Citing abusive practices in the local harbor pilot industry that could affect the country’s economy, Quezon CIty 3rd district Rep. Franz Pumaren has filed a bill that would provide a regulatory framework for open harbor pilotage in the Philippines.

Embodied in House Bill (HB) No.5485, the measure seeks to institutionalize the Pilotage Board, which shall implement an open- pilotage policy, standardize the conduct and practice for harbor pilots, review certain acts and standard rates by port authorities and strictly impose disciplinary measures against conflicts of business interest.

The House Committee on Transportation took up HB No.5485 for its intial deliberations last Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It is through the Pilotage Board that Pumaren intends to address the ills of the harbor pilot industry.

"The current landscape, which is marked by unjustified practices, excessive fees, and coercive behaviors by some harbor pilots and associations, clearly signals the need for legislative intervention," Pumaren said in his bill.

"These issues are not isolated. They directly affect the cost of doing business, the reliability of maritime logistics, and ultimately, the accessibility of goods and services to the Filipino public," he warned.

Harbor pilots--also called marine pilots--are tasked to guide ships in and out of ports. They are essential at every major port because of their intimate knowledge of local tides and currents, hidden shoals or sandbars, port traffic patterns, weather patterns, and berthing requirements.

They board and disembark incoming vessels via small boats.

While harbor pilots' highly specialized services are undoubtedly important, the author finds it necessary to regulate their practices since they have a "direct influence on public welfare through the quality and integrity of their service".

"This influence, when unchecked, can lead to unintended consequences. In some cases, harbor pilots or their associations have exercised disproportionate control. In effect, some issues arise such as excessive charges and conflicts of interest, particularly when pilots have stakes in tugboat companies," he said.

"This also causes delays in service as well as refusal to render pilotage unless certain demands are met. These actions disrupt port operations, inflate the cost of doing business, and ultimately affect the prices of goods and services that reach the public," explained Pumaren.

He further noted that despite the Philippine Ports Authority's (PPA) mandate to regulate pilotage within its jurisdiction, there remains a significant legislative gap in that no central regulatory body exists to oversee all harbor pilots nationwide.

"To address these challenges, a comprehensive legislative framework is urgently needed. Such legislation should establish a national oversight body that enforces ethical standards, ensures continuous professional development, and promotes transparency and accountability," the Quezon City lawmaker said.

The proposed Pilotage Board shall set professional and ethical standards for harbor pilots in the conduct of pilotage services. Harbor pilot organizations or associations known as pilotage organization are subject to the regulatory powers of the Pilotage Board.

The board may impose disciplinary action against individual harbor pilots or the pilotage organization, approve pilotage tariffs and rates recommended by the port authorities, and oversee the collection and payment of tariffs and rates.

An individual harbor pilot or a pilotage organization shall apply for accreditation with a port authority. The Pilotage Board may, upon its own instance or, upon verified statement, review the accreditation of a harbor pilot or pilotage organization to ensure compliance with minimum standards.

In the event a harbor pilot or pilotage organization fails to comply with the minimum standards set by the Pilotage Board, the Pilotage Board has the authority to revoke the accreditation issued by a port authority.