NAMSSA is accredited by DOTr to help in securing country’s ports
The Department of TransportationOffice for Transportation Security (DOTr-OTS) has accredited the National Maritime Safety and Security Agency (NAMSSA) for domestic maritime security in the country’s major and minor ports in the country.
NAMSSA is the first recognized security organization (RSO) in the Philippines that has capability to undertake the Maritime Intelligence Risk Suite (MIRS) that can track all vessels, ports, weather, and any security risks via satellite. It is connected to the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from ships.
NAMSSA Director General Capt. Jesser Cordova said that they will support the work of the Office for Transportation Security. I will verify compliance and inspect/audit all ports, ships, shipping companies under the directive and authorization of OTS led by its administrator, Undersecretary Arturo M. Evangelista.
Captain Cordova, a merchant marine officer, said there is need to do audit and inspection of all ships, ports, shipyards, and shipping companies now that the administration is undertaking a war on drugs, illegal trade. There is need to ensure the “safety and security of the maritime transportation that involves people, environment, assets, reputation, and sustainability.”
NAMSSA will be available 24/7 to scrutinize the nation’s ports, shipping companies, and shipyards to deter any threat of terrorism, drug proliferation, and any illegal activities, Cordova said.