PH reaffirms commitment to safety at MSC 108

PH reaffirms commitment to safety at MSC 108
Genivi Verdejo May 22, 2024 https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/22/business/maritime/ph-reaffirms-co...

THE Philippines actively contributes to international maritime safety and security at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) meeting, reaffirming its commitment to global safety standards.

The Philippine delegation, led by Undersecretary for Maritime Elmer Francisco Sarmiento and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia Malaluan, participates in the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) at the IMO Headquarters in London, United Kingdom, where most of the agenda is focused on critical issues related to maritime safety and security.

MSC 108 addresses various issues and concerns, including enhancement of maritime security, especially in the Red Sea, setting global standards, seafarers' issues and the human element, regulating autonomous vessels, piracy and armed robbery against ships, addressing cybersecurity, and focusing on safety issues resulting from emerging technologies, digitalization and decarbonization of ships.

The meeting, chaired by Mayte Medina of the United States and supported by vice chairman Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece, runs from May 15–24, 2024.

Philippine participants include STCWO Executive Director Samuel Batalla, Marina Chief of Staff Ramon Hernandez, Maritime Attaché Jean Ver Pia, MSS OIC-Director Divinagracia Tolosa, Coast Guard Commander Mary Leizl Barbero, and lawyer Ana Marie Hernando. Other representatives are attending remotely.