MANILA – As the Philippine maritime administration intensifies its preparation for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) in October 2023, the Philippine maritime administration, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) commenced an inter-agency writeshop for IMSAS from 03 to 04 July 2023 at the Armada Hotel, Manila.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Maritime and IMSAS Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairperson, pursuant to Executive Order No. 84, Atty. Julius A. Yano set the expectations and encouraged the IMSAS TWG members to fulfill their respective commitments, particularly those indicated in the Pre-Audit Questionnaire (PAQ), Additional Pre-Audit Information (PAI), and Philippine Maritime Strategy.
“Through this writeshop, I hope we will be able to have a unified effort in ensuring that the Philippine maritime industry adheres to the highest standards and complies with international maritime commitments to sustain an efficient, and robust maritime industry,” Asec. Yano highlighted.
The plenary discussion was led by the IMSAS Technical Consultant, Mr. Jose Venancio Vero, and was jointly facilitated by the head of the IMSAS Secretariat, MARINA – Overseas Shipping Service (OSS) Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Precila C. Jara. The writeshop focused on reviewing and finalizing the PAQ and PAI, as well as updating the key performance indicators (KPIs), as set by the Philippine Maritime Strategy on the Implementation and Enforcement of Relevant IMO Instruments for 2020-2024.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jara concluded the writeshop by encouraging the member agencies to continually strengthen their mechanisms towards the realization of IMSAS compliance. The PAQ and PAI are considered as a Member State’s initial response to preliminary questions for IMSAS as these documents will form part of the audit team’s strategic planning before subjecting the country to external scrutiny.
On the other hand, the Philippine Maritime Strategy aims to enhance and ensure full compliance to the country’s international obligations and responsibilities as a member of the IMO.
The Inter-agency writeshop was participated by the representatives from the DOTr, MARINA, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Cebu Port Authority (CPA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).