IMSAS Audit Pushed Back, Philippine Preparatory Documents Approved

Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the IMO has decided that the IMSAS audits scheduled for 2020 to 2021 have been pushed back a year and are now to be conducted in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) Council approved the Philippines’ Cross Table of Responsibilities and draft Philippine Strategy on the Implementation and Enforcement of Relevant IMO Instruments at the 2nd Inter-agency Council Meeting on the IMSAS held via videoconferencing.

The Cross Table of Responsibilities and Philippine Strategy are two vital documents for the mandatory audit in October 2022.

The Cross Table is a prerequisite to the drafting of the IMO Strategy, as it clearly delineates the obligations and interrelationship among maritime entities performing flag State, port State and coastal State functions as prescribed by the relevant IMO Instruments. The Philippine Strategy, on the other hand, aims to enhance maritime safety and protection of the environment and to meet international obligations and responsibilities as a member of the IMO.

“While this Strategy prepares us to the upcoming 2022 audit, this document serves as a sustainable solution in ensuring that despite frequent changes in leadership or shifting of priorities, our fulfillment in full and effective implementation of the IMO Conventions remains on top of our efforts,“ said Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Narciso Vingson, Jr.

He added that with the Philippine Strategy in place, the national government, along with the international community can remain confident that the Philippines remains focused in promoting a safe, secure and efficient sustainable maritime transport system that minimizes pollution while conserving energy and available resources.

 

Source: Marina