The Philippine Coastguard in Tambobo Bay is currently implementing PCG advisory no. 2024-00. This directive essentially extends the “Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection” for large vessels to “Pleasure Yachts not Engaged in Trade”, effectively equating pleasure yachts to large commercial vessels.
More to be found here: https://www.coastguard.gov.ph/index.php/districts/coast-guard-district-southern-visayas
Arrival
Yachts arriving from a foreign country will need to stop and anchor in Dumaguete to obtain clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration within 24h of their arrival.
It is unclear at this time if an arrival from a foreign port is allowed in Tambobo Bay at all, with clearances obtained subsequently within 24h in Dumaguete.
Do not forget the vessel pre-arrival notice ( NOA ) with annexes to be sent to bi.bss.noa@gmail.com. Failure to do so can be very costly.
( “FSP-issued visaed crew list” is only needed for commercial crews. )
Registering on the eTravel website for foreign crew members is recommended.
Call the Coast Guard on CH16 or CH12 shortly before arriving ( Call sign: “Tambobo Coast Guard” ). The PCG will visit any yacht of any origin entering Tambobo Bay once it is at anchor or on a mooring. The following documents will be reviewed:
- Flag certificate
- Certificate of ownership if not part of the flag certificate
- Ship radio station license
Additionally, the PCG inspection crew might ask: - For foreign flagged yachts: custom clearance for the last entrance in the Philippines from a foreign port
- The PCG clearance from the last port/marina for the just completed voyage
- Notification of deviations made from the earlier submitted voyage plan
- Report of ship-to-ship interface during the last leg of the voyage, if any
Departure
Clearing out for a foreign port needs to be done in Dumaguete. It is unclear at this time if one can clear out in Dumaguete while the boat stays in Tambobo Bay.
The PCG needs to be notified ( CH16 or 0917 795 1812 or cgsssiaton@gmail.com ) before each departure ( domestic or foreign destination ) from Tambobo Bay. A crew will visit the yacht and request the submittal of the following documents:
- Passenger / crew manifest
- Passport with valid visa for foreign passengers / crew members
- Voyage plan
- List of emergency contact information for (for SAR if needed)
If you are leaving for a foreign port, the PCG will most probably check your clearances as well.1
After completion of the inspection, be sure to request from the PCG crew a written clearance stating date, place of inspection, name and signature of the PCG officer conducting the inspection.
Read more about the mission of the PCG in Tambobo Bay at https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1274900
Updated 09. June 2026
- There is information that the PCG Southern Visayas wants to implement mandatory health, immigration and customs clearance for all destinations, including domestic. But information from the BOC indicates that customs will not require any clearance for domestic trips. ↩︎