Key Definitions
- Administration/Designated Authority: Office for Transportation Security (OTS)
- Coastwise Ship: Vessel engaged in domestic trade along the coast
- Company Security Officer (CSO): Responsible for ship security assessment and plan implementation
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Responsible for port facility security plan development and implementation
- Port Security Officer (PSO): Manages security at security regulated ports
- Ship Security Assessment (SSA): Risk-based evaluation of ship security vulnerabilities
- Ship Security Plan (SSP): Plan to mitigate security risks on board
- Verification Audits: Initial, intermediate, renewal, and additional audits to confirm compliance
- Recognized Security Organization (RSO): Authorized entity with maritime security expertise
- Definitions cover terms for ships, port facilities, security assessments, officers, and certificates
Procedures for Issuance of Ship Security Certificates
- International Ships:
- CSO submits SSA to OTS for approval; RSOs may assist but cannot approve SSP
- SSP is prepared based on approved SSA and submitted for approval
- Initial verification audit conducted after approval
- Any major non-conformance must be corrected within 15 days
- ISSC issued valid for up to five years with renewal and intermediate audits
- Additional audits may be ordered by the Administration
- National/Domestic Ships (Coastwise):
- Similar process involving SSA and SSP submission to OTS
- Undertaking required by CSO or authorized representative attesting compliance
Procedures for Issuance of Statement of Compliance for Port Facilities and Security Regulated Ports
- PSO/PFSO submits Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) or Security Regulated Port Security Assessment (SRPSA) to OTS
- OTS-approved assessments form basis of Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) or Security Regulated Port Security Plan (SRPSP)
- Submission of security plan for evaluation and approval
- Required undertakings prior to issuance of SoCPF or SoCSRP
- Certificate validity of five years
Verification Audits and Compliance Monitoring
- Renewal verification audit can be completed within three months prior to certificate expiry, extending validity for up to five years
- At least one intermediate verification audit during certificate validity period
- Administrator may require additional verification audits
- Deficiencies noted during audits must be rectified within 30 days or risk cancellation of certificates
Interim Certification
- Six-month interim certification may be issued under specific conditions for international ships, national ships, port facilities, and security regulated ports
- Special interim ISSC may be granted for domestic ships on limited international voyages with MARINA clearance
Audits by Administration
- Audits scheduled at specified intervals for:
- International ships (initial, intermediate, renewal, additional audits)
- National ships, port facilities, security regulated ports (verification and additional audits)
- Unannounced audits may be conducted to verify proper implementation
Effectivity
- Guidelines took effect November 15, 2013, executed by the OTS Administrator
This comprehensive framework ensures maritime security compliance through structured assessments, plans, audits, and certificate issuance, promoting safety and security in Philippine maritime transport and infrastructure.