MARINA Hosts Training, Write-Shop for IMSAS 2021

Wazzup Pilipinas!

To further improve the implementation of international standards in the country’s maritime industry, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) hosted another training course and write-shop for auditors under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).

On 22-27 April 2019, training expert from IMO and the International Maritime Safety Security Environment Academy (IMSSEA) Mourad Ghorbel, discussed the roles and responsibilities of the audit team, the audit preparation and processes among others. He also trained the auditors in recognizing and resolving potential challenges that may be encountered during the audit processes.

The two-day write-shop on 29-30 April 2019, on the other hand, is allotted for the drafting of the country’s pre-audit questionnaire and national maritime strategy to ensure that its international obligations and responsibilities as a flag, port and coastal State are met.

MARINA Officer-in-Charge Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr believed that the continuous support of various government agencies in the country’s preparation for the IMSAS audit in 2021 is vital in the enhancement of the Philippine maritime industry.

“Let us work together in concretizing our actions and schemes to enhance maritime safety, ensure marine environment protection, and effectively implement mandatory IMO instruments that guide our ship operations into complying with international standards,” Vice Admiral Vingson said.

The training course is participated by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

The IMO conducts IMSAS to provide member states, such as the Philippines, with comprehensive and objective assessment on the implementation and enforcement of mandatory IMO instruments pertaining to safety of life at sea, prevention of pollution from ships, regulations for preventing collisions at sea, load lines, and tonnage measurement of ships and standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers.