DPWH Order 136: Dredge Positioning Guidelines

• Department Order No. 136 series of 2015 provides guidelines for positioning and moving dredges and floating equipment during heavy weather.
• The guidelines aim to facilitate the safe removal of such equipment from normal locations to sheltered areas.
• The order also aims to ensure crew safety and prevent damage to DPWH floating equipment during heavy weather.

Purpose

• The order prescribes policies and guidelines for positioning/moving DPWH floating equipment during tropical depressions, storms, or typhoons.
• The guidelines ensure crew safety and prevents damage to DPWH floating equipment within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
• The aim is to organize the orderly removal of vessels to sheltered locations.

Scope

• The procedures and guidelines apply to all floating equipment owned and operated by the Department.
• Vessels assisting in rescue operations are the exception.

Definition of Terms

• Terms used are based on Memorandum Circular No. 02-13, Guidelines on Movement of Vessels during Heavy Weather, of the Philippine Coast Guard.
• MARINA refers to the Maritime Industry Authority.
• PAGASA refers to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
• PCG refers to the Philippine Coast Guard.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Nr 1 declares winds of 30-60 kph are expected in the locality in at least 36 hours.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Nr 2 is raised if winds of 61 kph increases to 120 kph in the locality in at least 24 hours.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Nr 3 is raised if winds of 121 kph increase to 170 kph in the locality in at least 18 hours.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Nr 4 is raised if winds of 171 kph increase to 220 kph in the locality in at least 12 hours.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Nr 5 is raised if winds of greater than 220 kph are expected in the locality in at least 12 hours.
• Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) Sector refers to areas covered by PSWS Nr. 1 or higher, indicated on the PAGASA website with color codes.
• Tropical Cyclone refers to a low-pressure system formed in the tropics, composed of rotating clouds, wind, and thunderstorms.
• Tropical cyclones begin as a tropical depression (TD), intensify into a tropical storm (TS), and become a typhoon (TY) when winds exceed 119 kph.
• Tropical Depression (TD) is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained 1-minute mean surface winds of 35 to 64 kph.
• Tropical Storm (TS) is a tropical cyclone with maximum 1-minute mean sustained surface winds of 65 to 118 kph.
• Typhoon (TY) is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained 1-minute mean surface winds greater than 119 kph.
• Vessel refers to any watercraft or conveyance used for transportation.
• Mandatory Sheltering: a vessel underway must proceed to the nearest port or sheltering area if a PSWS is raised along its route/destination.
• Sheltering: Positioning ships/vessels in bays, rivers, or enclosed areas to protect against gale-force winds and rough seas during cyclones.
• Special Areas are bays, rivers, or enclosed areas whose topography makes them less vulnerable to adverse weather effects.

Policies

• DPWH dredges and support vessels may not be governed by MARINA and Philippine Coast Guard policies due to operational nature/areas.
• DPWH dredges and support vessels operating in/near river mouths, coastlines, and inland waterways adopt PCG Memorandum Circulars 02-10 and 02-13 guidelines.
• DPWH dredges mobilized long distances at sea during a PSWS must observe statements B and E of PCG Memorandum Circular No 02-13 paragraph VII.

Procedures

• This section covers procedures for sheltering DPWH dredges and support vessels based on dredge class and activity.
• Dredge Masters shall seek shelter when a PSWS is raised or when the dredge location is along the forecasted typhoon path.
• Dredge Masters must act according to their best judgment to safeguard crew and vessel and to prevent the loss of lives and damage to property.

Multi-Purpose Amphibious Dredges (MPAD)

• DPWH MPADs are small, flat-hulled, 17-ton dredges that perform cutter suction dredging, backhoe dredging, pile driving, and raking.
• MPADs operate in shallow waterways and are at risk of being carried downstream by strong river currents.
• To ensure MPAD safety, procedures during a PSWS include raising the MPAD to an elevated ground and securing it by mooring at four points.

Amphibious Excavators (AE)

• DPWH Amphibious Excavators are 21-ton excavators mounted on pontoons.
• Amphibious Excavators operate in low current, shallow waters for side dumping or dumping into barges.
• During a PSWS, AEs are sheltered to prevent being carried downstream or overturned which includes raising the AE to elevated ground.
• To avoid overturning, the AE should be secured by mooring on four points in case water level rises.

Cutter Suction Dredges (CSD)

• DPWH Cutter Suction Dredges are stationary, range from 13 to 34 meters long, and are maneuvered using winches and swing cables.
• CSDs require a workboat or tugboat for movement and are larger/heavier than MPADs/AEs, requiring different sheltering procedures.
• Procedures to ensure CSD safety during a PSWS include ensuring all accessories, equipment, supplies, and cargo on board are properly lashed.
• Tow the dredge to the nearest sheltering zone, securely moor it, and advise the EMD chief if people remain onboard.

Dredges Undergoing Mobilization/Transfer

• Statement B of PCG Memorandum Circular No 02-13 states when PSWS Nr 1 or higher is hoisted, the Master/Patron shall request permission from the Coast Guard to take shelter.
• Statement E of PCG Memorandum Circular No 02-13 states if a PSWS is hoisted when already underway, the Master/Patron shall take mandatory sheltering.
• When MPADs/AEs are mobilized and a PSWS is hoisted, the Dredge Master takes mandatory sheltering and informs the EMD chief, mooring on four points.
• Flat hulled CSDs can be sheltered in gulfs/bays without big waves/surges and should not be positioned near river mouths during tropical cyclones.

Responsibilities of the Equipment Management Division (EMD) Chief

• EMD Chiefs ensure weather advisories, bulletins, and warnings are obtained from PAGASA or other sources.
• EMD Chiefs ensure weather advisories, bulletins, and warnings are disseminated, and install weather monitoring equipment.
• EMD Chiefs disallow Dredge Master operations, except for sheltering purposes, and cancels dredge mobilization/transfer when a typhoon signal is hoisted.
• EMD Chiefs monitor communication with the Dredge Master/crew from when a typhoon enters the PAR to when it leaves.
• EMD Chiefs monitor the typhoon's track/path and orders the dredge master to seek shelter at least 48 hours before it passes the dredge location.
• EMD Chiefs direct Dredge Masters of other dredges to assist in the evacuation/sheltering of dredges and expedite the release of fuel and supplies.
• EMD Chiefs must inform the PCG of any communication failure or unusual incidents.
• EMD Chiefs direct Dredge Masters to review and study the Typhoon Evasion or Avoidance Doctrine, and ensure the vessel's compliance.

Responsibilities of the Dredge Masters

• Dredge Masters monitor the typhoon's movement after entering the PAR and obtain the latest weather bulletin from PAGASA or other sources.
• Dredge Masters plot the prevailing weather conditions, weather forecast, and PSWS sectors on the weather chart.
• Dredge Masters ensure the safety of the dredge and crew at all times, and submit hourly reports to the EMD chief regarding the condition of the dredge.
• Dredge Masters are to review and study the Typhoon Evasion or Avoidance Doctrine and ensure strict compliance.

Penalty Clause

• All concerned personnel shall see to it that this order is strictly enforced.
• Failure to do so means the erring personnel is liable to penalties under Section 52, C(3) of Civil Service Resolution No. 991936.
• 1st offense is a written reprimand, 2nd offense is suspension for 1 to 30 days, and 3rd offense is dismissal from service.

Legal Bases

• PCG Memorandum Circular 02-13, Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather
• PCG Memorandum Circular 02-10, Interim Guidelines on Movement of Vessels and Motorboats Engaged in "Short Distance Voyages" in "Special Areas".
• This Order takes effect immediately.