Tourism.gov.ph

RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE BUSINESS
OF SPORTS SCUBA DIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF (1) LETTER OF INSTRUCTION 745 WHICH CREATED THE PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ON THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS SCUBA DIVING IN 1978, WHICH CONSEQUENTLY OUTLINED ITS PRIMARY MANDATES, WITH REFERENCE TO (2) MALACAÑAN MEMORANDUM ORDER 275 S. 2008, WHICH IS FURTHER STRENGTHENED THROUGHREPUBLIC ACT NO. 9593 – TOURISM POLICY ACT OF 2009, THE FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE HEREBY PROMULGATED TO GOVERN THE OPERATIONS OFSCUBADIVING ESTABLISHMENTS AND SCUBA DIVING INDIVIDUALS IN THE PHILIPPINES CHAPTER 1:
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1
For the purpose of these Rules, the following shall mean:
A. SCUBA Diving
Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus as equipment used for the activity of diving underwater Can be further classified into 1. Compressed Air- regular atmospheric air with the composition 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen and 1% Trace Gases for breathing underwater 2. Mixed Gases/Technical- Altered composition of regular air, usually increased level of Oxygen, therefore decreasing Nitrogen percentage in the air mixture which is breathed underwater 3. Rebreather-Equipment using the Carbon Dioxide which is exhaled by the diver thru recycling the unused Oxygen from the diver's breath Applicable Terrain in the Philippines 1. Open-water -A stretch of water which is not enclosed by barriers such as in marine environment like ocean/seas 2. Fresh Water –Water that is not salty such as in lakes and rivers 3. Wreck Diving –Purposely or not purposely sunk materials which includes but not limited to: shipwrecks, airplane wrecks, vehicles, artificial reefs which may or may not include penetration 4. Cave Diving- Penetration in caverns underwater B. SCUBA Diving Individuals – Persons engaged in SCUBA diving who are
awarded international certification by reputable certifying agencies
1. Non-Professional a. Short Course/Resort Course completed by an individual but must be accompanied by a dive professional at all times during subsequent open-water dives b. Individual completing the full basic SCUBA course and is competent to perform diving activities c. Trained in other progressive skills and additional specialties which are not learned in the first level of SCUBA certification d. Trained in rescue procedures and distress situation when SCUBA 2. Professional – A legally qualified person who has skillfully attained expert level mastery of sports SCUBA diving activities and conducts such, whether or not for a fee a. First professional level Instructor who cannot certify at all but can lead a group of certified divers b. Instructor who can certify up to the basic/first level of SCUBA diving c. Instructor who can certify up to the First Professional Level (as defined above in [2. a]) only d. Instructor who can certify all levels up to the highest level of Instructor C. PCSSD or Commission – Philippine Commission on the Promotion and
Development of Sports SCUBA Diving
D. DOT – Department of Tourism
E. SCUBA Diving Establishment - Any facility or business including liveaboards
or full-service diving water vessels engaged in SCUBA Diving activities,
whether or not for a fee
F. PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation – Mandatory accreditation issued by
the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving to all SCUBA Diving
Establishments with reference to the provisions of the law under the Tourism
Act of 2009 – RA 9593
G. SCUBA Individuals – persons engaged in the activity of SCUBA diving
G.1 Dive Professionals –SCUBA Diving Individuals starting from the first professional level to the highest level instructor, certified in handling and leading other SCUBA divers G.2 Dive Non-Professionals–Entry-level to intermediate level of expertise, knowledge and specialty in SCUBA diving, does not carry the official capacity to handle and lead other SCUBA divers H. PCSSD SCUBA Dive Individual's Membership
- To monitor SCUBA diving activities in the country, build and collate a database of both professional and non-professional - To promote the safety and security and awareness to the Philippine SCUBA diving public - First hand recipient of important updates and activities of the - Given priority in relevant DOT family events in relation to H.1 Type of Membership: Accredited - Membership in the form of Accreditation issued to SCUBA Dive - To monitor existing qualified dive professionals practicing in the H.2 Type of Membership: Member - Membership Issued to SCUBA Dive Non-Professionals I. Dive Resort - Place of recreation or relaxation which may offer board and
lodging facilities which cater to the SCUBA Diving Individuals. Such to be
subjected to a corresponding DOT Accreditation (enabling it to be part of an
established network of trusted and recognized tourism entities of the
Department) after securing PCSSD Accreditation (which will be elaborated
more in the succeeding chapters)
CHAPTER 2:
PCSSD MANDATORY ACCREDITATION OF SCUBA DIVE ESTABLISHMENTS & ITS
APPLICATION PROCESS
Section 1
No person, natural, or juridical shall operate and manage SCUBA Diving
establishments without first being accredited with the PCSSD
Section 2
APPLICATION, RESPECTIVE REQUIREMENTS, and PROCESSING for
SCUBA DIVING ESTABLISHMENTS
A. Duly filled out application form and its attachments
This is to ensure that the dive enterprises are legal in nature and are duly and properly registered for their SCUBA dive business operations in the Philippines. 1. Business registration i. Either Department of Trade and Industry Certificate Photocopy for Single ii. Or Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate Photocopy for Partnerships & Corporations 2. Photocopy of Annual Business Permit issued from the Mayor's Office For the safety of SCUBA divers when engaging in the SCUBA diving activity 3. Accident Management Plan 4. First Aid Kit ii. Ibuprofen (pain killer and anti-inflammatory) iii. Antihistamine tablets (for mild allergic reactions) iv. Motion sickness tablets v. Rehydration sachets vi. Anti-diarrhea drugs vii. Antiseptic cream/ointments or antiseptic wipes viii. Wound Closure Strips ix. Bite and stings cream x. Sinus decongestant tablets xii. Scissors (small with rounded ends) xv. CPR Pocket Mask with Oxygen Inlet xvi. Any additional components deemed necessary by the dive establishment xvii. Any other additional components as required by PCSSD as per memoranda and circulars 5. First Aid Oxygen (O2) with medical mask and regulator which delivers 15cc B. Full-colored copy of the Establishment's Logo on a 8.5 by 11 inches white
bond paper or hi-resolution digital/electronic (300 DPI/dots-per-inch)
C. Prevailing Accreditation Fee (with reference to the memoranda and circulars
of the PCSSD)
1. Photocopy of the proof of payment D. Processing, Issuance, and Renewal
1. Submission of PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation application or renewal must be made within the whole month of September of each year. This shall be undertaken annually. i. Any application received outside of the prescribed month can constitute delay in processing next year's business permit by the Mayor's office for dive establishments 2. In view of the payment made by the applicant, an Official Receipt shall be issued by the PCSSD 3. With the receipt of all the pertinent documentation required by the PCSSD, a confirmation of receipt shall be issued 4. PCSSD office shall verify the submitted documentation within (10) working days after the issuance of the confirmation receipt 5. Latest on the 10th working day, PCSSD shall give its feedback on the documents submitted by the applicant 6. If both payment and documentary requirements have been complied, the PCSSD shall issue a CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION CANDIDATE 7. With this application, it is understood that the Dive Establishment, in good faith, shall be responsible in maintaining minimum internationally accepted standard, and patrolling their own ranks in the anticipation of a random inspection which shall be conducted by the PCSSD pertaining to Air Quality and Safety Requirements i. In the course of the inspection, applicable prevailing fees apply to each additional compressor the dive establishment operates ii. Upon PASSING the Air Quality Inspection, and compliance to the prescribed first aid and safety materials and equipment, second phase of evaluation and processing shall follow iii. If FAILED in the Air Quality Inspection, each of (4) qualifying element contaminant can be re-tested with a maximum of (2) times, excluding the initial test which is covered by the initial accreditation fee paid. Applicable fees apply to each additional ampoule/chemical tester used in re-testing. Failure pertaining to the non-completion of the Safety requirements, the Dive Establishment will be given (15) working days to complete the deficiency. Failure to pass Air Quality with given the prescribed maximum re-testing as well as non-compliance in the Safety requirements set by the PCSSD, will merit a communication of such finding to the respective local government units which authorizes business operations in the area. This may lead to temporary suspension of business operations until compliance to the PCSSD prescribed minimum quality requirement has been attained. 8. After the inspection, the Second Phase of evaluation and processing will be conducted within (5) working days after the date of inspection, after which the ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATE shall be issued if all PCSSD requirements have been met and complied E. Classifications
1. Conducts SCUBA diving activities for certified SCUBA divers 1A. Recreational Open-water 2. Selling SCUBA diving lessons 3. Dive Professionals 3A. In-house Instructor who can certify all levels up to the highest level 3B. In-house Instructor who can certify up to the first professional level and can lead and handle divers, as well as assist (3A) in training 3C. In-house Instructor who can certify up to the basic/first level SCUBA 3D. In-house first professional level individual who cannot certify at all, but Can lead a group of certified divers 3E. Commissioning/contracting of Free-lance Dive Professionals 4. Air fill station 4A. Compressed air filling 4B. Technical gas filling i. A logbook for all air filling transactions and day to day operations must a. Name of the customer and affiliation with a dive establishment, if any - Customer bringing in tanks for filling must present proof of diving certification b. Serial number of the cylinder c. Hydrostatic test date of the cylinder - it must have a hydrostatic test date of not more than five (5) years  A file on SCUBA cylinders not passing the hydrostatic test must be kept  The owners of these condemned cylinders must be informed of the cylinder's condition.  Condemned cylinders cannot be filled d. Date of filling by the air fill station ii. All compressors must be carefully maintained and filters changed per operator's manual or manufacture's specifications to prevent contamination of air in the cylinder. 5. Renting out SCUBA equipment 5A. Basic SCUBA equipment 5B. Technical SCUBA equipment SCUBA dive establishments and professionals are prohibited from selling, renting, lending or transferring any of SCUBA diving equipment or their accessories unless a record is made of any such sale, lease, loan, or transfer indicating there in the name, address, and diving certificate card or other reputable proof of diver qualification of the vendee, rentee, or 6. Lecture area to conduct SCUBA lessons 7. Pool amenity/confined water training area 8. Equipment repair/maintenance A complete record of all repair jobs done must be kept on file for at least 8A. Basic SCUBA equipment 8B. Technical SCUBA equipment 9. Selling SCUBA equipment 10. Own Dive Boat/s 11. Medical or Emergency facilities 11A. In-house medical personnel 11B. Certified Emergency First Aid Provider 11C. Portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) F. Validity of PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation - Valid for a period of (1)
G. Conspicuous Display of PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation Certificate
and other related documents
1. Current PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation; 2. List of diving professionals and technical staff employed or contracted by the establishment with their respective positions H. REVOCATION, IMPOSITION OF SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF PCSSD
DIVE ESTABLISHMENT ACCREDITATION
1. Grounds and violations - Any (1) of the following acts of omissions shall be sufficient grounds and would also depend on the circumstance and gravity of each given case: a. Violation of any of the provisions of the law, rules, regulations, circulars, duly promulgated orders, directives, resolutions and decisions, among others by the Commission; b. Fraudulent representation, written or oral, by the Chief Executive Officer/Manager of the establishment for the purpose of securing issuance of renewal of any license under these Guidelines. c. Gross and evident bad faith in dealing with clients or fraudulent solicitation of business or similar schemes which can be presented with substantial evidence which works against the overall interest of the Philippine SCUBA diving industry; d. Tolerance of gross misconduct, dishonesty or misrepresentation committed by any of the establishment's officer or employee against its clients to the detriment of sports SCUBA diving in the Philippines; or gross misrepresentation in its advertisement and promotion that downgrade sports SCUBA diving or is detrimental to marine e. Employment or commissioning of SCUBA Dive Professionals who do not hold corresponding valid C-cards; f. Employment or commissioning of foreign nationals who do not have the appropriate permits outlined above for their authority to work in the 2. Implication - Any grounds and violations justified with viable and substantial evidence will constitute a revocation of the dive establishment's PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation and furthermore, communication of the matter shall be made with the appropriate Local Government Unit which is responsible in the issuance of business permits which authorizes establishments to operate their businesses. Sanctions may take form in the LGU's suspension of business operation or total revocation of authority to operate the business in their locality, depending on the degree violated in the grounds aforementioned. Section 3
DOT Accreditation
If applicable, the dive establishment shall subject themselves to DOT Accreditation after securing their PCSSD Accreditation CHAPTER 3:
PCSSD MEMBERSHIP OF DIVING INDIVIDUALS
Section 1
PCSSD Membership of SCUBA Diving Individuals shall be extended the
prevailing benefits set out by the PCSSD such as in safety, promotion, and marine
conservation among others
Section 2
Types of Membership:
For Professional- Accredited For Non-Professional- Member Section 3
APPLICATION, RESPECTIVE REQUIREMENTS, and PROCESSING for
PCSSD Membership of SCUBA Diving Individuals
A. Application requirements for SCUBA Diving Individuals, both Non-professional
and Professional
1. Duly filled out Application Form with pertinent attachments/supporting documents a. Photocopy of Proof of CURRENT and renewed Certification - Certificate or b. Photocopy of DECLARATION of Other pertinent CERTIFICATION & OTHER PERTINENT CURRENT certification (First Aid, EFR, etc.), if applicable i. The individual must adhere to the limitations prescribed in his current/renewed certification which he possesses – he must perform no more than or beyond what his certification allows him ii. Dive professionals are to keep a complete record of each student and must be kept on file for at least five (5) years c. 2 pcs. 2 x 2 inches ID picture or digital/electronic ID picture file which is visible, clear, and not pixelated d. Signature card or digital/electronic signature file which is visible, clear, and B. Additional requirements for SCUBA DIVING PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE
FOREIGN NATIONALS
3. Photocopy of Work permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment 4. Photocopy of Registration issued by the Bureau of Immigrations (BI) a. Either Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) b. Or Visa C. Payment of Prevailing Accreditation Fee (with reference to the memoranda and
circulars of the PCSSD)
1. Photocopy of the proof of payment D. Processing, Issuance and Renewal
1. Submission of the application or renewal for PCSSD SCUBA Dive Individual Accreditation must be made within the whole month of December of each year. This shall be undertaken annually. a. Application received any other time shall be honored but will be valid only until the end of that year. 2. In view of the payment made by the applicant, an Official Receipt shall be issued by 3. With the receipt of all the pertinent documentation required by the PCSSD, a confirmation of receipt shall be issued 4. PCSSD office shall verify the submitted documentation within (5) working days after issuance of confirmation receipt and give feedback on the documents submitted by 5. If both payment and documentary requirements have been verified to be satisfactory, the PCSSD shall issue the PCSSD Dive Individual Accreditation ID E. Validity of the PCSSD Dive Individual Accreditation – all ID's are valid until 31st of
December of each year
F. PCSSD Accreditation ID Cards for Dive Individuals must be carried when
engaging in SCUBA Diving Activity
G. Presentation of the PCSSD Accreditation ID Card in cases where the individual
needs to be treated in the PCSSD Hyperbaric Chambers
H. Replacement of Lost PCSSD Accreditation ID Cards – Submission of an Affidavit
of loss and an accompanying request for replacement. Replacement shall be
issued within (7) working days from the receipt of the documents
aforementioned. The applicant shall pay the appropriate replacement cost in
accordance with existing guidelines of the Commission.
I. REVOCATION, IMPOSITION OF SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF PCSSD
DIVE ESTABLISHMENT ACCREDITATION
1. Grounds and violations - Any (1) of the following acts of omissions shall be sufficient grounds and would also depend on the circumstance and gravity of each given case: Violation of any of the provisions of the law, rules, regulations, duly promulgated orders, directives, resolutions and decisions, among others by the Commission; Fraudulent representation Gross and evident bad faith in dealing in their dealings Fraudulent solicitation or similar schemes which can be presented with substantial evidence which works against the overall interest of the Philippine SCUBA diving industry; Tolerance of gross misconduct, dishonesty or misrepresentation committed by any of the establishment's officer or employee against its clients to the detriment of sports SCUBA diving in the Philippines; or gross misrepresentation in its advertisement and promotion that downgrade sports SCUBA diving or is detrimental to marine Employment or commissioning of SCUBA Dive Professionals who do not hold corresponding valid C-cards; Employment or commissioning of foreign nationals who do not have the appropriate permits outlined above for their authority to work in the 2. Implication - Any grounds and violations justified with viable and substantial evidence will constitute a revocation of the dive establishment's PCSSD Dive Establishment Accreditation and furthermore, communication of the matter shall be made with the appropriate Local Government Unit which is responsible in the issuance of business permits which authorizes establishments to operate their businesses. Sanctions may take form in the LGU's suspension of business operation or total revocation of authority to operate the business in their locality, depending on the degree violated in the grounds aforementioned CHAPTER 4:
PROHIBITED ACTS
Section 1
Violators to be sanctioned accordingly under the Philippine Laws
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 5:
RULES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING COMPLAINTS AND HEARING BEFORE
THE COMMISSION
Section 1
Form and Contents of Complaints
Every complaint filed with the Commission must be under oath or affirmation and shall include the names and addresses of the complainant and respondent, the date when the action arose, the grounds relied upon the relief sought under these Rules and Regulations. It may be provided that the Commission may perceive of the violation on its own relating to any of the provisions of these Rules and Regulations that may come to its knowledge even without formal complaint. Section 2
Complaint of Tourists or Transients
Where the complainant is a foreign tourist or transient who is about to leave the country, a simple statement duly signed by the complainant shall be sufficient in order for the PCSSD to take cognizance thereof and act on the same in the most efficient manner with due regard to the requirements of due process of law at all times. Section 3
Number of Copies
An executed original and three copies of the complaint and other documents in support thereof shall be filed with the Commission. Where the complainant is classified as in Section 2 of this Chapter, that provision shall Section 4
Upon receipt of the complaint, the Commission shall furnish the respondent a copy thereof together with all its supporting annexes and shall require the respondent to file his answer thereto within seven (7) working days from receipt of such complaint together with the respondent's own evidence or supporting documents. Section 5
Hearing and Investigation
The Executive Director shall act on the complaint and/or request the assistance of an expert from within the Commission or the DOT to assist in the disposition of the case in accordance with these guidelines and the applicable provisions of rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission. In all cases, the hearing and investigation of a complaint shall be conducted as soon as practicable and the report or resolution thereof shall be issued or promulgated within fifteen (15) days from the time that the case has been submitted by the parties for resolution or decision. Section 6
Appearance of Counsel
Given the administrative nature of the proceedings in the Commission, a party may or may not be represented or assisted by a counsel. The Commission encourages however that a party be as much as possible be assisted and/or represented by his/her counsel of choice in the interest of due process. Section 7
Testimony Taken Under Oath, Etc.
The testimony of all witnesses shall be made under oath or affirmation, and all proceedings shall be taken down, recorded and transcribed by a duly appointed personnel of the Commission who shall avail of a tape recorder or any other modern device available for the purpose, so as to ensure the faithful recording and transcription of the proceedings Section 8
Nature of Proceedings
The proceedings before the Commission shall be administrative, non-litigious and summary in nature. Nothing in these Rules and Regulations shall prevent the Commission from resorting to applicable rules in ordinary legal proceedings in the interest of rendering justice to a case. Section 9
Preliminary Conference
In any action, the Executive Director and/or any person designated by the Commission to hear and investigate the complaint may direct the parties and their counsels before the actual hearing to appear before it for a conference to consider: A. The possibility of an amicable settlement of private interest involved in the case; B. The clarification of issues involved; C. The possibility of obtaining admission or stipulation of facts; and D. Such other matters as may aid in the just, speedy, and inexpensive disposition of The Executive Director or the designated hearing officer shall rule or make an order upon the action taken at the conference and such rule or order when entered shall serve as a guide in the subsequent course of action or hearing of the case unless further modified in the interest of justice. Section 10 Amicable Settlement
Unless it is prejudicial to public interest or to the third parties, the Executive Director or the designated hearing officer of the case may endeavor to effect an amicable settlement of the case at any stage of the proceedings, provided, it shall not be contrary to any law, rule or regulation nor against public policy. The amicable settlement shall be reduced in writing, duly signed by the parties and their counsel, whenever applicable, which shall be the basis of an order or resolution of the case by the Commission; Section 11 Production of Relevant Documents
The Executive Director or the designated hearing officer shall have the authority to administer oath or affirmation and to receive evidence. Provided, however, that production of relevant documents or evidence material in the resolution of the complaint may be compelled by the Executive Director or the hearing officer from a concerned party. Non-submission or compliance with the production or submission of said evidence or documents as required shall be deemed as a waiver on the part of the party to whom the same are required and the case shall be resolved in accordance with the available documents or record. Consideration of the documents or evidence submitted by a party pursuant to this provision shall not be bound by the technical rules on evidence, provided however, that the Executive Director or the designated hearing officer may adopt applicable laws and the rules of court in suppletory character in the interest of the speedy and proper resolution of Section 12 Resolution/Decision – The Executive Director shall resolve or decide the
case within fifteen (15) days from the submission thereof by the parties for resolution/decision. Resolution or decision shall be promulgated by the Executive Director. Whenever a case is heard and investigated by a designated hearing officer, he/she shall submit his/her report of hearing and investigation together with copies of the transcribed proceedings and all pertinent documents of the case to the Executive Director within seven (7) days from submission of the case for resolution/decision by the parties and the Executive Director shall, upon consideration of the entire records of proceedings and the evidence and the pertinent supporting documents of the case, shall promulgate the resolution or decision of the case within seven (7) days from the transmittal of the case by the hearing officer. Section 13 Motion for Reconsideration – The party adversely affected by any
resolution or decision may file a motion for reconsideration within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the resolution or decision, which motion for reconsideration shall be based solely on any of the following grounds: a. Newly discovered evidence which materially affects the resolution or decision Errors of law or irregularities prejudicial to the substantial rights and interests of the party adversely affected have been committed. The Motion for Reconsideration shall be resolved by the Executive Director within ten (10) days from receipt thereof. Section 14 Appeal – The resolution or decision rendered by the Executive Director
including the resolution in a motion for reconsideration may be appealed by an adverse party to the Commission within seven (7) days from receipt thereof. The Commission shall resolved said appeal within ten (10) days from receipt thereof which resolution shall be considered as final in so far as the case before the Commission is concerned and in the event of imposition of an administrative penalty, the same shall be applied and satisfied against the adverse party in accordance with the tenor of the decision and these rules and regulations, without prejudice however on the part of the adverse party to resort to subsequent appeals before higher authorities or tribunals pursuant to existing laws. Section 15 Applicable Periods – The period to file answer and other responsive
pleadings shall be seven (7) days from receipt of the order by the concerned party. Failure to comply with said period, without justifiable written excuse favorable considered by the Executive Director or of the designated hearing officer of the case, shall be deemed a waiver on the part of the party. Action of the Executive Director or the designated hearing officer on the written excuse shall be final and non-appealable. Section 16 Continuous Hearing of the case – Hearings and investigation of a case
shall be conducted continuously within the period set by the Executive Director or the designated hearing officer. Failure by a party to attend a scheduled hearing despite notice shall be deemed a waiver on its part to be present and to present evidence in its favor and the hearing shall proceed ex Section 17 Special Board of Inquiry – The Commission shall create a Special Board of
Inquiry to be composed of three (3) members to be designated by the The Special Board of Inquiry shall be tasked with the following functions: a. Conduct fact-finding investigations on cases of accidents involving a diver or a SCUBA diving establishment; b. Submit its findings through a written report to the Commission; c. Provide the Commission with complete information on facts gathered in a particular investigation and render technical advice to the Commission to the Commission on how a similar situation may be addressed or avoided in the interest of safety of the divers and for the purpose of upgrading existing policies and rules and regulations of the Commission. The Special Board of Inquiry, in the conduct of its investigation, may require the appearance of witnesses to provide material information which testimony shall be recorded CHAPTER 6:
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 1
Administrative Penalties – The Commission through its resolution or
decision promulgated by the Executive Director may impose any of the administrative penalties provided for under these Guidelines and Rules and Regulations against any person, natural or juridical found liable for violating Section 2
Confidential Character of Data – All information and documents received
by or filed with the Commission in pursuance of the requirements of these Guidelines and Rules and Regulations shall be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed to any private party without the consent of the party who submitted said information or upon order of the court. Any official or employee of the Commission who shall violate the provisions of this Section shall be guilty of an offense under applicable laws and rules and regulations of the Commission. Section 3
Means to carry into effect the Purpose, Intent and Spirit of These
Guidelines and Rules and Regulations – If the procedure to be followed in
a given situation is not specifically provided for under these Guidelines and Rules and Regulations, any suitable procedure or mode of proceedings which appears conformable to the purpose, intent, and spirit hereof may be adopted by the Commission in the interest of the promotions and development of sports SCUBA diving. Section 4
Enlistment of Aid, Assistance, and Support of Other Government
Agencies – In the implementation of the provisions of these Guidelines and
Rules and Regulations, Circulars, and the enforcement of resolutions and decisions of the Commission or any person acting under it, the Commission may enlist the aid, assistance, and support of any concerned government agencies to effect the same. Section 5
Separability Clause – The provisions of these Guidelines and Rules and
Regulations are separable and in the event that anyone or more provisions are declared invalid by any competent authority, the validity of other provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. Section 6
Repealing Clause – All existing Guidelines and Rules and Regulations,
Circulars, Administrative Orders which are inconsistent with the provisions of hereof are nearby repealed or amended accordingly. CHAPTER 7:
EFFECTIVITY
These Guidelines and Rules and Regulations as amended shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation. Approved and promulgated this day of

Source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Downloadable%20Files/PCSSD%20IRR.pdf