Marina prepares other agencies for IMO audit

Marina prepares other agencies for IMO audit
Genivi Verdejo September 20, 2023 https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/09/20/business/maritime/marina-prepares...

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has intensified its preparation for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) audit in October, including other government agencies.

Jean Ver Pia, the Philippines' single point of contact for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (Imsas) and Maritime Attaché in London, presented the government agencies' audit schedules and the expected actions to be taken from their end.

Marina convened an Imsas Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting attended by representatives from the Department of Transportation, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, National Telecommunications Commission, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority on September 13 via a hybrid setup.

The groundwork for the audit was laid with the issuance of Executive Order 84 in 2019 to ensure full compliance with the country's international obligations and responsibilities as a member of the IMO.

Chaired by the Transportation assistant secretary for maritime, Julius Yano, and assisted by the head of the Imsas Secretariat, Marina Overseas Shipping Service officer in charge, Precila Jara, the TWG members discussed updates on the preparations for the mandatory audit. The revised draft's detailed audit timetable and program were also presented.

Yano has emphasized the need for a unified effort to ensure that the Philippine maritime industry adheres to the highest standards and complies with international maritime commitments to sustain an efficient and robust maritime industry.

The country's preparedness for this audit will strengthen its standing in the global maritime community and enhance maritime safety, security and environmental protection within the Philippines' waters.