The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has partially suspended the mandatory harbor pilotage requirement for vessels on Amandayehan-Tacloban route as part of measures to ease trade and passenger flow in Samar-Leyte following the San Juanico Bridge travel limitation.
PPA released Administrative Order No. 01-2025 on June 11, 2025, suspending effective immediately the mandatory harbor pilotage requirement to streamline operations along the Amandayehan–Tacloban route.
Under the AO, vessels sailing along the Amandayehan-Tacloban route for the first time shall be required to engage the services of a duly accredited harbor pilot from the Tacloban District during docking and undocking operations.
However, the succeeding trips, and upon determination by the accompanying harbor pilot that the captain is capable of safely performing berthing and unberthing operations, pilotage shall no longer be required for subsequent trips, regardless of whether the captain holds a valid Bay and River License issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
The suspension shall apply only to the Amandayehan-Tacloban route and only for vessels manned by individual captains who have completed the required initial pilotage-assisted trip to the satisfaction of the harbor pilot.
The Port Management Office-Eastern Leyte/Samar shall coordinate with harbor pilots and affected shipping lines to ensure proper implementation. A record of first-time trips and harbor pilot assessments shall be maintained for operational reference.
