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The Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and National Coast Watch Center signed a MOA to implement the second phase of the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System
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Under the system, the PCG will operate and maintain all vessel traffic and monitoring systems nationwide and conduct surveillance and inspection within the country’s jurisdiction
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NCWC will develop and maintain effective communications between maritime agencies for security operations, including maritime surveillance or response operations
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BFAR is implementing the IMEMS to improve its vessel monitoring system
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) have signed a deal that would implement the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) Phase II Project, PCG said in a statement.
The three agencies signed a memorandum of agreement on January 24 with BFAR national director Demosthenes Escoto, PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu and NCWC director CG Rear Admiral Roy Echeverria as signatories.
BFAR said the signing sets the stage for implementing the IMEMS Phase II Project and allowed the establishment of a port and coastal monitoring system (PCMS) Type 2 in identified PCG coast stations and sub-stations.
PCMS Type 2 is a terrestrial network of sensors that enables real-time tracking and identification of vessels operating in and around busy regional and local ports near coastal areas.
The technology will strengthen joint efforts of the BFAR, PCG and NCWC to implement conservation and fisheries management measures in Philippine waters, BFAR said.
BFAR is currently implementing the IMEMS to improve and extend its existing vessel monitoring system (VMS) capabilities.
Under the MOA, PCG will establish, operate, regulate, and maintain all vessel traffic and monitoring systems (VTMS) nationwide, both inland waters or at open sea within the country’s jurisdiction.
It will also conduct surveillance and inspection on all suspected persons, vessels, and watercraft navigating within Philippine waters, including offshore platforms or oil rigs, and enforce all national and international maritime security laws and regulations.
The NCWC will develop and maintain effective communications and information systems to enhance inter-agency coordination in maritime security operations.
NCWC will also coordinate the conduct of maritime surveillance or response operations upon the request of a member agency or when the need arises and develop a common operating picture to enhance maritime situational awareness.
The IMEMS Phase II targets to put into operation a Single Integrated National Marine Environment Monitoring System that is financially viable and scalable over the long term.
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