Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all Philippine-registered ships engaged in international and/or domestic voyages
- Applies to all Philippine ports that cater to such ships
Definitions of Security Levels
- Security Level 1: Minimum protective measures maintained at all times
- Security Level 2: Additional security measures during heightened risk periods
- Security Level 3: Further specific security measures when security incidents are probable or imminent
Policies and Procedures for Security Level Management
- OTS is the Designated Authority responsible for setting security levels for ports and ships
- Default Operation at Security Level 1 unless otherwise declared
- Security level changes are communicated via Transportation Security Advisory (TSA)
- TSA disseminated to Company Security Officers (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO) by fastest communication means (email, fax, text)
- CSO responsible for further dissemination to Ship Security Officers (SSO)
- PFSO and CSO must acknowledge receipt of TSA and implement corresponding security measures
- Reporting to OTS on implementation status required
- PFSO, CSO, and SSO may adopt heightened security measures even without formal level changes, with immediate OTS notification
- Contact details for OTS provided for queries and communications
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Provisions to be liberally construed to promote maritime security objectives
- OTS Administrator empowered to enforce, amend, or prescribe additional security requirements as needed
- Circular supersedes inconsistent previous orders, rules, or regulations
- Severability clause ensures that invalidated provisions do not affect the remainder
- Circular effective fifteen days after publication
- Compliance with filing requirements at University of the Philippines Law Center confirmed