Philippine officials have successfully completed the IMO National Training Course for Port Facility Security Auditors, held in Manila, the Philippines (6-9 May).
Twenty-four participants – senior officials from the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) – were trained in how to conduct port facility security audits and how to prepare effective reporting and follow-up actions. All the relevant provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) were covered.
The workshop equips the Designated Authorities (DA), which are specified organizations responsible for port security nominated by the national Government, with the knowledge and skills to effectively conduct oversight, in line with IMO maritime security measures.
The Office of Transportation Security hosted the event, which was funded by the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom. The programme closed with a keynote address by the Officer in charge, Office of Transportation Security Asec. Jose A. Briones, Jr.
The Port Facility Security Auditors workshop was a crucial step in strengthening maritime security in the Philippines.