COMPASS

The Commandant's Compass by Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo of the Philippines Coast Guard - The Commandant's Compass has been adopted as the primary strategy until such time that it is modified or improved to address new and emerging challenges


The Commandant's Compass

 

The Coast Guard values and uses les- sons learned from previous operations, addresses the emerging challenges, and adapts to the changing needs in the maritime environment to be able to sustain its long-standing service to our maritime nation. Capacity building measures is thus geared towards the acquisition, maintenance, development, integration, optimum utilization, and improvement of Coast Guard operational capabilities in the core mission areas of maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime security. The PCG works on modest assets acquisition, equipment maintenance, and infrastructure development to be able to meet its mission requirements.

Strategic deployment of PCG surface, air, and shore-based capabilities to include readily deployable teams or units is employed to ensure Coast Guard visibility, vigilance and preparedness so as to be able to promptly preempt any maritime infractions as well as to immediately respond to the call of duty to save lives, protect the marine environment and secure the maritime transportation system and its environs.

To achieve these, the following initiatives are undertaken:

Updated 15-Year Development Plan for the acquisition of the remaining undelivered or additional ships and aircraft to further strengthen the capability of the PCG and to allow them to have the capacity not only to patrol archipelagic waters and coast- al areas, but also to sustain PCG maritime operations on the high seas and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Rehabilitation, upgrade and/or acquisition of a modest and balanced mix of ships, small craft, aircraft and land mobility as- sets in support of the PCG Deployment Plan and sustainable life extension program for existing capabilities. Improved capability of PCG Boarding and Inspection Teams in the enforcement of regulations and standards, and detection of safety, environmental protection, and security threats and hazards on board ships. Improve the Command/Action Centers of PCG major units and Districts by upgrading and integrating the communications capability of the HPCG, major support commands and the Districts/Stations/Detachments, enhancing vessel/aircraft/DRG radio equipment and ensuring communications compatibility and interoperability with the shipping industry and with partner nations and agencies.

Continue to provide trained personnel to jointly man VTMS Centers with PPA not only to monitor maritime traffic within designated traffic separation schemes, harbors and approaches but also to ensure prompt response to maritime incidents and security infractions.

Develop or improve the capabilities of operational commands and special units/ teams as first responders to maritime incidents focused on search and rescue, disaster response, anti-terrorist, anti-piracy, oil and chemical spill response, and law enforcement operations, among others.

Maintain at least 95% operational status of lighthouses, buoys and beacons, and continue to determine and provide the proper aids to navigation in order to help minimize marine accidents. Likewise, ensure the prompt publication and broadcast of notices to mariners (NOTAM).

Continue to develop and employ systems and capabilities to be able to carry out new or added Coast Guard responsibilities such as the provision for navigational safe- ty, environmental protection and security along the country's Nautical Highways.