Topic 4

• What is the primary responsibility of the Bay Service Section?


  Managing boarding formalities and clearance of foreign vessels
• Who leads the Bay Service Section?


  A Chief supervises and controls personnel
• What must the Customs Senior Boarding Officer ensure during boarding?


  Proper execution of tasks and report submission
• What must all personnel in the Bay Service Section wear?


  Appropriate and prescribed uniform, insignia, and Customs badge
• What is the role of the Customs Senior Boarding Officer during vessel boarding?


  Boarding incoming foreign vessels outside the harbor
• Who assists the Customs Senior Boarding Officer during boarding?


  A Customs Inspector
• Under what condition can the seal on sea stores be broken?

  Under specific legal conditions with approval from the Collector of Customs
• What must the vessel’s Master submit for boarding?


  Details outlined in BOC OPM Form No. 15
• What happens if Customs Inspectors do not wear the proper uniform?


  The Senior Boarding Officer must report this and can take over the vessel
• What documents must Customs personnel have while assigned to a vessel?

  Tariff and Customs Code, and the Manual for Port Operations
• What must the Customs Senior Boarding Officer submit after returning from a trip?


  All reports, entries, and documents received from the vessel's Master
• What is one of the duties of a Customs Inspector?


  Oversee the discharge and loading of cargo
• What authority does a Customs Inspector have regarding cargo disposal?


  Manage the disposal of all cargo and stores on assigned vessels
• What must Customs Inspectors do if they are unsure about procedures?


  Consult with senior officers
• What is the duty of Customs Inspectors regarding body searches?


  Direct Customs Guards to perform body searches if needed
• What must Customs Inspectors log regarding the vessel?


  The vessel's departure time and date
• What must be included in the reports submitted by Customs Inspectors?

  Inspector’s Certificate of Lading, shipside permits, and certificates of inspection
• What is one of the functions of the Port Utilization Section Chief?


  Oversee Wharfingers, Customs Guards, and Gatekeepers
• What does the Port Utilization Section ensure regarding personnel?


  All personnel are in uniform
• What is one of the duties of Wharfingers?


  Maintain cleanliness and proper disposal of garbage and cargo
• What must designated assistant wharfingers ensure regarding safety?


  Ensure safety protocols are followed
• What is one of the duties of Customs Guards on board a vessel?


  Manage access to the vessel
• What must Customs personnel do if meals are not provided on board?


  It should be certified by the Master or Chief Steward of the vessel
• What must be filed and approved before taking vacation leave?

  Vacation Leave application
• What is the penalty for late submission of the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM) for the first offense?


  ₱10,000
• What must the master of the vessel submit upon arrival?


  A completed BOC OPM Form No. 9
• What are the key responsibilities of the Customs Senior Boarding Officer?


  • Sealing sea stores in the presence of a ship’s officer and Customs Inspector
  • Ensuring uniform compliance among Customs personnel
  • Providing necessary supplies and documents for vessel operations
  • Submitting reports and documents to the Chief of the Bay Service Section
• What are the main duties of Customs Inspectors?


  • Overseeing cargo discharge and loading
  • Managing cargo disposal authority
  • Acting as official representatives of the Customs Service
  • Ensuring compliance with orders from senior officials
  • Collaborating with quarantine authorities
• What are the responsibilities of the Port Utilization Section Chief?


  • Supervising Wharfingers, Customs Guards, and Gatekeepers
  • Managing reports and ensuring personnel efficiency
  • Conducting clean-up drives and vigilance tests
  • Overseeing pier operations and contractor services
  • Recommending promotions and personnel reshuffling
• What are the duties of Wharfingers?


  • Maintaining cleanliness and proper disposal of garbage
  • Ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access
  • Handling delivery and customs permits
  • Overseeing assigned personnel and operations
  • Submitting performance ratings of supervised staff
• What are the duties of Customs Guards?


  • Managing access to the vessel and conducting body searches
  • Monitoring vessel activities and inspecting cargo
  • Handling document and parcel delivery
  • Ensuring timely attendance and presence on duty
  • Verifying permits for cargo transfer
• What are the leave of absence policies for Customs personnel?


  • Vacation leave must be filed and approved beforehand
  • Sick leave should be filed within two days after returning
  • A medical certificate is required for sick leave over three days
  • Notification of absence should be made within two hours if possible
• What is the process for notifying the arrival of a vessel?

  • The shipping agent must notify the Piers and Inspection Division at least 24 hours before ETA
  • The Customs Inspector verifies the vessel registry and inputs ETA into the Customs system
  • A copy of the Notice of Arrival is provided to the Customs Boarding Team
• What are the contents required in the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM)?

  • Bill of Lading number
  • Container and seal number
  • Number of packages and contents
  • Shipper and consignee details
  • Gross weight
• What are the quarantine requirements for incoming vessels from foreign ports?

  • Must obtain a Quarantine Certificate
  • No one can board or leave until cleared by the Bureau of Quarantine
  • Previous certificates at first Philippine port exempt from re-quarantine
• What must be submitted upon the entrance of a vessel from a foreign port?

  • A completed BOC OPM Form No. 9
  • Supporting customs documentation
• What information is included in the Certificate of Lading?


  Number, container and seal number, number of packages, contents, shipper, consignee, gross weight, and more.
• What must be done if the Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM) is not in English?


  It must be translated.
• What are the penalties for late or non-compliant submissions of the IFM?


  ₱10,000 for the first offense, ₱20,000 for the second, and ₱30,000 for the third, with a non-compliant submission penalty of ₱30,000.
• What is required for vessels entering the Philippines from foreign ports?


  They must obtain a Quarantine Certificate.