelagic nation heavily reliant on maritime 
transport. The collision between MV SuperFerry 14 and a smaller vessel in 2004, which resulted 
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in significant loss of life and economic disruption, underscores the importance of regulatory clarity 
in preventing such costly incidents. 
 
The proposed law provides a clear legal framework for addressing collisions and other navigational 
issues, outlining the responsibilities and liabilities of vessel operators and ensuring a structured 
approach to resolving incidents and disputes. The case of MV St. Thomas Aquinas, which collided 
with a cargo ship in 2013, leading to over 100 deaths, highlights the necessity of legal clarity in 
assigning responsibility and handling the aftermath of collisions. Incorporating these regulations 
into national law provides the legal basis for enforcement by relevant authorities such as the 
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), ensuring that 
violations can be effectively prosecuted and penalized, enhancing accountability. The enforcement 
of regulations following the collision of MV Cebu City and MV Kota Suria in 1999, which resulted 
in multiple casualties, would have been more robust with stronger legal backing. 
 
This legislation also mandates training and certification for mariners, ensuring they are 
knowledgeable about the rules and can competently navigate and operate vessels to avoid 
collisions. The numerous collisions in the country's waters over the years, including the MV 
Catalyn B and FV Anatalia collision in 2009, demonstrate the critical need for enhanced training 
and awareness among seafarers. Given these reasons, it is prudent for the Philippines to enact a 
law that incorporates both the COLREGs and the Philippine Merchant Marine Rules and 
Regulations (PMMRR), ensuring a comprehensive and effective framework for maritime safety 
and navigation, ultimately safeguarding lives, the environment, and the economy. 
 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
                                                                                                                 
 
Rep. KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
 
House Bill No. 10650 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR 
PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, 1972, AS AMENDED, AND THE PHILIPPINE 
MERCHANT MARINE REGULATIONS ON PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA 
INTO THE LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINES AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE EFFECTIVE 
IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
 
CHAPTER I  
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Collision Regulations Act.” 
 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes its obligation to promote maritime safety 
by establishing sound maritime and navigational rules to prevent maritime accidents. Further, the 
State recognizes the need to ensure the safety of life and property at sea, to promote efficient 
maritime navigation, and to protect the marine environment. In pursuit of these objectives, the 
State hereby adopts and implements the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), as amended, and the Philippine Merchant Marine 
Regulations on Preventing Collisions at Sea (PMMRPCS). 
 
Section 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms are defined as: 
 
a. Department – refers to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). 
 
b.1972 Collision Regulations – mean the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for 
Preventing Collisions at Sea, as amended. 
 
c. Philippine Merchant Marine Regulations on Preventing Collisions at Sea (PMMRPCS) – refers 
to the set of rules and guidelines issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and other 
relevant Philippine authorities aimed at preventing collisions at sea. 
 


d. Organization – refers to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
 
e. Routing System – means any system of one or more routes or routing measures aimed at reducing 
the risk of casualties. It includes traffic separation schemes, two-way routes, recommended tracks, 
areas to be avoided, inshore traffic zones, roundabouts, precautionary areas, and deep-water routes. 
 
f. Seaplane – includes any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water. 
 
g. Vessel – includes every description of watercraft, including non-displacement craft, Wing-in-
Ground (WIG) craft, and seaplanes, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on 
water. 
 
h. Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) – means a service 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 to respond to traffic situations developing in the VTS area. 
 
i. Wing-in-Ground (WIG) craft – means a multi-modal craft which, in its main operational mode, 
flies in close proximity to the surface by utilizing surface-effect action. 
 
Section 4. Incorporation of the 1972 Collision Regulations and PMMRPCS. Subject to the 
provisions of this Act, the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing 
Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) as amended, including any subsequent applicable amendments, and 
the Philippine Merchant Marine Regulations on Preventing Collisions at Sea (PMMRPCS), shall 
form part of the laws of the Philippines. 
 
CHAPTER II  
SCOPE OF APPLICATION 
 
Section 5. Application. This Act shall apply to the following: 
 
a. Philippine vessels, craft, and seaplanes wherever they may be. 
 
b. All other vessels, craft, and seaplanes while within the ports, inland waterways, 
archipelagic waters, and territorial sea of the Philippines. 
 
CHAPTER III 
IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF COLREGs 1972 AND PMMRPCS 
 
Section 6. Rules of the Road. The following rules shall be observed: 
 
a. Rule 5 - Look-out. Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing 
as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as 
to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. 
 


b. Rule 6 - Safe Speed. Every vessel shall proceed at a safe speed so that proper and effective 
action can be taken to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing 
circumstances and conditions. 
 
c. Rule 7 - Risk of Collision. Every vessel shall use all available means appropriate to the prevailing 
circumstances and conditions to determine if a risk of collision exists. If there is any doubt such 
risk shall be deemed to exist. 
 
d. Rule 8 - Action to Avoid Collision. Any action taken to avoid collision shall be taken in 
accordance with the rules of this Chapter and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be 
positive, made in ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship. 
 
e. Rule 9 - Narrow Channels. A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway 
shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is 
safe and practicable. 
 
f. Rule 10 - Traffic Separation Schemes. A vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall: 
 
i. Proceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. 
 
ii. So far as practicable keep clear of a traffic separation line or separation zone. 
 
iii. Normally join or leave a traffic lane at the termination of the lane, but when joining or 
leaving from either side shall do so at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic 
flow as practicable. 
 
Section 7. Lights and Shapes. The following provisions shall be observed: 
 
a. Rule 20 - Application. Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise, 
and during such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken 
for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or 
interfere with the keeping of a proper look-out. 
 
b. Rule 21 - Definitions. For the purposes of these Rules, the term: 
 
i. Masthead light means a white light placed over the fore and aft centerline of the vessel 
showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 225 degrees and fixed so as to 
show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on either side of the vessel. 
 
ii. Sidelights mean a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side each 
showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and fixed so as to 
show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side. In a 
vessel of less than 20 meters in length, the sidelights may be combined in one lantern 
carried on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel. 
 


iii. Sternlight means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an 
unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and fixed so as to show the light 
67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel. 
 
iv. Towing light means a yellow light having the same characteristics as the sternlight. 
 
v. All-round light means a light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 
360 degrees. 
 
vi. Flashing light means a light flashing at regular intervals at a frequency of 120 flashes 
or more per minute. 
 
Section 8. Sound and Light Signals. The following provisions shall be observed: 
 
a. Rule 34 - Maneuvering and Warning Signals. When vessels are in sight of one another, a power-
driven vessel underway, when maneuvering as authorized or required by these Rules, shall indicate 
that maneuver by the following signals on her whistle: 
 
i. One short blast to mean "I am altering my course to starboard." 
 
ii. Two short blasts to mean "I am altering my course to port." 
 
iii. Three short blasts to mean "I am operating astern propulsion." 
 
b. Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility. In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether 
by day or night, the signals prescribed in this Rule shall be used as follows: 
 
i. A power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more 
than 2 minutes one prolonged blast. 
 
ii. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water shall 
sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an 
interval of about 2 seconds between them. 
 
Section 9. Additional Provisions from PMMRPCS. The following provisions from the PMMRPCS 
shall be observed: 
 
a. Rule 15 - Crossing Situation. When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk 
of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and 
shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. 
 
b. Rule 16 - Action by Give-way Vessel. Every vessel which is directed to keep out of the way of 
another vessel shall, so far as possible, take early and substantial action to keep well clear. 
 
c. Rule 17 - Action by Stand-on Vessel. Where one of two vessels is to keep out of the way, the 
other shall keep her course and speed. 


 
CHAPTER IV 
 DISTRESS SIGNALS 
 
Section 10. Distress Signals. The following shall be considered distress signals: 
 
a. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute. 
 
b. A continuous sounding with any fog-signaling apparatus. 
 
c. Rockets or shells, throwing red stars fired one at a time at short intervals. 
 
d. A signal made by any signaling method consisting of the group SOS in the Morse Code. 
 
e. A signal sent by radio consisting of the spoken word "Mayday." 
 
f. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, etc.). 
 
g. A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare showing a red light. 
 
h. A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke. 
 
i. Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side. 
 
j. The International Code Signal of distress indicated by NC. 
 
k. A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a 
ball. 
 
l. Radio-telegraph alarm signal. 
 
m. Radio-telephone alarm signal. 
 
n. Signals transmitted by emergency position-indicating radio beacons. 
 
o. Approved signals transmitted by radio communication systems. 
 
Any master of a vessel, seaplane, or craft on hearing or receiving such a distress signal shall 
immediately proceed to the assistance of the persons or seacraft in distress unless he/she is unable 
or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to do so. The 
master who has given a signal of distress by means of radio or other means shall cause that signal 
to be revoked by all appropriate means as soon as he/she is satisfied that the vessel or seacraft to 
which or the person to whom the signal relates is no longer in need of assistance. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 NEGLIGENCE 


 
Section 11. Presumption of Negligence. Where any damage to person or property arises from the 
non-observance by any vessel, seaplane, or craft of any provisions of this Act, the damage shall be 
presumed to have been occasioned by the negligence of the person in charge of the vessel, 
seaplane, or craft at that time. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 
 
Section 12. Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). The MARINA may exempt any vessel or 
class of vessel which relate to the number, position, range, or arc of visibility of lights or shapes, 
as well as to the disposition and characteristics of sound-signaling appliances if compliance with 
such provision is either impractical or unreasonable in the case of the vessel or description in such 
terms as may be specified. For this purpose, MARINA shall issue a certificate of exemption which 
may be canceled or revoked as may be determined. 
 
Section 13. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG, in coordination with the Philippine Ports 
Authority (PPA), shall establish the necessary ship routing system and vessel traffic services. 
 
The introduction of a new routing system or amending an existing one shall be in compliance with 
the general provisions on the ship’s routing adopted by the Organization. In the same manner, the 
PCG shall conform to the guidelines issued by the Organization. Further, VTS shall be operated in 
conformity with the said guidelines and other relevant IMO resolutions. 
 
The PCG shall also ensure that VTS operators are appropriately qualified, suitably trained, and 
capable of performing the tasks required, taking into consideration the type and level of services 
to be provided in conformity with the relevant guidelines and resolutions of the Organization. 
 
The PCG shall investigate, motu proprio or through a written undertaking of a complainant, any 
incident or violation of this Act, and shall forthwith file the appropriate action with the court. 
 
Section 14. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). Subject to Section 13 of this Act, the PPA shall 
coordinate with the PCG and provide the necessary support in establishing a ship routing system 
and VTS, especially in areas going to and from a port or harbor. 
 
Section 15. Local Government Units (LGUs). The LGUs shall ensure that vessels of three (3) gross 
tonnages and below comply with the applicable provisions of this Act. In this respect, before the 
issuance of new registration or renewal of the same, the LGU shall ensure that a clearance or 
exemption, as the case may be, is obtained from MARINA. 
 
Section 16. Other Government Agencies. The assistance of other government agencies or 
instrumentalities, consistent with their mandates, may be called upon in implementing the 
provisions of this Act. 
 


Section 17. Continuance of Mandates. Unless otherwise provided in this Act, the mandate, power, 
and function of all existing agencies or instrumentalities of the government shall remain and 
continue in accordance with the law creating them. 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 PENAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 18. Criminal Liabilities. Where any of the provisions of this Act is contravened, the owner 
of the vessel, the master, and any person for the time being responsible for the conduct of the vessel 
shall each be guilty of an offense, punishable on conviction by imprisonment for a period not less 
than six (6) months but not exceeding two (2) years or a fine not less than One Hundred Thousand 
Pesos (P100,000.00), or both. 
 
Subject to Chapter V of this Act, it shall be a defense for any person charged under this Act to 
show that he/she took all reasonable precautions to avoid the commission of the offense. 
 
Section 19. Administrative Penalties. Upon a summary finding of administrative liability, the 
offender shall be subjected to administrative fines and penalties in accordance with the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
 
Section 20. Liability of Public Officer. Any public officer who shall be found liable for 
misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance in the implementation or enforcement of the provisions 
of this Act shall be penalized in accordance with their respective internal disciplinary system 
and/or the Revised Penal Code. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 COMPLIANCE MECHANISM 
 
Section 21. System or Mechanism of Compliance with the Provisions of this Act. The Department 
shall adopt an audit and/or monitoring system or mechanism to ensure that the provisions 
contained in this Act are faithfully complied with and fully implemented by concerned government 
agencies and/or persons or entities. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Unless otherwise provided in this Act, 
regulations required to administer this Act shall be made by DOTr within three (3) months from 
the effectivity of this Act. 
 
Section 23. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be 
charged against the current year’s appropriation of the DOTr. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary for the purposes, operation, and maintenance of this Act shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. 
 


Section 24. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
Section 25. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, and other 
issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or 
modified accordingly. 
 
Section 26. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved.