Phl-led IMO unit completes maritime safety measures

MANILA, Philippines - The International Maritime Organization-Maritime Safety Committee (IMO-MSC) under Philippine chairmanship has completed important measures to enhance maritime safety and security, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

The DFA said that Filipino diplomat and IMO-MSC chairman Neil Frank Ferrer successfully presided over the recently concluded 89th session of the MSC held at the IMO headquarters in London from May 11 to 20.

Under Ferrer’s leadership, the MSC completed a number of important measures to enhance maritime safety and security, such as amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and to the International Life-Saving Appliances Code, including guidelines for flag states and other authorities to assist in the investigation of the crimes of piracy and armed robbery against ships.

Measures completed also include the interim guidance to ship owners, ship operators, and ship masters on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board ships in high risk areas.

Ferrer was nominated by the Philippine government for the post of IMO secretary-general at elections to be conducted during the 106th session of the IMO Council in June.

In his nomination, the DFA noted his competence and effective leadership of the IMO-MSC for the past five years, with his excellent management and leadership qualities allowing the MSC to effectively resolve complex, technical, and at times politically-sensitive issues.

At the MSC 89, the Philippines hosted a reception where Ferrer described his comprehensive plans and visions for the IMO.

He said if elected to the post of Secretary-General, he will be working towards making the IMO a stronger and more efficient organization that effectively responds to the priorities and concerns of its member states and the international maritime community.

The Philippine delegation to MSC 89 actively participated in the deliberations of the committee, headed by Philippine embassy in London Charge d’Affaires Reynaldo Catapang, together with Transportation and Communications Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Hon. Aristotle Batuhan.

The IMO is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships.

The MSC is the highest technical body of the IMO and is responsible for developing measures concerning maritime safety and security.