Question & AnswerQ&A (OTS MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02, S. 2013)
The purpose is to prescribe the implementing guidelines and procedures for the accreditation of Recognized Security Organizations (RSOs) performing statutory work on behalf of the Administration in the implementation of the IMO-SOLAS 1974 (Chap XI-2) - ISPS Code.
It covers Recognized Security Organizations (RSOs) accredited to perform statutory certification services for Philippine-registered ships for foreign voyage concerning compliance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.
It is an organization with appropriate maritime security qualifications and knowledge of ship and port operations, authorized by the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to perform certain security-related activities.
An RSO must be a duly registered business entity with the SEC or appropriate trade office; foreign RSOs must be authorized to do business in the Philippines and appoint a Resident Agent with a performance bond of Php500,000.
The Resident Agent lawfully represents the RSO in litigation or arbitration in the Philippines during their appointment’s validity, supported by a Php500,000 performance bond.
OTS undertakes audit inspections of port facilities and ships where RSOs performed delegated activities to evaluate their performance, subject to an oversight/audit system based on the ISM standard.
Expertise in security, knowledge of ship and port operations, capability to assess security risks, maintain expertise of personnel, monitor trustworthiness, prevent unauthorized access to sensitive material, and knowledge of SOLAS and security threats.
They must submit a company profile and capability, organizational structure, board of directors' profiles and maritime security auditor training, company policies, objectives, code of ethics, relevant documents, and the bonded Resident Agent's name.
The accreditation certificate is valid for five (5) years.