The ISPS Code contains detailed security-related requirements for governments, ports authorities and shipping companies as well as guidelines on how to meet the requirements.

It regulates all vessels over 500 GT (gross ton) engaged in international voyage effective July 1, 2004. By this date, ports that are not ISPS complaint could face sanctions and shipments from that port may face strict evaluation and refused entry in all international ports, especially US ports.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, however, said that Philippine exporters need not fear the new regulations on port security set under the new ISPS Code.

“We have to recognize that making sea transport and travel as safe as possible has become an international undertaking. Our exporters do not need be afraid of such measures as they are meant to promote a secure and reliable business environment,” Purisima said.

According to Purisima, the new regulations being prepared by the government to make Philippine ports ISPS Code compliant will not adversely affect the shipment of goods from the country.

Already, a working group for the implementation of the ISPS Code has been formed led by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC), its attached agencies Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Export Development Council (EDC), Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philexport and Cebu Port Authority.

The new mandatory security measures under the ISPS Code was adopted in December 2002 include a number of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) enshrined in the new ISPS Code. The ISPS Code is to be implemented by the 165 contracting governments in the Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security.

“The Philippines is a signatory to this Conference and is therefore bound to implement the ISPS Code July this year,” said Purisima. “While we still have time, I urge our port authorities to speed up in ensuring that our facilities are upgraded and likewise ISPS compliant. If we are to be truly competitive, we cannot afford to be left out in our trading in the international market.”

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) also created a task force composed of a representatives from the DoTC, the PPA police, Philippine Coast Guard and MARINA to prepare guidelines for all PPA supervised ports.

All PPA supervised ports are required to submit to the PPA their port security plans for evaluation against the ISPS Code. To date, about 80 percent of the ports have submitted their plans.

As provided in the Code, among the various responsibilities of the contracting government in implementing ISPS in its territory are:

1. Setting the applicable security level to all ships and ports in its territory. Level 1 is normal, level 2 is heightened and level 3 is exceptional;

2. Approving ports and ships security plan and other amendments;

3. Verifying ISPS compliance of ships and issuance of International Ship Security Certificate;

4. Determining which port in its territory are required to prepare a port facility security plan;

5. Approving Port Facility Security Plan and subsequent amendments;

6. Exercising control and compliance measures, testing approved plans and communicating information to IMO and to shipping and port industries.