The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has increased the number of authorized harbor pilots in Cagayan de Oro as vessel calls in the area continue to grow.
The number of authorized harbor pilots in Cagayan de Oro Pilotage District has been increased to eight from seven through PPA Administrative Order (AO) No. 02-2017 dated Feb 3, 2017 and signed by PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.
“The additional harbor pilot position is due to the exigencies of the service and to cope with the increasing number of vessels calling at the ports within the jurisdiction of PMO (port management office) Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro and in anticipation of the infrastructure and economic developments thereat,” AO No. 02-2017 states.
This is pursuant to Section 7 of PPA AO No. 03-85, entitled “Rules and Regulations Governing Pilotage Services, the Conduct of Pilots and Pilotage Fees in Philippine Ports,” as amended by PPA AO No. 01-95, or the “Increase in the Authorized Number of Harbor Pilot Positions in All Pilotage Districts.”
Under AO No. 01-95, the number of pilots in a pilotage district may be increased or reduced based on the need for their service. The PPA will appoint new harbor pilots through the general manager once it determines the need for them. This will depend on the shipping traffic; how prompt the pilots are to render service; factors that slow down pilotage service; port infrastructure and shipping developments within the whole pilotage district; and views of shipping lines and pilot associations.
Data from PPA showed that shipping traffic in PMO Misamis Oriental was 15,379 in 2015. For the first three quarters of 2015, shipping traffic at PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro was already 12,240 vessels.
The Maritime Industry Authority conducts the harbor pilot examination and issuance of licenses every quarter of the year. – Roumina Pablo
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