IHBが1953年(昭和28年)に発行した「大洋と海の境界(第三版)」("Limits of Oceans and Seas, 3rd edition" Special Publication No.23)では、フィリピン海は、以下のように定義されている[2][4]。
Philippine Sea.
Is that area of the North Pacific Ocean off the Eastern coasts of the Philippine Islands. It is bounded: On the West.
By the Eastern limits of the East Indian Archipelago, South China Sea and East China Sea. On the North.
By the Southeast coast of Kyushu, the Southern and Eastern limits of the Inland Sea and the South coast of Honshu Island. On the East.
By the ridge joining Japan to the Bonin, Volcano and Ladrone (Mariana) Islands, all these being included in the Philippine Sea. On the South.
By a line joining Guam, Yap, Pelew (Palau) and Halmahera Islands.