The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the EU Crimario are deepening their collaboration to bolster their partnership concerning the operational utilization of the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform. Director Ronaldo P. Bandalaria of the Enforcement Service (ES) and Mr. Alexandru Chiric, Southeast Asia EU Project Representative of the EU Crimario Project, convened on February 14, 2024, to discuss the platform’s development and challenges.
The IORIS platform serves as a secure, neutral, web-based maritime coordination and information-sharing tool for national and regional multi-agency use. Its primary function is to provide maritime centers with a platform to jointly plan and coordinate maritime operations, including crisis and incident management. It enhances information-sharing capabilities and strengthens inter-agency collaboration at both national and regional levels.
During the meeting, ES Senior Engineer Cesar P. Soriano, designated IORIS trainer, presented the outcomes of the recently conducted free Basic IORIS Course Training, which involved ship Masters and other private stakeholders. This initiative underscores MARINA’s commitment to promoting the platform’s utilization. Notably, MARINA Advisory No. 2023-32 titled “Reporting of Philippine Registered Vessels Engaged in International Trade to the Administration through the Indo Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform” was issued to encourage Philippine Registered Vessels (PRVs) to periodically report to the Administration via IORIS.
Furthermore, Mr. Chiric reaffirmed the EU Crimario’s dedication to supporting MARINA in future IORIS training programs and initiatives. He also expressed gratitude for the forthcoming participation of Engr. Bandalaria and Atty. Daniel Oral of the Legal Service in the IORIS Steering Committee Conference scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in March 2024. The expenses for their attendance at the conference will be covered by the EU-Crimario II Project, underscoring the continued support and partnership between MARINA and EU Crimario in advancing maritime security and collaboration efforts.
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