Enforces existing PCG-promulgated rules and regulations pertaining to Marine Pollution (MARPOL).
Renders response and direct operations in the abatement, containment, and recovery of oil spills, noxious substances or hazardous materials, and other marine pollutants.
Conduct inspections, surveillance and apprehensions of persons, vessels and entities causing marine pollution.
Prepares local and national Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plans of the Philippine Coast Guard.
Approve Oil Spill Contingency Plans of oil refineries, terminals, depots, power plants, power barges, and manufacturing industries using persistent oil and HNS, shipping companies (SOPEP), shipyards, ports, harbors and other entities using persistent oil and HNS.
Evaluates vessels, companies/entities on their preparedness to respond to oil spill incidents in compliance with their Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plans.
Processes or approves Certification, Documentation and requirements for the approval of various vessel plans, including type-approval and accreditation of equipment, manufacturer or distributor of MARPOL-related equipment and chemicals.
Prepares doctrines related to pollution control and prevention, and marine resources preservation and recommend to the Commandant the promulgation of such rules and regulations.
Operates/maintains the MEPCOM Laboratory and perform essential laboratory analysis for identification and measurement of marine pollutants.
Conducts research and studies on the effectiveness of oil containment and recovery equipment.
Organizes, trains, equips and maintains Marine Environmental Protection Units (MEPU) and their corresponding enforcement and response team for effective enforcement of MARPOL regulations and effective monitoring/surveillance, response to MARPOL incidents and clean-up operation in the event of oil and HNS spills.
Provides technical assistance to various Coast Guard units on Marine Environmental Protection concerns.
Conducts lectures and training to promote public awareness on Marine Environmental Protection.
Maintains and operates MARPOL response equipment and facilities.
Coordinates with other agencies on matters requiring technical assistance such as laboratory experiments, investigation and research to find economical and practical methods of preventing and controlling marine pollution.
Acts as the point of contact with similar national operations center of ASEAN member countries, international bodies and other government agencies.
Represents the Philippine Coast Guard in local, national and international conferences, seminars and workshops pertaining to marine environmental protection.
Analyzes data and information of past maritime accidents and develops the combating method considering the nature of oil and noxious liquid substances.
Establishes liaison & coordination w/ other government agencies for assistance as it may need personnel, facilities and other resources.
Negotiates w/ private responder/contractor w/ oil and chemical containment and recovery facilities.
Establishes and maintains Geographic Information System and maintains database on spill incidents.
Evaluates and recommends accreditation of private oil spill response organization and contractors in coordination with NOCOP.
Directs controls and supervises activities related to the conduct of research, scientific and special projects pertaining to research, abatement, containment and recovery of oil spills, noxious substances and other marine pollutants chemical analysis of marine pollutants.
Establishes and maintains data baselines resulting from the researches/studies and monitoring activities vis-à-vis marine environmental protection and preservation.
Conducts post environmental damage studies on affected area.
Analyzes, assesses and tests the quality of marine waters.
Conducts oil finger printing test / analysis in support MARPOL related investigations / inquiries and cases.
Maintains database of oil / chemical / drugs characteristics and other environmental agents.
Establishes liaison and coordination with other government agencies, experts and other institution on matters requiring technical assistance.
Communicates, liaises and coordinates with Local Government Units, Government agencies, Non-Government agencies, oil industry, and other institutions or entities both local and foreign on matters pertains to training and drills / exercises.
Formulates and prepares Program of Instructions for the conduct of MEP training / courses and IMO level courses.
Provides complete documentation of the response.
Conducts investigation and adjudication of oil/chemical spill cases.
Detain vessels with major MEP deficiencies that caused pollution.
Recommends policies for the use of various Philippine waters.
Conduct lectures, training, drills / exercises and information drive to all PCG personnel, Local Government Units (LGUs), Government agencies, Non-Government agencies, oil industry and other institutions or entities both local and foreign regarding MAREP.
Perform other functions as the Commandant, PCG may direct.
