Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR)
The primary purpose is to prescribe updated implementing guidelines in the approval of security plans and issuance of International Ship Security Certificates (ISSC), National Ship Security Certificates (NSSC), Statement of Compliance of Port Facility (SoCPF), and Statement of Compliance of Security Regulated Port (SoCSRP).
It applies to Philippine-registered ships engaged in international and/or national (coastwise/domestic) voyages as prescribed by the ISPS Code and the National Security Program for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure (the Programme).
An ISSC is a certificate issued by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to a Philippine-registered ship engaged in international voyage, certifying that it fully complies with maritime security measures and that security equipment is in satisfactory condition and fit for service.
A coastwise-ship is a vessel engaged in domestic trade, plying along or around the coast, generally small vessels carrying cargo for domestic trading.
The CSO carries out the Ship Security Assessment (SSA), ensures the Ship Security Plan (SSP) is developed, submitted for approval, implemented and maintained, and liaises with the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and Ship Security Officer (SSO).
The CSO submits the SSA to OTS or its authorized agent for approval; upon SSA approval, the SSP is prepared and submitted. After SSP approval, an initial verification audit is conducted. Upon passing with no major non-conformances, the ISSC is issued.
The ship must rectify or comply within 15 days from notice; after compliance, the certification process continues leading to issuance of the ISSC.
PFSA is a risk analysis of all aspects of a port facility's operation to determine the parts more susceptible or likely to be the subject of an attack.
These certificates are valid for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the date of expiry or issuance after completion of the audit or verification.
OTS acts as the Administration and Designated Authority responsible for implementing the ISPS Code, approving security assessments and plans, conducting verification audits, and issuing security certificates for ships, port facilities, and security regulated ports.
During the validity, at least one intermediate verification audit should be conducted preferably between the 2nd and 3rd anniversary of the certificate, and additional audits may be ordered by the Administration as necessary.
An SRP is an area where two or more port facilities are located, used wholly or partly in connection with ship operations, requiring additional security measures for ships engaged in coastwise and international voyages.
The concerned regulated port or facility is given thirty (30) days from notice to rectify deficiencies; failure to comply may result in recall of approval of the security plan and cancellation of the certificate.
The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) or Port Security Officer (PSO) is responsible for submitting the respective security plans to OTS following prescribed templates for evaluation and approval.