Module 6
Lesson title: PCG (Philippine Coast
Guard ) and its Law Enforcement
Operations
Learning Targets: At the end of this module, you should
be able to:
1. Identify the Law Enforcement Operations of PCG
2. Discuss its functions of the PCG operational units
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard is the country’s vanguard
against the entry of unsafe foreign vessels into the
country through its Port State Control.
At present, the Philippine Coast Guard has seven (7)
PSC Centers and fifteen (15) PSC Divisions all
throughout the archipelago.
The PSC Center in Manila has the bulk of all inspections
based on frequency of foreign ship calls.
Pursuant to R.A 9993, the Philippine Coast
Guard is mandated to enforce regulations in
accordance with all relevant maritime
international conventions, treaties or
instruments of which the government is
signatory and national laws.
PCG AND ITS OPERATIONAL UNITS
1. MARITIME SAFETY or MARSAF
Function is designed to help prevent or minimize
unnecessary loss of lives and properties at sea.
The seaworthiness of every vessel leaving the port is
ensured through the intensified Mandatory Pre-
departure Inspection which include the compliance of
vessels to safety standards and prevention of vessels
from sailing for failure to comply with the standards;
conduct of random Emergency Readiness Evaluation and
Operational
2. MARITIME SECURITY OR MARSEC
It is vital to enhance the security of its different
maritime zones to protect the integrity as a nation.
PCG contributes to maintain good order at sea by
conducting regular patrols and surveillance for the
safety of navigation of ships, to safeguard ships from
illegal acts and to promote freedom of navigation.
The PCG is likewise mandated to secure exploration
and resource utilization activities within the country's
maritime jurisdiction.
3. MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE OR MARSAR
The Philippine Coast Guard, in accordance with the
Convention of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), is the
national maritime search and rescue service of the
country.
The Coast Guard Action Center (CGAC) at the PCG
Headquarters in Manila, by virtue of the current
functions and facilities, serves as the coordinating
centers for all search and rescue operations.
The twelve Coast Guard Districts are designated
as Maritime Rescue Coordinating Council (MRCC)
within their areas of responsibility.
The 59 Coast Guard Stations are designated as
Maritime Rescue Sub-Centers (MRSC). The
detachments under these stations are designated
as SAR units.
4. MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT or MARLEN
The PCG is likewise mandated to conduct
MARITIME LAW ENFORCEMENT (MARLEN) and
implement laws on fisheries (and poaching),
immigration, tariff and customs, forestry, firearms
and explosives, human trafficking, dangerous drugs
and controlled chemicals, and to implement the
revised penal code and all other applicable laws
within the country’s maritime jurisdiction and battle
transnational crimes.
The PCG is authorized to board and
inspect all watercrafts suspected to be
involved in or used in illegal trade.
PCG personnel are also deemed agents of
BFAR, Immigration, Customs, DENR, PDEA,
and INTERPOL in the performance of its
MARLEN function.
5. MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION or MAREP
The Philippines is a signatory to IMO Conventions on Marine
Pollution of 1973 and 1978 (MARPOL 73/78).
The Philippine Coast Guard under RA 9993 is the sole agency
responsible for the Philippine implementation of the
Conventions with regards to oil pollution, prevention,
mitigation and control through the conduct of marine
pollution monitoring and control, enhancement of PCG
capability and oil spill response operations and enforcement
of all marine environmental laws and regulations.
What is the function of Philippine Coast Guard's
Special Operations Force (CGSOF)?
It is the special force unit of the Philippine Coast Guard. It
performs underwater operations, domestic counter-
terrorism and other law enforcement operations. Their
notable accomplishments include the operations to the
Laoag Air crash at Manila Bay the aftermath of the 2004
M/V Super Ferry 14 bombing and the Search and Recovery
operations to the ill-fated M/V Princess of the Stars incident.
What is the function of Philippine Coast Guard
Auxiliary (PCGA) ?
It is the civilian support group of the Philippine Coast
Guard. Although a volunteer, civilian organization, the PCGA
uses a military structure for organizational purposes. Like
other volunteer sea rescue organizations around the world,
it performs non-military and non-police activities in
support of its national navy or coast guard. This endeavor
includes search and rescue, environmental protection,
disaster relief, community service, and marine safety.