OTS Memorandum Circular No. 03

: The purpose is to prescribe guidelines for setting and communicating security levels for Philippine registered ships and ports.
: It applies to Philippine registered ships engaged in international and/or domestic voyages and Philippine ports catering to such ships.
: Security Level 1 is the level for which minimum appropriate protective security measures shall be maintained at all times.
: Security Level 2 requires appropriate additional protective security measures for a limited period due to a heightened risk of a security incident.
: Security Level 3 is set when a security incident is probable or imminent, requiring further specific protective security measures for a limited time.
: The Office for Transportation Security (OTS), as the Designated Authority/Administration, sets the security levels.
: OTS declares changes through a Transportation Security Advisory (TSA) communicated via fastest means available such as email, fax, or text message.
: CSOs are responsible for disseminating the TSA to the Ship Security Officers (SSO) and implementing additional security measures as required.
: They must acknowledge receipt of the TSA, immediately implement additional security measures, and report compliance to OTS.
: Yes, they may adopt higher measures if deemed necessary and must report such actions immediately to OTS.