U.S. Coast Guard photos by Activities Far East.
TOKYO — A U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security team in cooperation with the Philippine Office for Transportation Security completed two weeks of port facility security seminars in February.
The engagement involved three seminars and a port facility visit designed to strengthen partnerships between the agencies and promote security of the maritime domain.
The seminars provided knowledge on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and educated port management about proper implementation of the ISPS Code. During an auditor seminar, participants visited a port facility in Manila to gain practical experience in the conducting of port facility security audits, guided by the ISPS Code and the Port Facility Security Plan.
“In a global economy, your security is our security,” said Lt. Cmdr. Bryson T. Spangler, international port security liaison officer, U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East. “The U.S. Coast Guard appreciates the Philippines continued cooperation and invitation in providing these seminars and their efforts to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures in the country.”
The Philippines became signatory to the ISPS Code in 2004. The IPS Program seeks to facilitate secure maritime commerce globally and prevent transnational crime organizations from exploiting the maritime domain.
In the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. Coast Guard’s Activities Far East coordinates with over 40 countries to execute these bilateral engagements. The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to promoting and facilitating safe and secure maritime trade.