Maritime Situational Awareness
What exactly is MRIC?
By virtue of Headquarters Philippine Navy General Order Nr 442 dated 18 December 2008, the Maritime Research Information Center (MRIC) was activated effective 10 December 2008. The MRIC was established to administer a nationwide system that will ensure linkages between the existing and future stations which will be established.
What does MRIC do?
“To administer the Philippine Navy Maritime Situational Awareness System (PNMSAS) formerly Coast Watch System and provide maritime information in order to support the Philippine Navy in the accomplishment of its mission.”
What is MSAC and what does it do?
The former Coast Watch Center (CWC) was renamed to Maritime Situation Awareness Center or MSAC effective 13 March 2013 pursuant to Headquarters Philippine Navy General Order Nr 123 dated 18 March 2013. The MSAC provides operational and central control over the Littoral Monitoring Stations (LMS) and Littoral Monitoring Detachments (LMD) in the specific area of responsibility (AOR) where such center is established. It will serve as a hub for all reports gathered from the surveillance and response operation of the LMS/LMD, PN Units, and other maritime agencies in its AOR.
What is LMS and what does it do?
The former Coast Watch Station (CWS) was renamed to Littoral Monitoring Stations or LMS effective 13 March 2013 pursuant to Headquarters Philippine Navy General Order Nr 123 dated 18 March 2013. The LMS is a fixed observation post conducting a 24-hour electronic and visual surveillance operations to monitor maritime violations, incidents and identify, track, record, and assist, as necessary, all vessels/craft transiting the Philippine maritime territories. The LMS is a unit of MSAC for operational control.
What is the PNMSAS and what is its role in territorial security?
The PNMSAS is a network of fixed observation posts, and operates as a naval station. The system of conducting a 24-hour electronic and visual surveillance, specifically at the identified strategic areas and choke points to monitor, detect, and report intrusions in the country’s territorial waters. From the security point of view, it provides the proverbial first line of defense, which is detection.
How can I contact MRIC?
Individuals who wish to raise, share or report a maritime issue or incident at MRIC, or simply wanting information on a specific maritime subject may contact the MRIC Inter-agency Desk, see the Contact Us page.