PORT STATE CONTROL NCR-CL’S VIGILANCE ENSURES MARITIME SAFETY

The Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) through the Port State Control Center National Capital Region - Central Luzon (PSC NCR-CL) conducted Port State Control (PSC) Inspection to MV PACIFIC WORLD, a Panamaflagged passenger vessel docked at Manila South Harbor last 13 April 2023.

The Port State Control Inspection Team is headed by its Commander, Coast Guard Lieutenant Senior Grade (LTSG) Denis Rapal, Deputy Commander, Coast Guard

And Environmental Compliance

Lieutenant Junior Grade ( CG LTJG) Julie Anne Lodado together with other Port State Control Officers.

The conduct of Port State Control Inspection is in line with the mandates of the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure that international vessels calling on Philippine ports are in good condition and compliant with all requirements of international regulations. Also included is the verification of the competency of the ship’s Master, officers and personnel.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) states that from January to April 13, 2023, a total of 1,577,349 tourist arrivals were recorded and a primary of their visits was brought by passenger ships, thereby highlighting the importance and timely conduct of Port State Control Inspections.

MV PACIFIC WORLD has a total of 1,250 passengers and 698 crews with 109 days of voyage at sea to visit 22 countries including the Philippines.

INTENSIFYING INTEROPERABILITY: MSSC STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIP WITH NAVSOCOM

The Commander, Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC), then CG Rear Admiral (CG RADM) (now CG VADM) Joseph Coyme rendered a courtesy visit to the Commander of Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM), Commodore Alfonspin P Tumanda Jr, at Head-quarters NAVSOCOM, Sangley Point, Cavite City, on 27 January 2023.

During the said visit, CG VADM Coyme, who was accompanied by MSSC Chief of Staff, CG Commodore (CG COMMO) Dominador Senador III, discussed his intention to request NAVSOCOM to conduct training to MSSC personnel in line with its preparation for field training exercise this coming May 2023 in Ternate, Cavite.

Furthermore, the visit also aimed to further intensify the good working relationship between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy (PN) through future interoperability exercises. This initiative is in reference with Section 2 of RA 9993 which states that in times of national emergency, the PCG would be attached to the Department of National DefensePhilippines (DND).

COMMANDER, MSSC DELIVERS LED TALK TO CGETDC

Coast Guard Vice Admiral (CG VADM) Joseph M Coyme, Commander, Maritime Safety Services Command (MSSC) visited Coast Guard Education, Training and Doctrine Command (CGETDC) for a Leader Epitomizing Distinction (LED) Talk at HCGETDC OWLditorium, Muelle dela Industria, Farola Compound, Binondo, Manila on 21 March 2023.

The LED Talks is an innovation of the CGETDC to feature a Leader Epitomizing Distinction (LED) to share knowledge and practices that have led them to become the kind of leader they have become.

CG VADM Coyme was awarded the Honorary Command Instructor’s Badge for gracing the LED Talks andas recognition for being trailblazers in the Coast Guard service. CG VADM Coyme also received the OWL for being an Outstanding and Wise Leader.

Cmssc Joins Focus Group Discussion Between Pcg Twg And Pllo On Pcg Law Amendment And Modernization Bill

LOOK: The Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the proposed amendment to the PCG Law and PCG Modernization Bill last April 13, 2023 at Manila Diamond Hotel with the intention to further strengthening the PCG’s organization and administration to be more effective, efficient and reliable guardian of the sea.

Present in the FGD are PCG representatives headed by CG VADM ROBERT N PATRIMONIO and CG VADM JOSEPH M COYME together with CG COMMO ROMMEL A SUPANGAN, CG COMMO JAY T TARRIELA, CG CAPTAIN NELSON JAY T TIMBANG, CG CAPT DONETTE A DOLINA, CG CDR MAE RUBINETTE A BARNUEVO, CG LCDR JOYCE ANNE

L MORANTE, and other CGLLA staff. Representatives from DOTr, DBM, DOF, BTr, NEDA, MARINA, Office of Senator Marcos, Office of Senator Estrada, Office of Cong. Garcia and Office of Cong. Olaso are likewise present in the said discussion.

On the amendment to the PCG Law, the proposals include provision on the minimum manning requirement of three (3) personnel per one (1) kilometer coastline and the emphasis on the implementation of three (3) core functional areas, namely, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection. New PCG functions are likewise proposed such as the enforcement of three (3) core functions, the provision on wreck removal with authority to auction the abandoned vessel or wrecks to defray expenses of such removal and, the formulation and enforcement of ISPS Code without prejudice to the other agencies authorized under their respective charters to implement some relevant provisions of the ISPS Code. Further introduced is the adoption of PCG Code of Conduct in lieu of Military Justice System considering the nonmilitary character and civilian nature of the functions of the PCG. Another proposal is for the PCG to be exempt from registration and fees as imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and other charges and fees imposed by other regulatory agencies. Nonetheless, among the significant amendments are the pension benefits of senior enlisted personnel who retired with the rank of CPO and up in accordance with the provisions of RA No. 8220 and RA 9365. The amendment included emphasis on the equal status in rank and pay of the CG Admiral and CG Vice Admiral with their counterparts in the AFP and PNP.

With respect to the PCG Modernization Bill, CG COMMODORE JAY T

TARRIELA presented the PCG modernization version which aims to address PCG’s limited capabilities and resources by introducing technologically advanced equipment, state-ofthe-art facilities and modern infrastructure to meet the new challenges and increasing demands for marine resources, technological advancement and climate change. Further, the proposed program will allow the PCG to perform its different functional areas efficiently and effectively. Also, the proposed modernization program consists of four (4) tiers arranged in the order of priority: Development of PCG Response Bases and Enhancement of Maritime Domain Awareness Capabilities; Development of Infrastructure and Interdiction Capabilities; Acquisition and Development of Patrol Vessels and Air Capabilities; and Infrastructure and Facilities Development, with period of implementation every three (3) years, reflecting the four tiers, over a total period of twelve (12) years. The appropriation for the proposed program shall be based on a minimum amount of One Hundred Billion Pesos (Php 100,000,000,000.00) at the beginning of each implementation period. There is likewise creation of PCG Modernization Act Trust Fund which shall be used exclusively for the PCG Modernization Act.

These two (2) important legislations will definitely propel the PCG organization into new heights and be adequately responsive to the demands of service besting the different challenges of time.