BFAR Administrative Circular No. 252-1: Series of 2020. Amended rules and regulations governing distant-water fishing by Philippine-flagged fishing vessels operating in other coastal states.

These Rules and Regulations, consisting of 18 sections, are enacted to implement the Republic Act No. 8550 and the National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The scope and application of the Rules and Regulations cover all Philippine-flagged fishing vessels engaged in distant-water fishing in other coastal states.

Fishing vessels of Philippine registry with valid Commercial Fishing Vessel License may engage in distant-water fishing provided: a. That the fishing vessel is registered with the Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) and, where relevant, licensed by the Coastal State; b. That the fishing vessel is compliant with the rules and regulations of the RFMO and/or Arrangements and, where relevant, the Coastal State which has jurisdiction over the waters where it operates; c. That the fishing vessel is compliant with the safety, manning and other requirements of MARINA and other concerned agencies; d. That the fishing vessel holds a valid Distant Water Fishing Permit (DWFP) and fishing authorization from the Coastal State; and e. That the owner of the fishing vessel has provided the BFAR a copy of the authorization/permit/license of the Coastal State if the same has already been issued. Provided that, if the authorization has not been granted yet, a copy of such authorization shall be submitted to BFAR within thirty days from the issuance.

All catcher vessels shall have fisheries observer coverage in accordance with the conservation and management measures of the RFMO which has jurisdiction over the area. All catcher and carrier vessels shall be equipped with a two-way ALC in accordance with the conservation and management measures of the RFMO, which has jurisdiction over the area where these vessels operate. Fishing companies shall request the BFAR for authorization to transship at port and at sea and shall submit the information requierd in Section 12 twentyfour hours before the scheduled transshipment. The Rules and Regulations further make provisions for: documentary requirements for the issuance of a distant water fishing permit (DWFP); vessel marking and specifications; timely reporting of catch, vessel entry and exit; inspection and monitoring of landings in domestic ports; declaration of landing in foreign ports; bilateral cooperation with other coastal or port state; offences and penalties; etc.