THE United States Coast Guard (USCG) through its International Port Security Program (IPSP) has found three Philippine international container ports to “have significantly improved,” according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The three terminals are: Subic Bay International Terminal Corp. (SBITC), Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) and the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
The USCG conducts in-country visits in countries servicing US-flagged vessels engaged in international trade.
The visit includes assessments on port facility, vessel vulnerability, security plans and measures, and IPSP compliance.
The assessment aims to facilitate sharing of port security best practices and development of mutual interests in securing ships coming in and out of the United States.
The USCG last assessed the Philippine ports in 2015, when it suggested a number of corrective measures to improve the ports.
“We appreciate the USCG Team for the visit and the assessment, as this will give us the baseline for our security standards as maritime trading partners. We value all efforts that will futher enhance our interdependence leading to mutual prosperity,” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said.
Areas for improvement
While it noted positive results, the USCG also pointed out areas that need to be improved in the said ports such as continuous monitoring of CCTVs and the implementation of uniform security measures throughout the perimeter fence.
It also noted issues on employee ID and security tags, communication links between the security officers of the ports and the ships, and security concerns for cruise and cargo operations.