DOTC issues rules on port security

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has issued the guidelines for port security to meet the July 1 deadline set by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza signed last May 31 the "guidelines for ship and port facility security plans" which was drafted and prepared by the Office for Transportation Security, in compliance of the ISPS Code adopted by the country on Dec. 12, 2002.

The country’s top exporters, particularly those from Cebu had written President Arroyo regarding the DOTC’s seeming lack of priority for the ISPS compliance issue, sources told The STAR yesterday.

It was learned that the country’s export industry and shipping sector will be hardest hit if the country fails to comply with the ISPS Code before the deadline with ships coming from ports being refused entry and turned away from ISPS-complying ports in all countries abroad.

The guidelines, Mendoza said ensures compliance and implements the new International Maritime Organization’s preventive security framework detailed in the ISPS Code.

He said it also provides a guide to Philippine registered ships and/or ports within Philippine territory that are used in international trade for the preparation and submission of security assessments and plans in compliance with the ISPS Code and the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) "special measures to enhance maritime security."

The ISPS Code is applicable to ships engaged in international voyage as well as ports servicing international trade. It is designed to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism.

ISPS Code compliance is reportedly being vigorously pursued by the United States in the wake of the Sept. 11 World Trade Center tragedy in New York. – Rainier Allan Ronda