Below is text from the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving rules and regulations.
Under provision of Letter of Instruction no. 745 & Office of the President Memorandum Order no. 275 S. 2008, rules and regulations governing the business of sport scuba diving in the Philippines include;
Chapter 2 - Applications and Issuance of License
Section 1.Mandatory Licensing
No person, natural or juridical, shall operate or manage a scuba diving establishment withoutfirst being licensed by the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving.
Section 2. Who May Apply
a. Any dive professional desiring to give lessons, assist in the training, or conduct activities related to sports scuba diving in the Philippines whether or not for a fee.
b. Any establishment organised under Philippine laws and duly registered with appropriate government agency/s engaged in sports scuba diving activities whether or not for a fee.
Section 4. Requirements for Licensing
A. Dive Boat Operator [an establishment or person that operates a sail or motor boat duly licensed by appropriate government agencies to service scuba divers] are required [amongst other things] to have 'current third party liability accident insurance' (point 7).
B. Professional Dive Centre [an establishment engaged in any or all of the following activities; 1) selling scuba diving related equipment; 2)renting out scuba diving equipment; 3) providing air fill service; 4) servicing and repair of scuba diving related equipment; 5) conducting scuba diving courses or underwater tours.] are required [amongst other things] to have 'current third party liability accident insurance' (point 3).
C. Dive Facility [an establishment engaged in any or all of the following activities; 1) selling scuba diving related equipment; 2)renting out scuba diving equipment; 3) providing air fill service; 4) conducting scuba diving courses or underwater tours.] are required [amongst other things] to have 'current third party liability accident insurance' (point 3).
D. Sports Scuba Diving Professionals [a diver with a rank of Instructor, Assistant Instructor or Divemaster as certified by an International or Nationally recognised certifying agency who conducts sports scuba diving activities in the Philippines whether or not for a fee are required [amongst other things] to have 'current and valid third party liability accident insurance' (point 5).
Chapter 4. Prohibited Acts
Section 1. Dive establishments and dive professionlas shall prohibit the following acts:
a. Collection or destruction of corals;
b. Capture of or harm to endangered marine species;
c. Use of toxic chemicals in the course of diving;
d. Spearfishing using scuba;
e. Salvage of/or transferring with any sunken artifacts without the necessary permit from proper authorities.
Chapter 7 Rules and Procedures Governing Complaints and Hearing Before the Commission
Section 18. Reporting the accident to the Commission.
Diving accidents that warrant professional medical attention should be reported in writing within 48 hours by the dive leader and the dive establishment to the Commission containing all pertinent data about that particular dive(s); likewise, the involved dive leader and the scuba diving establishment shall make available to the Commission the victims scuba diving equipment.
Chapter 10. Effectivity
These rules and regulations shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation [originally 2007]
[Note: rules and regulations were issued at the Dive Congress, 29 January 2009]
For further information, contact:
PCSSD
Room 618, DOT Building,
T.M. Kalaw Street
Rizal Park
Manila 1000
Telephone: 5243735; Trunkline 5238411; Local200.
Fax. 5248977
Footnote:
Presently, the only member of PCSSD in Davao (registered) is Wind and Wave Davao. Wind and Wave Davao do not permit spearfishing or deep diving (beyond certification depths). Tourists wishing to dive in Davao who want to avoid these needless tragedies should consider Wind and Wave Davao as their preferred operator until matters change.
And, to be crystal clear, we have absolutely no affliation with Wind and Wave Davao.
