PCCI urges business community to know more about int’l ship, port security code

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Noemi Saludo is urging the business community to be more aware of the forthcoming implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) which will affect Philippine trade practices.

The Philippines is set to implement the ISPS Code on July 1 this year. It will provide a standardized, international framework for detecting security threats and preventive measures against security incidents.

The ISPS strengthens the 1970s International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), amended last December 2002 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in fighting terrorism.

"The business community, through the PCCI, must discuss the country’s readiness to comply with the ISPS Code," Saludo said.

Saludo added the ISPS is an "important development in international port operations and will have significant effects to government and the private sector, particularly the country’s exporters and importers."

"Given its large ramifications on Philippine trade practices and its imminent implementation in three months, this must be given due priority," Saludo stressed.

Saludo warned that countries that do no comply with the mandatory requirements "may experience lesser ship calls on their ports from international ISPS compliant vessels."

She added that "with a majority of the 165 contracting IMO government being Philippine trading partners, non-compliance could have negative effects on imports and exports."

The PCCI is conducting a forum on the ISPS during its general membership meeting on March 25.