LETTER OF COMMITMENT WITH CITIZENS
Fifth Edition
PREFECTURA NAVAL ARGENTINA (PNA - ARGENTINE COAST GUARD)
Dear citizens,
With this new edition of the Letter of Commitment with Citizens, Prefectura complies with its priority goal of
ensuring the continuous update of commitments and improvements assumed with the community,
initiating, in this way, a new cycle in the endless improvement process.
Within this framework, the special concern of appropriately responding to the needs of citizens regarding
police and security strategies, which are in line with the democratic model of social inclusion, is highlighted
in the context of which our Organization’s commitment and participation is particularly relevant.
Prefectura has initiated an important modernization process of resources, giving rise to a significant
synergy generated by the acquisition of new units and technology and the necessary improvements in the
training of human resources.
Furthermore, we confirm the commitments which define our organization and respond to its main functions,
many of which are considerably heterogeneous and addressed strategic objectives with high-professional
and technical specialization, such as safety of navigation, port and maritime security, preservation of
natural resources and public security, among others.
Finally, we ratify our continuous commitment with public values, directing all our institutional efforts to the
proper satisfaction of citizens’ needs and the continuous improvement in the quality of the services
provided.
LUIS ALBERTO HEILER
ADMIRAL
PREFECTURA NAVAL ARGENTINA COMMANDANT
CONTENTS
ORGANIC CHART RELATED TO THE LETTER OF COMMITMENT
INTRODUCTION
SERVICES RENDERED BY PREFECTURA
RECIPIENTS OF PNA’s SERVICES
RULES REGULATING PNA’S MISSIONS AND TASKS
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENTS OF PNA’S SERVICES
CITIZENS’ INFORMATION SYSTEM
CITIZENS’ INVOLVEMENT SYSTEM
PNA QUALITY COMMITMENTS
PNA QUALITY STANDARDS
PNA IMPROVEMENT COMMITMENT FOR 2014/2015
ANNEXES: TABLES OF QUALITY STANDARDS AND INDICATORS

QUALITY STANDARDS OF SERVICES

ELECTRONIC LETTER
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (PREFECTURA’S POINTS OF CONTACT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY)
MINISTRY OF SECURITY
PREFECTURA NAVAL
ARGENTINA
LEGAL
COUNSELING
OFFICE
NAVAL TECHNICAL
COUNSELING OFFICE
SAFETY AND SECURITY
GENERAL
DIRECTORATE
COMMANDANT
VICECOMMANDANT
LOGISTICS
GENERAL
DIRECTORATE
ADVISORS’ BOARD
SENIOR OFFICERS’
COUNCIL
PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT GENERAL
DIRECTORATE
QUALITY
MANAGEMENT
DEPARTMENT
INTERNAL
MONITORING
DIVISION
ON-GOING ANALYSIS
AND IMPROVEMENT
DIVISION
CITIZENS’
SERVICE CENTER
ORGANIC CHART RELATED TO THE LETTER OF COMMITMENT WITH CITIZENS
INTRODUCTION
PREFECTURA NAVAL ARGENTINA (PNA – ARGENTINE COAST GUARD) IS A BICENTENARY NONMILITARY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHICH IS PART OF THE HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEM,
ACCORDING TO THE LEGISLATION IN FORCE.
MISSIONS ENTRUSTED TO PNA ARE ESTABLISHED IN THE PNA CHARTER, THE PRINCIPLES OF
WHICH ARE BASED ON PROTECTING “FREEDOM, LIFE, CITIZENS’ PROPERTY, THEIR RIGHTS AND
CONSTITUTIONAL GUARANTEES” WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE REPUBLICAN AND FEDERAL
REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM AS STATED IN THE ARGENTINE CONSTITUTION.
PNA IS THE ARGENTINE MARITIME AUTHORITY PAR EXCELLENCE, ACCORDING TO THE
PROVISIONS OF THE GENERAL ACT, LAW No. 18.398, AND THE NAVIGATION ACT, LAW No. 20.094,
THROUGH WHICH THE ARGENTINE STATE EXERCISES LAW ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH SHIPPING AND NAVIGATION SAFETY AND SECURITY AND PUBLIC ORDER IN
NATIONAL JURISDICTIONAL WATERS AND AT PORTS.
PNA IS ENTRUSTED WITH IMPLEMENTING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS ON SAFETY OF
HUMAN LIFE AT SEA, PREVENTION OF AND FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION FROM SHIPS, AND
RELATED TECHNICAL AND LEGAL MATTERS ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
LEGISLATION IN FORCE IN OUR COUNTRY.
PNA HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED WITH FULFILLING COMMITMENTS THAT ARGENTINA HAS
UNDERTAKEN AS FLAG, PORT AND COASTAL STATE FOR VESSEL REGISTRATION AND SAFETY
INSPECTION PURPOSES AS ESTABLISHED BY RELEVANT LAWS, REGULATIONS AND
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS.
IN ORDER TO ATTAIN THE ABOVE GOALS, PNA HAS SET THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIC
PURPOSES: SAFETY OF NAVIGATION, MARITIME SECURITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND
PUBLIC SECURITY.
WITHIN THE WIDE SCOPE OF MISSIONS AND TASKS ENTRUSTED TO THIS AGENCY AND
ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE STRATEGIC PURPOSES, THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC MISSIONS
REGARDING CITIZENS AND THE COMMUNITY ARE ESTABLISHED:
SAFETY OF NAVIGATION
This is a core mission of PNA including a wide array of tasks focused on vessels, seafarers and navigation
itself as a technical event.
 Authorize ships’ project, building, equipment and management.
 As part of its Flag State functions, conduct inspections and issue certificates for vessels to ensure
compliance with the provisions of international instruments of which Argentina is a Contracting
Government.
 Check compliance with principles and rules regarding established limits to load vessels.
 Establish minimum safe manning of ships and crew training requirements.
 Ensure maintenance of the communication system, thus contributing to collision prevention and water
pollution.
 Be involved in and collaborate with being aware on the beaconing system and obstacles to navigation,
which can be detected in waterways.
 Make regulations to exercise proper monitoring of technical and administrative issues relating to
vessels, especially regarding ship inspection and certification, safety and pollution prevention
standards applied to ships, and the drafting of related regulations.
 Ensure compliance with national laws and regulations, including pertinent investigation and legal
punishment procedures.
 Implement proper measures to vessels in case of non compliance with rules, standards and legislation
in force.
 Be involved in case of accidents and incidents according to the provisions of legal instruments and
conduct investigations into the detention of Argentine-flagged vessels.
 Foster recreational boating and actively participate in events, meetings and projects to keep pace with
this sector development.
 Cooperate with private, provincial and municipal agencies to implement rules regulating these activities
in bodies of water not subject to national jurisdiction.
 Maintain an efficient system of ship control by the Port State Control in order to ensure compliance
with international treaties ratified by Argentina in connection with safety of navigation, maritime security
and prevention of pollution from ships flying the flag of a foreign State and navigating in waters and
calling at ports within national jurisdiction.
MARITIME SECURITY
As the State’s response to the increasing magnitude of these crimes at the international level, this strategic
goal is set to ensure safety and security of maritime transportation, port facilities and their adjacent areas
against terrorism, unlawful drug-trafficking, smuggling, unlawful trafficking of sensitive materials, money
laundering, trafficking of illegal migrants by sea and trafficking in persons.
 Be involved in the planning of security measures process and incorporate elements able to face new
threats and problems in the fields of maritime security: maritime terrorism, smuggling of narcotics and
radioactive or strategic materials, container movements, trafficking of illegal migrants by sea, acts of
piracy and armed robbery committed against ships and other conventional crimes.
 Monitor security activities in the ship-port interface: pilotage; towing; docking and berthing; fire-fighting;
repairs; ballast water management; oily waste reception; garbage disposal and treatment; fuel,
lubricant, drinking water and food supply; passenger embarking and landing operations and
contingency planning for pollution prevention purposes.
 Maintain an efficient system of ship control by the Port State Control in order to ensure compliance
with provisions of Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS 74 Convention as well as of the International Ship and
Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) by foreign-flagged ships navigating in Argentine jurisdictional
waters and calling at national ports.
 Deter unlawful acts in the exclusive economic area and prevent infringement of legal rules at ports and
national jurisdictional waters.
 In compliance with the provisions of Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS 74 Convention as well as of the
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), approve security schemes and issue
certificates for Argentine-flagged ships navigating at international waters, monitoring them through
audit processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
This objective deals with the prevention and combating of water pollution caused by oil and other noxious
and/or dangerous substances from ships. PNA is the Enforcement Authority of several specific
international conventions in this field. Its missions are the following:
 Be involved in the prevention and containment of marine environment pollution and minimize the
impact of pollutant accidental discharges.
 Be involved in the drafting of legal rules to prevent maritime, river and lake pollution caused by oil or
other noxious and/or dangerous substances from ships. Ensure compliance with these rules.
 PNA, acting as Enforcement Authority of International Conventions ratified by Argentina, is involved in
the prevention and combating of water pollution caused by oil and other noxious and/or dangerous
substances from ships.
 Start summary legal proceedings and impose penalties to those not complying with the legislation in
force.
 Analyze and approve emergency plans for ships and shipping companies.
 Approve packaging manufactured domestically for exporting and/or carrying dangerous goods in
packaged form.
 Issue fitness certificates and transportation authorizations for Argentine-flagged ships carrying
dangerous goods in bulk.
 Monitor compliance with legislation in force concerning response capacity for oil spill emergencies
caused by shipping companies and services.
 Issue national and international certificates for pollution prevention according to regulations in force.
 Conduct technical inspections and surveys to ships and naval crafts so as to ensure compliance with
and renewal of pertinent certificates.
PUBLIC SECURITY
A wide array of missions is included in this objective to maintain public order and ensure homeland
security. For such ends, maritime, river and lake borders are protected and crimes, such as illegal drug
trafficking, illicit traffic of cultural property, illegal transit of people and smuggling, are avoided or stopped.
Coincidentally, closed areas and the Exclusive Economic Zone are protected from ships entering illegally
so as to prevent non compliance with legislation at ports and in national jurisdictional waters so as to
safeguard freedom, human life and property.
PNA is an agency, part of the Homeland Security System, according to the provisions of the Homeland
Security Act (Section 7, Title II, and Sections 2 and 3, Title I of Law 24.059). Safety surveillance services
are also rendered in certain neighbourhoods and districts in the Buenos Aires province and vehicle and
people documentation checking tasks are conducted in streets and bridges, mobile units, etc. outside the
PNA typical jurisdiction to assist provincial law enforcement and police forces and/or federal forces.
 Maintain public order and ensure homeland security.
 Prevent the commission of crimes and misdemeanours.
 Identify persons coming in or out of the country through rivers, lakes or by sea.
 Render assistance as required by competent authorities in matters within the PNA specific scope and
missions.
 Provide assistance in case of flooding and similar incidents.
 Conduct damage containment and fire-fighting operations at ports.
 Ensure homeland security at ports and navigable waters in times of peace and provide assistance in
case of internal disturbances or international conflicts.
 Prevent the commission of crimes regarding imports and exports, drug trafficking, clandestine
migrations, illicit traffic of cultural assets, illegal laundering of assets and traffic in people.
 Monitor ships engaged in fishing activities so as to avoid fisheries depletion to deter illegal exploration
and exploitation of natural living and non living resources, as well as other unlawful activities affecting
Argentine economic interests.
 Conduct surface and air surveillance missions to prevent and deter non compliance with legislation in
force.
 Conduct visits on board ships to verify their safety conditions and compliance with authorized fishing
catch limit for each fish species.
SERVICES RENDERED BY PNA
WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE OBJECTIVES STATED, SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING FIELDS
ARE RENDERED BY PNA: SAFETY OF HUMAN LIFE AT SEA; SAFETY OF NAVIGATION; MARITIME
SECURITY; WATER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION; SURVEILLANCE OF SEA, RIVER, LAKE AND
PORT SPACES; MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH PERTINENT LEGISLATION AND PUBLIC ORDER
MAINTENANCE IN THESE SCENARIOS, AND OUTSIDE ITS AREA OF AUTHORITY WHENEVER THE
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BRANCH SO MANDATES IT.
SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA
Safety of life at sea is a phrase embodying the concern of the international maritime community regarding
specific risks posed by maritime navigation and shipping.
For this reason, all legal instruments subsequently adopted fell under this category when uniform principles
and rules for the promotion of safety of life at sea were established. The International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS Convention) is a milestone in international maritime regulations and
together with other Conventions concerning collision prevention, load lines, tonnage measurement,
seafarers’ training and certification and prevention of pollution from ships form the primary set of
regulations governing maritime transportation and shipping.
PNA is the enforcement authority for this Convention in Argentina. This Service has therefore taken all
necessary organizational steps as well as regulatory, operational and administrative procedures to give
these provisions full force and effect. These core missions play a major role within PNA’s tasks and are
closely related to the achievement of our Service’s goals as a safety of navigation law-enforcement
agency.
As the result of these complex and different tasks, working group sessions of the International Maritime
Organization’s committees are attended by PNA delegates so as to consider the adoption of proposed
amendments. Other typical activities include drafting domestic regulations derived from these international
instruments, carrying out ship inspections and surveys, issuing safety certificates, conducting training
courses for PNA and merchant marine personnel, making technical decisions and investigating marine
casualties, as well as a wide range of other tasks derived from the SOLAS Convention.
SHIP INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
Inspection and certification of safety conditions on board vessels are carried out by PNA, according to
international conventions in which all relevant details and domestic complementary regulations are
established.
These tasks are fulfilled by PNA to honour Argentina’s commitments both as Flag and as Port State, in the
latter case with respect to vessels calling at ports located in Argentine territory.
In the first case, testing the vessel safety conditions implies examination and approval of plans and the
corresponding calculations; analysis of ship building, modification and scrapping projects; carrying out
measurements and calculations in order to assign load lines and determine tonnage measurement;
gathering all related technical information and issuing domestic and international safety certificates after
analyzing technical surveys on hulls, propelling plants, electrical installations, communication and pollution
prevention equipment and life-saving appliances.
The PNA Technical Navigation Department has been entrusted with fulfilling the above tasks. A quality
management system was therefore implemented based on ISO 9001:2000 international standard and
meeting technical and documentation requirements. In this regard, and in order to carry out specific
procedures, in particular, to analyze audit reports and corrective and/or preventive actions, this quality
management system was certified by two internationally well-known organizations: the Argentine
Standardization Institute (IRAM, in Spanish) – IQnet and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
In connection with Port State Control standards, PNA tasks and missions are governed by the Viña del Mar
Agreement signed by Latin American Maritime Authorities according to IMO’s adopted measures intended
to coordinate ship monitoring and control at the regional level so as to increase the level of compliance
with international safety regulations.
NATIONAL REGISTRY OF SHIPS
The National Registry of Ships provides nationality to all ships and guarantees vessel legal traffic. These
two tasks are performed through publications. Although there is an obvious distinction between them, they
are both closely linked.
The former task is carried out when a ship is registered in the National Registry. This registration which
also grants the Argentine nationality authorizes vessels to fly the national flag and subjects them to
national laws. This is directly related to safety law-enforcement, navigation safety and the safety of human
life at sea, i.e., administrative tasks within the scope of PNA missions.
The latter task is aimed at registering vessel ownership and its modifications so as to ensure that all legal
matters and documentation regarding ships are in order as well as to provide security and efficiency to any
transactions made on vessels, taking into account the costs involved. This task implies property monitoring
and goes beyond administrative purposes for the benefit of individual interests and to prevent legal order
disruptions.
REGISTRY AND AUTHORIZATION OF MERCHANT MARINE PERSONNEL
Once Merchant Marine personnel have successfully completed their studies, they are registered and
authorized to navigate by PNA. Certificates are endorsed and shipping documentation is provided to
Merchant Marine personnel by this Service.
The PNA Crew and Pilotage Department has been entrusted with fulfilling the above tasks. A quality
management system was therefore implemented based on ISO 9001:2008 international standard and
meeting technical and documentation requirements. In this regard, and in order to carry out specific
procedures, in particular, to analyze audit reports and corrective and/or preventive actions, this quality
management system was certified by two internationally well-known organizations: the Argentine
Standardization Institute (IRAM, in Spanish) – IQnet and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).
PNA is also involved in the qualification and training of petty officers from the Merchant Marine. To this
end, several schools are located within the PNA premises, both for deck and auxiliary services personnel.
This contribution to the Merchant Marine development is complemented with the specific identification of
minimum educational requirements to be met for safety of navigation purposes. For such ends, tailor-made
courses are given by PNA according to the provisions of related international conventions.
Medical examinations are also conducted by PNA in order to check and certify seafarers’ physical fitness.
Additionally, vessels are granted a safety manning certificate by PNA. The minimum safety manning is
determined according to international and domestic regulations in force taking into account the particular
features of each vessel and the service for which it is intended. The overall aim is to ensure the correct
operation of both essential and emergency services on board.
Shipowners, shipping agents, naval experts, engineers, shipbuilders and naval building technicians as well
as other navigation-related shore personnel are also subject to registry and authorization by PNA. As in
previous cases, this Service is also entrusted with keeping a record of seafarers’ background information
and their professional performance.
Once the Merchant Marine embarked personnel are about to retire and based on their record book which
are in our Central Record File, PNA issues embarking and disembarking record sheets, valid
documentation to proceed with and receive their pension.
VESSEL TRAFFIC SERVICE (VESSEL MONITORING)
As the result of increased activities regarding water transportation and traffic in navigable waters and at
ports, aids to navigation systems needed to be improved specially in connection with river and maritime
traffic monitoring and arrangement. Safety levels were thus significantly increased.
Monitoring ships navigating in Argentina’s jurisdictional waters is implemented through the Vessel Traffic
Service (VTS) which is made up of several location and identification systems to pinpoint vessels
navigating along rivers and at lakes inside the country and at sea.
New demands were created since 90% of Argentina’s foreign trade is made through rivers and/or the sea.
PNA is able to meet these demands dynamically and efficiently when regulating vessel traffic so as to have
safe and trouble-free navigable waterways. In this way, over 2,000,000 vessel movements are facilitated
each year and over 8,000,000 passengers and 163,000,000 tons of goods are safely carried.
The efficient vessel traffic monitoring service is fully operational with state-of-the-art equipment and highly
qualified staff. This service is aimed at ensuring proper management of vessel movements in the most
critical areas having major impact on water transportation. For such ends, the Automatic Identification
System (AIS) is implemented featuring remote camera and radar links. PNA is a Latin-American leading
authority in this field.
AIS systems installed at the VTS Centres located at PNA’s coastal stations pick up and broadcast
information regarding vessel movements and port operations.
This system is used to graphically display data about physical and navigational conditions of vessels which
must carry AIS on board so as to comply with specific rules and standards by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO).
Information obtained in this manner may be sent to specific sectors engaged in vessel and port operations.
These recipients must be properly registered before PNA.
Coastal stations have additional equipment to facilitate technology integration which is used to make
differential positioning corrections so as to increase shipping monitoring, surveillance and safety.
WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
Analyzing the most effective way to face problems posed by pollution from ships became a priority as the
result of shipping and water transportation development, the increasing size and tonnage of vessels and
fleets, and cargo complexity at the international level.
In 1973 the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships was adopted at a
conference called upon by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This convention was later on
complemented with a Protocol adopted in 1978. These two legal instruments became known as MARPOL
73/78 Convention which is concerned with the ship in its entirety. Provisions are included about vessel
design and devices to be carried onboard to prevent pollutant releases.
Another major legal instrument completed in 1990 was the International Convention on Oil Pollution
Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC Convention). Just as pollution prevention is stressed in
MARPOL 73/78 Convention, the OPRC Convention emphasis is placed on clean-up and decontamination
tasks once an oil spill has occurred. This convention, however, not only provides for damage
compensation. Reference is also made in several articles to the prevention of polluting incidents specially
when dealing with contingency planning.
According to Law No. 18.398, PNA is entrusted with implementing and ensuring compliance with adopted
rules and standards to prevent water pollution by oil or other noxious substances. As a result, PNA is the
enforcement authority in this respect as stated in the corresponding legislation through which the above
international conventions have been adopted by Argentina.
The penalty and liability system as well as the measures to restore the damaged environment are stated in
Law No. 22190, Act on Prevention and Control of Pollution from Ships and Naval Crafts.
In connection with this type of activities, the Environmental Protection Directorate (Environmental Safety
Department) implemented a Quality Management System which was certified in 2004 by the Argentine
Standardization Institute (IRAM), according to ISO 9001:2008 standard.
Moreover, the Technological Scientific Department of said Directorate reached accreditation under the
ISO/IEC 17.025:2005 international standard for the laboratory of “Dr. LELOIR” PNA-SPA-1 Scientific
Vessel, which was granted by the Argentine Accreditation Body in 2008.
Furthermore, in the same period, the chemical laboratory for expert examination of the Criminal
Investigations’ Department (Port and Maritime Security and Judicial Law-Enforcement Directorate) was
also accredited under the same Standard.
MONITORING OF CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY SEA
Around 50% of seaborne cargo may be considered dangerous, potentially dangerous or damaging to the
environment according to the classification and identification criteria adopted by the International Maritime
Organization. Some cargoes are dangerous in terms of safety and their polluting capacity, while others are
damaging to the marine environment.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention) is a legal instrument
containing specific rules on the subject which served as a basis for drafting other documents such as the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) in which a wide array of measures for the
safe carriage of dangerous goods and pollution prevention are described.
PNA, acting as enforcement authority for this Convention, has established regulations to implement
measures regarding identification, packaging, documentation and other details aimed at ensuring proper
monitoring of dangerous goods operations. Coordination is also established between the PNA and other
agencies to harmonize measures regarding the carriage of dangerous goods in other scenarios.
JURISDICTIONAL WATERS SURVEILLANCE
According to PNA General Act (Law No. 18.398), this Service has been entrusted with law enforcement
missions within Argentine navigable waters at sea, rivers, lakes, channels and other navigable areas
devoted to traffic and trade between jurisdictions, as well as at ports under national jurisdiction.
The PNA General Act is in line with the Homeland Security Act, Law No. 24.059. Maritime jurisdictional
waters are included in its scope. Moreover, Argentina’s intervention is extended up to 200 nautical miles
from coastal baselines, according to Law No. 23968 in which several principles of the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea are included.
PNA’s jurisdiction and scope is therefore clearly established in the three above-mentioned Laws.
Jurisdictional water surveillance and law enforcement in those areas to ensure compliance with standards,
regulations, maritime ordinances and other rules in force are missions typically conducted by PNA districts,
units and stations. Coast guard cutters and aircrafts located along Argentine sea and river coastlines are
deployed for such ends.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (from 12 to 200 nautical miles) is of particular importance to Argentina as
the result of important natural resources found in those waters, sea-bed and subsoil. PNA also has fishing
control functions pursuant to the provisions of the Federal Fishing Regulations (Law No. 24.922).
According to this and other related legislation, PNA has been entrusted with law enforcement missions as
an auxiliary fisheries protection agency.
These patrimonial rights of Argentina acting as Coastal State over the Nation’s jurisdictional sea require
permanent surveillance by PNA surface and air units in order to prevent and deter unlawful fishing
activities performed by unauthorized foreign vessels.
PNA has authority to detain trespassing vessels, follow summary legal proceedings and impose penalties
for violations according to the Federal Fishing Regulations.
Finally and in connection with jurisdictional water monitoring and compliance with legislation, PNA entered
into several cooperation agreements with provinces and national agencies to deter illegal hunting and
fishing at sea and in rivers and to prevent and control water pollution.
ASSISTANCE TO SHORE COMMUNITIES
Assistance is rendered by PNA to shore communities within its jurisdiction as one of its core missions.
A major contingency typically requiring assistance concerns floods which periodically affect shore
populations in different areas of the country. PNA districts and units are ready to respond to such
emergencies, rendering preventive assistance and salvage services to help and rescue people and protect
their property successfully.
PNA evacuates, provides shelter and gives medical aid to individuals in distress using its own equipment
and staff. Sometimes coordination is established for the use of additional resources belonging to national,
provincial and city council authorities and even to local private individuals, according to the specific
circumstances and requirements of each case. Safety and control measures are also taken in order to
prevent plundering.
An alert phase is typically included in emergency plans to render assistance in case of floods. During this
phase weather reports are broadcast, land and river patrols are increased in order to alert shore or island
populations and safety measures of port facilities are checked. When waters reach a critical level, human
resources and equipment are deployed according to the type of emergency involved.
Updated information regarding the most sensitive and risky areas is kept in evacuation plans in order to
expedite relief and prioritization of efforts.
Besides the above missions, a wide array of tasks are conducted by PNA so as to help improve the
standard of living of shore populations, such as sanitary and vaccination campaigns, dental checks, school
sponsoring, school elements supply, community talks by specialized staff, etc.
PNA has frequently been called upon to render assistance in all sorts of emergencies and the Service
history is full of heroic deeds performed silently by its staff for humanitarian reasons.
RECREATIONAL BOATING AND PNA
PNA has been entrusted with drafting rules for sports navigation and recreational boating as well as with
certifying sports crew members in the following categories: grumete, conductor náutico, timonel de yate,
patrón de yate and piloto de yateTN1. Seafarers’ conduct is administratively overseen by PNA, which is also
is responsible for certifying underwater sports activities, and keeping a record of them.
Shipbuilding design, safety equipment verification and ship scrapping are included in PNA’s typical
missions. Tasks regarding sports navigation and recreational boating are aimed at ensuring safety of life at
sea.
A regulatory framework is drafted taking into account users’ opinions so as to ensure harmonic interactions
between those who take navigation as a hobby or occasional sports activity and those professionals who
make a living out of it.
Awards are presented in a special ceremony every year to those members of the boating community who
have been given international or continental prizes and to related bodies which had remarkable
performances in sports navigation and recreational boating during the previous year.
SECURITY AND PUBLIC ORDER
One of the main tasks of any State is to ensure citizens’ security and public order. Without them, people
would not be able to exercise their full rights or perform their activities freely.
Public security law enforcement is therefore one of the specific branches of any State’s law enforcement
power. Consequently, law enforcement missions are conducted by PNA within this Service’s mission scope
and jurisdiction.
In short, any State has been entrusted with general law-enforcement and specific public security lawenforcement functions. More specifically and in connection with PNA’s core missions, several subdivisions
have been made, called shipping and navigation safety law-enforcement, public security law-enforcement
(to deter and prevent crimes and misdemeanours), Judiciary-related law-enforcement, water environment
and natural resources law-enforcement and, as a complement, law enforcement for customs, migration
and health matters as well as at navigation administrative jurisdiction.
In connection with public security law-enforcement, PNA has been entrusted with providing safety and
security in neighbourhoods and districts as may be deemed necessary for preventive and deterrence
purposes. For such ends, human, logistics, land, air and maritime resources are deployed.
This wide array of law enforcement missions and tasks whose core is found in shipping and navigation
safety law enforcement has been entrusted to PNA through their districts’ units and specialized sections
having qualified staff and proper equipment.
TN1
Different degrees of recreational boating crewmember certification which depends upon the yacht size.
CRIMES AND INFRINGEMENTS
PNA has been essentially entrusted with preventing and deterring crimes and infringements within the
federal jurisdiction. These cases must be brought before the federal justice or national authorities.
This does not exclude PNA’s intervention in cases involving common offences to be brought before local
courts when unlawful actions are in the process of being committed or when offenders are to be prevented
from escaping. In these cases, once the necessary evidence has been collected and the suspects and
alleged offenders have been arrested, the facts are submitted to competent authorities as soon as
possible.
PORT SAFETY AND SECURITY
PNA has been entrusted with specific missions at ports within national jurisdictional waters, i.e. in those
navigable stretches of water connecting two or more provinces in which trade between jurisdictions is
performed.
PNA carries out its missions within these boundaries as one of the law enforcement agencies of the
Nation, protecting shipping and navigation safety as well as ensuring citizens’ and judicial security.
Applicable rules and standards are strictly enforced in port waters in which navigation is generally
restricted or risky. PNA has also been entrusted with preventing and deterring crimes, misdemeanours and
infractions which may pose a direct or indirect danger, obstruction or disturbance to shipping safety and
related port activities.
PNA therefore conducts missions as a public order enforcement agency at ports through its local districts
and units. Moreover, pertinent rules and regulations, such as those prepared by this Service (i.e. maritime
and law enforcement ordinances) are enforced by PNA according to specific regulations in force at each
port. Besides acting as a public order enforcement agency, assistance to the Judiciary is also rendered by
PNA to investigate offences during the fact-finding period to aid federal judges hearing specific cases. A
legal proceedings office with specialized personnel is therefore located at every PNA local unit.
In case of common, non federal offences, actions are taken by PNA under certain circumstances. Urgent
measures are adopted to find evidence, pursue and arrest suspects, and inform local competent
authorities.
PNA has also been entrusted with rendering inspection and survey services at port facilities so as to
conduct port risk assessments. These are vital factors when preparing Port Security Plans and audits in
their initial and maintenance phases, according to the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility
Security Code (ISPS Code).
This international legislation is aimed at ensuring implementation of measures to protect port facilities,
ships, people and cargoes from risks to citizens’ and maritime security. For such ends, all these efforts are
aimed at detecting threats and adopting preventive measures in case of incidents risking the safety of
ships or port facilities engaged in international trade so as to build up confidence regarding the availability
of adequate and proportionate measures.
DRUG INTERDICTION
PNA’s staff must be continuously prepared to combat illegal drug trafficking as the result of specific
circumstances prevailing in frontiers and at port areas where international traffic and trade take place.
Therefore, training courses on modern investigation techniques in Argentina and abroad are routinely
taken by PNA personnel.
Active cooperation among agencies at the national and international level is required as the result of the
multi-national nature of drug-related problems in order to prevent and deter these criminal activities across
national borders.
In response to the international concern to fight drug trafficking and as part of the Service’s efforts and
missions, PNA was able to detect major criminal networks and seized large quantities of illegal drugs.
ASSISTANCE TO THE JUDICIARY
Law enforcement missions are conducted by PNA and assistance to the Judiciary is also rendered within
this Service’s jurisdiction.
Legal orders issued by competent judges for vessel seizures and detentions are enforced by PNA in order
to prevent ships from leaving port. In most cases, these detentions are derived from suits filed at civil,
commercial or labour courts by shipowners, masters or their legal representatives.
Such orders are enforced by PNA when vessels arrive at ports and in jurisdictional waters as an exception
at the request of competent judges, disregarding the vessel’s condition and location in those waters.
Assistance to the Judiciary is rendered by PNA and consequently federal offences committed within PNA’s
jurisdiction are also investigated. A preliminary fact-finding investigation is conducted according to the
provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. During this stage, evidence is gathered and findings are
submitted by PNA to the judge hearing the case.
VESSEL REFLOATING
Domestic transportation and a large percentage of foreign trade both take place at approaches to sea and
river ports and harbours and in any navigable stretch of water. These approaches are largely made up of
large channels with a limited capacity when considering the increasing size of ships. It is therefore very
important to keep these waterways clear so as to ensure an efficient and trouble-free traffic of vessels.
PNA has been entrusted with recording and inspecting ships and naval crafts which are sunk or aground in
Argentine jurisdictional waters and with monitoring or carrying out their removal or demolition when they
pose an obstruction or danger to navigation.
In this way, necessary tasks are fulfilled so that the Argentine State will be transferred those sunken and
inactive ships to be subsequently disposed of either by removal or extraction in order to facilitate shipping
and navigation and to ensure port infrastructure operational capabilities.
Refloating operations are conducted using highly qualified staff and state-of-the-art equipment such as
cranes of several sizes, underwater search robots, sea towing ships, side scanning sonars, etc.
MARINE CASUALTY INVESTIGATIONS
Marine casualty investigation is one of the major missions performed by PNA not only in order to identify
emerging legal responsibilities and consequences on the professional performance of the merchant marine
personnel involved, but also to assess the efficiency of navigation safety regulations and their potential
capacity for improvement.
Proceedings in case of shipwrecks, collisions, groundings and other maritime incidents are conducted by
PNA jurisdictional units and they are monitored by the Port and Maritime Security and Judicial Law
Enforcement Directorate. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is provided with casualty reports
by PNA as required by IMO together with a summary of conclusions drawn from the most outstanding
incidents’ investigation.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
A lot of attention has been paid to education which is one of the foundations for carrying out our Service’s
goals and missions properly. The Education and Training Directorate has been entrusted with arranging,
supervising and monitoring PNA personnel training and qualifications
After finishing high school and sitting for an admission exam, young males and females from all over the
country join PNA Training Academy where professional academic and practical instruction is given to
qualify them to fulfil tasks as future PNA officers and petty officers.
PNA Training Academy is included in the structure of the University Institute of Maritime Safety and
Security, established by Law No. 26.286, which enabled to develop an educational offer acknowledged by
the Argentine Ministry of Education. The diplomas given are the following: after doing a three-year course
and a one-year fellowship, Officers receive either a Diploma in Maritime Safety or in Administration and
Accountancy of the Public Sector specialized in Maritime Administration, according to their career paths.
After doing a two-year course, Petty Officers receive the Diploma in University Technician specialized in
Safety, Navigation, Communications, Rescue or Administrative Management, according to their career
paths.
PNA personnel, members from other agencies, and citizens in general are trained at the National School of
Salvage and Diving. Several courses are offered there such as Professional and Sports Diving, Rescue
Swimmer and National Sports Diving Instructor. A diploma officially acknowledged by the Argentine
Ministry of Education is given after finishing the latter course.
The Professional Police Training Centre “Prefecto General RUBEN OMAR WILLIAMS”, which is located in
the facilities of Albatros Group, trains our own personnel, other national and provincial police and security
forces, and also foreign forces, within the framework of the Argentine Police Agreement, to carry out highrisk tasks. The training is intense and is planned for the performance of specific police activities and the
support to Civil Defence Boards, at emergency areas and, at the same time, assisting the community
through the offer of advanced courses.
The PNA has also been entrusted with overseeing, supervising and monitoring Merchant Marine Staff
training and qualifications. For such ends, specific courses are given at several PNA training institutes
located at units and stations throughout the country to train deck and engine room personnel as well as
staff rendering auxiliary services.
Merchant Marine staff training is completed after doing specific courses as established in the International
Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95).
In connection with regional technical cooperation, PNA educational offer is favourably received by
members of the Latin American Maritime Authorities.
RECIPIENTS OF PNA’S SERVICES
ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PARAGRAPHS, SERVICES RENDERED BY PNA MAY BE
GROUPED INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
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Assistance in distress situations.
Information service.
Safety and security and prevention.
Analysis and adoption.
Monitoring and control.
Qualification, authorization and records
Education and training.
Citizens’ involvement system.
Specific recipients are targeted by each one of these service groups.
For the purposes of the Letter of Commitment, citizen/user means individuals, groups of people,
organizations or business companies mentioned below who are involved with PNA so as to receive
specific services or to benefit from the wide array of PNA’s missions.
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National, provincial and municipal administrations
Foreign trade agents
Shipping agents
Shipowners
Insurers
Vessels
Yatch clubs
Shipping companies
Port facilities
On-board personnel
Seafarers
Commercial operators
Recognized security organizations
Citizens in general
Producers
Maritime suppliers
Classification societies
Port terminals
RULES REGULATING PNA’S MISSIONS AND TASKS
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Argentine Constitution
National Criminal Code
National Criminal Procedure Code
PNA General Act, Law No. 18.398
Navigation Act, Law No. 20.094
Jurisdictions Act, Law No. 18.711
Homeland Security Act, Law No. 24.059
Misdemeanours Act, Law No. 20.404
Ports Act, Law No. 24.093.
Maritime Spaces Act, Law No. 23.968
Water Pollution Prevention System Act, Law No. 22.190
Federal Fishing Act, Law No. 24.922
Ethics in the Exercise of Public Tasks Act, Law No. 25.188
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS:
 Convention establishing the International Maritime Organization (IMO Convention) adopted by Law No.
13.910.
 Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL 1965), as amended, adopted by Law
No. 22.050.
 International Convention on Load Lines (LL/1966), as amended.
 International Convention on Tonnage of Vessels (TONNAGE 1969) adopted by Law No. 21.897.
 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG 1972), as
amended and adopted by Law No. 21.546.
 Convention for the Prevention of Sea Pollution by Dumping of Waste and other Matters (LC 1972),
adopted by Law No. 21.947.
 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by its 1978
Protocol, as amended (MARPOL 73/78) adopted by Law No. 24.089.
 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 74) and its Protocols, as amended,
adopted by Laws No. 22.079, 22.502 and 24.213.
 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW 1978), as amended and adopted by Law No. 22608.
 International Convention on Search and Rescue (SAR 1979) adopted by Law No. 22.445.
 International Convention on Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC 1990)
adopted by Law No. 24292.
 Through the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the International Ship and Port
Facility Security Code (ISPS) was adopted.
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RECIPIENTS OF PNA’S
SERVICES
According to the provisions of Executive Order No. 229/2000, Section 3, and through the program “Letter
of Commitment with Citizens”, PNA undertakes to achieve better receptivity and response to needs and
expectations of citizens when rendering services. In this sense, recipients of PNA’s services have the
following rights and obligations:
RIGHTS OF CITIZENS/USERS:
Citizens/users are entitled to:
 Receive services rendered with the highest professional level possible. Quality assurance standards
should be met at all times.
 Be informed in case of potential interruptions of services rendered by PNA and be advised when these
services are restored.
 Have their administrative procedures repeated at no cost should a deficiency or shortcoming by PNA
be found in them.
 Demand compliance with deadlines agreed upon for the rendering of services.
 Be treated with utmost respect by PNA’s authorities and staff.
 Be aware of the condition and status of their complaints and obtain a copy of documents involved in
the complaint procedure when deemed appropriate.
 Be treated properly according to each person’s gender, respecting the regulations in force.
OBLIGATIONS OF CITIZENS/USERS:
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Fulfil administrative steps agreed upon so that the agreed service may be rendered.
Furnish true and accurate information when requesting services from PNA in case of emergencies.
Comply with regulations and legislation in force.
Submit full documentation in its proper order for administrative procedures.
Pay fees when necessary.
CITIZENS’ INFORMATION SYSTEM
PNA has established several information systems for citizens/users as follows:
 Internet site (www.prefecturanaval.gov.ar): This Web site features an efficient search tool and a site
map to make guidance and access easier to a wide array of subjects.
In this Web site, information about a wide array of PNA’s missions and practical data are included,
such as PNA’s organization chart; authorities; national maritime regulations and legislation derived
from international conventions; PNA’s missions and goals; services rendered; educational activities
and higher training institutes; and related sites having access to consultation, complaint and
suggestion sections, among others.
During the last two years, the Internet Information Centre answered a significant number of queries in
connection with the wide array of PNA’s missions and tasks. This is a major feedback tool to
continuously improve PNA’s management and procedures.
The IT information channel is aimed at prioritizing and strengthening the relationship between PNA
and the community.
 “Guardacostas” magazine: This PNA official publication was created on June 26, 1964. This is a
technical, scientific and cultural magazine sent to a wide array of subscribers, industry-related people
and bodies at national and international levels, such as the International Maritime Organization, the
International Shipping Federation, the International Federation of Rescue Boats, Maritime Authorities
of Latin America, foreign Coast Guards, diplomatic authorities, professional and business associations,
water sports associations, educational premises, cultural bodies, etc.
 Press releases (newspapers and magazines, TV and radios): Information on missions and tasks
fulfilled by PNA within its jurisdiction is spread.
 Brochures and leaflets with general information: These give advice to recreational boaters as well as
information regarding legislation in force.
 Administrative procedure guides: These are distributed through pertinent PNA offices so as to
facilitate administrative procedures by users.
 Conferences and seminars: frequently held to advise the community about technical, legal and
cultural developments connected to PNA’s missions.
 Citizens’ service offices aimed at giving information, channelling consultations, demands and
suggestions by citizens regarding PNA’s missions and tasks.
Basic procedures for citizens’ attention were established during the implementation stage. Standard
technical and methodological requirements were also established so as to ensure proper operations of a
typical citizens’ service office. Guidance and follow-up procedures were designed to promptly channel
demands by users to relevant areas.
These offices were opened at proper locations. Personnel having sound knowledge and experience about
PNA internal areas and procedures were assigned to these facilities so that proper advice may be given as
part of citizens’ services.
Training and qualification programs were also developed and implemented. Workshops were held so as to
improve service quality and professionalism of staff at citizens’ service offices.
This implementation effort is aimed at complementing services traditionally given to users. All PNA units
and stations have always had internal areas engaged in customer service for regular procedures.
CITIZENS’ INVOLVEMENT SYSTEM
ADVISORY COUNCILS
Within the citizens’ involvement framework, PNA has established several Advisory Councils entrusted with
learning opinions and needs of sectors engaged in shipping and navigation. In this way, fruitful cooperation
and communications are established with recipients of services rendered by the PNA at national and
regional levels.
PNA is thus able to give proper response to legitimate demands and expectations by users in this area
featuring a high degree of citizens’ involvement, within an ethics framework and in full compliance with
applicable national and international legislation.
Background information may be found in the continuous historical interaction between PNA and the
community so as to have a proper environment for citizens’ involvement and to take into account
community needs and requirements.
Importance attached to these activities is evidenced by the development degree of the following Councils:
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Advisory Council for Administrative and Technical Affairs regarding Navigation
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Advisory Council for Administrative and Technical Affairs regarding Navigation Staff
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Advisory Council for Water Sports and Recreational Boating Affairs
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Advisory Council for Sports Diving Affairs.
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Advisory Council for Crafts Carrying Passengers by Water.
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Advisory Council for Fishing Affairs.
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Advisory Council for Argentine Port Facilities
Councils are made up by senior authorities, PNA professional staff and representatives from sectors
involved in each specific field. Suggestions are considered, opinions from each sector are put forward and
problems caused by legislative enforcement or by administrative or operational issues are addressed.
For such ends, connections are established with associations, organizations, clubs, teaching institutes,
mass media specialized in sports and recreational boating, etc. This is aimed at promoting interaction and
consultation between PNA and these bodies in order to optimize tasks from technical and legislative points
of view.
Interest shown by PNA senior authorities to foster and ensure Advisory Council operations as well as their
good predisposition and willingness to meet demands and consider suggestions helped establish this type
of involvement framework within the Service. Commitments and efforts made are also aimed at integrating
both the private sector and the general population into this advisory endeavour.
This experience is focused on prioritizing PNA interaction with the community. Resulting feedback from
users may eventually be included in legislation and regulations in force as an outcome. First-hand
information is also obtained as the result of this interaction. This input will in turn be used for planning
strategies so as to improve services rendered by each PNA sector.
These meetings promote an informal and confident environment where citizens may feel free to express
their shortcomings or difficulties when performing their activities. In this way, a direct and fruitful dialogue
may be established with PNA senior authorities to help find specific solutions.
Advisory Councils have therefore become efficient working environments where opinions and suggestions
may be expressed confidently and freely to facilitate identification of problems and submittal of proposals
for the benefit of all sectors involved and, at the same time, in full compliance with enforceable legislation.
COMPLAINT AND SUGGESTION SYSTEM
This system is available to citizens/users to submit complaints and suggestions as they deem proper. This
process will be documented so that citizens/users may have written acknowledgement of their procedures
started and PNA may have evidence for internal assessment purposes.
Complaints and suggestions may be received as follows:
Orally: individuals may make a complaint before the head of the sector involved. An immediate response
will be given. If the oral complaint is not acted on, a written complaint may then be submitted.
In writing: citizens/users may submit complaints and/or suggestions in writing.
 This written complaint and/or suggestion will be sent to the pertinent area for analysis and action. The
response will be sent to the citizen/user within ten working days at most.
 A response will be given by letter, fax, e-mail or personally. Receipt will be kept.
The written complaint and/or suggestion may be submitted at PNA Headquarters and/or the jurisdictional
district or unit involved.
If the citizen/user is not satisfied with the answer received, a letter of complaint may be sent to the top
authority of PNA (the Commandant). A response will then be given within fifteen working days at most.
If the complaint is not acted on by the PNA’s top authority, the citizen/user may resort to the Domestic
Affairs Ministry. After this, the citizen/user may resort to the National Ombudsman Office (address:
Montevideo 1244, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires).
This complaint system is also aimed at establishing a methodology for PNA to assess complaints and
suggestions by citizens/users and be aware of the reasons for their dissatisfaction regarding specific
procedures and services by PNA. This will facilitate identification of management aspects to be included in
quality improvement programs. In this way, a fast response may be given and pertinent measures will be
taken in the areas involved.
Each PNA area shall collect statistics regarding complaints and suggestions based upon data base
records. The following information will be kept in the data base:
 Name of person making the complaint.
 Date of submission.
 Reasons for the complaint.
 Address.
 Telephone, fax, e-mail.
 Name of person receiving the complaint.
 Sent to.
 Response.
 Date of response.
 Response delivery method (by fax, e-mail, personally)
 Reception date.
 Name of the person who received the answer to the complaint.
All information regarding complaints and/or suggestions will be analyzed and assessed by the Citizens’
Service Centre located at the Guardacostas Building, PNA Headquarters.
CONSULTATION SYSTEM
A consultation system based on opinion polls was developed by PNA so as to identify citizens’
expectations regarding the services rendered.
As the result of this participation method, citizens’ opinions are taken into consideration when making
decisions to improve tasks and optimize services.
Opinion polls are taken at citizens’ service offices using a pre-determined sampling method including
several items such as public needs and expectations, quality attributes of specific services, satisfaction
level, direct recipient requirements, priorities when implementing changes, etc.
A score chart for items included in the opinion poll is attached so that citizens may express their level of
satisfaction. Clarifications, suggestions and complaints may also be added.
This system is aimed at obtaining information from the recipients’ point of view regarding the quality of
services rendered, after analyzing opinion poll results. This is a valuable tool when implementing service
design modifications.
PNA QUALITY COMMITMENTS
Through this Letter of Commitment, PNA undertakes to render the services stated below according to
established standards. New commitments will be included in subsequent letters until a wide array of
missions entrusted by legislation to PNA have been covered.
PNA has historically based its missions and tasks on the following values: autonomy from vested interests,
transparency, confidentiality and reliability.
When complying with the Letter of Commitment Program, PNA states once again the above values.
 Autonomy from vested interests: ensure full compliance with the Public Administration Ethics Act
and the incompatibility system when fulfilling tasks within the State Administration.
 Transparency: advise citizens/users regarding missions conducted by the PNA.
 Confidentiality: maintain strict confidentiality of the information given by citizens/users and of the
results of studies and analysis conducted for them.
 Reliability: conduct missions and render services with the highest professional level.
In connection with these principles, the PNA process for public bids has been certified according to ISO
Standard 9001-2000. This call for bid process has been entrusted to the Outsourcing Division under the
Directorate of Financial Administration.
The development of a Quality Management System for official purchase procedures and the subsequent
certification obtained according to the above standard is closely related to the goal of ensuring sound and
fair procedures in areas requiring utmost transparency and responsibility.
PNA QUALITY STANDARDS
QUALITY STANDARDS ARE GOALS SET BY PNA TO BE REACHED WHEN RENDERING SERVICES
AT THIS STAGE. A CONTINUOUS FOLLOW-UP PROCESS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY PNA USING
SPECIFIC INDICATORS FOR EACH STANDARD INVOLVED. THIS IS AIMED AT CHECKING THE
MANNER IN WHICH THESE STANDARDS ARE MET. THE RESULTS OF THESE MEASUREMENTS
WILL BE PUBLISHED REGULARLY AND WILL BE FREELY AVAILABLE SO THAT CITIZENS MAY
LEARN ABOUT RESULTS DEVELOPMENT.
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR VITAL SERVICES
SERVICES CONNECTED TO ASSISTANCE IN EMERGENCY AND DISTRESS SITUATIONS
 Providing medical advice and assistance to crewmembers on board ships in Río de la Plata and in the
Argentine Sea through radio contact established by the PNA Communication Service (maximum delay:
30 minutes). Direct recipients: seafarers. Indirect recipients: shipowners, shipping companies.
 Responding to distress, emergency and safety calls made by seafarers. For such ends, a round-theclock watch on Channel 16 of the Mobile Maritime Service is kept at all PNA units and stations.
Recipients of this service include on board personnel, users and bodies connected to vessels engaged
in commercial, sports and recreational activities.
 Keeping a round-the-clock watch on the emergency telephone number 106 installed for citizens to get
in touch with the closest PNA unit or station so as to report shipping incidents and others requiring law
enforcement involvement. Direct recipients: seafarers, shore populations, citizens in general. Indirect
recipients: shipowners, shipping companies.
 Keeping a round-the-clock watch for air evacuation of crewmembers on board ships in Río de la Plata.
An aircraft is always ready to take off within 30 minutes after receiving the alert call. Recipients: shore
populations, seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies, citizens in general.
 In Mar del Plata and Comodoro Rivadavia Air Stations, keeping a round-the-clock watch for air
evacuation of crewmembers on board ships in the maritime littoral. An aircraft is always ready to take
off within 2 hours after receiving the alert call. Recipients: shore populations, seafarers, shipowners,
shipping companies, citizens in general.
 Keeping a round-the-clock fire watch in port areas in the following cities: Barranqueras (Chaco
province); Santa Fe, Rosario, San Lorenzo (all these in Santa Fe province); Autonomous City of
Buenos Aires, Campana, Martín García, Dock Sud, La Plata, Mar del Plata, Quequén, Bahía Blanca
(all these in Buenos Aires province); San Antonio Oeste (Río Negro province); Puerto Madryn,
Comodoro Rivadavia (all these in Chubut province); Puerto Deseado, Caleta Olivia (Santa Cruz
province), Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego province), Petty Officers Academy (Zárate, Buenos Aires
province) and Aviation Service (Buenos Aires province). Support outside jurisdiction is also available.
The Fire Brigade will be ready in three minutes after receiving the alert call. Recipients: foreign trade
agents, vessels, port facilities, shore populations, citizens in general.
 Keeping a round-the-clock explosives watch in the port area of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
The Explosives Brigade may also be deployed to several areas of the country. This service will be
ready in three minutes after receiving the alert call. Recipients: on board personnel, vessels, port
facilities, shore populations, citizens in general.
 Rendering round-the-clock assistance using divers and rescue swimmers in distress situations
suffered by crewmembers or citizens as the result of floods or in areas of Río de la Plata having
difficult access. This service will be ready in three minutes. Recipients: on board personnel, vessels,
shore populations, citizens in general.
 Rendering round-the-clock assistance to shore and island inhabitants in case of navigable river floods
or unusually heavy rains, and the natural disasters they may cause, and/or health emergency
situations. Recipients: shore populations.
SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH SAFETY AND PREVENTION TASKS
 Giving information to seafarers regarding river and tide levels, weather reports and alerts, port and
navigable river conditions, etc. Broadcasts are made at pre-arranged times and questions are
answered within five minutes. Direct recipients: seafarers. Indirect recipients: shipowners, shipping
companies.
 Ensuring shipping safety in national jurisdictional waters and detect events and/or circumstances
which may pose a polluting risk through sea, river and lake preventive patrols using surface and air
units. PNA has undertaken to fulfil 120,000 hours of navigation and 230,000 kilometres of air
surveillance per year. Recipients: seafarers, shore populations, citizens in general.
 Ensuring round-the-clock safety and security for citizens in certain districts and neighbourhoods
according to instructions given by pertinent authorities in specific circumstances of preventive nature.
For such ends, human, logistics, land, air and water resources are deployed. Recipients: citizens in
general.
 Rendering citizens’ security services using monitoring cameras at strategic locations in Puerto Madero
port district (Buenos Aires city) to record events and broadcast images continuously. This service is
available round the clock. Recipients: individuals and companies engaged in commercial activities in
this port area, tourists, nautical clubs, citizens in general.
 Maintaining a water quality monitoring service within the river jurisdiction, according to which at least
900 tests are made every year for water environment protection purposes, thus contributing to the
activities scheduled by relevant bodies. Recipients: shore populations, seafarers, citizens in general.
This activity is conducted through water samples. Chemical, physical and biological analyses are
then made so as to establish different parameters. Water quality is thus determined according to
tests results. These tasks are carried out within the framework of campaigns focused on certain
areas of the river jurisdiction.
SUPERVISION AND MONITORING-RELATED SERVICES
 Exercising Port State control of vessels so as to verify compliance with international standards and
rules to ensure safety and security of life at sea and to prevent pollution from vessels. For such ends, a
minimum level of inspections is established according to which 25% of different foreign vessels calling
at Argentine ports during the previous 12 months is inspected. Direct recipients: Flag States,
seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies, port operators, classification societies, recognized security
organizations, shipping agents. Indirect recipients: insurers, cargo companies and shippers, producers,
shipping suppliers, citizens in general.
Tasks included in this commitment letter are aimed at implementing the provisions of the Latin
American Agreement on Port State Control of Vessels, according to which a minimum number
of vessels to be inspected is established in line with the requirements of the International
Maritime Organization.
 Rendering Vessel Traffic Service to monitor movements of vessels having an Automatic Identification
System (AIS) installed on board, from the moment the ship enters the Río de la Plata Vessel Traffic
Service Area, so as to facilitate vessel detection and traffic arrangement, reduce waiting time and
increase safety coverage in this area. This service is available round the clock. Direct recipients:
seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies, port operators, shipping agents. Indirect recipients:
insurers, cargo companies and shippers, producers, maritime suppliers, citizens in general.
 Overseeing compliance with national and international standards and rules to ensure safety of life at
sea and prevent pollution from ships. All ships cleared must comply with legislation in force. Direct
recipients: seafarers, shipbuilders, shipping companies, operators, classification societies, recognized
security organizations, shipping agents. Indirect recipients: insurers, cargo companies and shippers,
port operators, producers, citizens in general.
 Performing technical surveys and inspections both regularly and extraordinarily, the latter being as the
result of damages, in order to oversee, certify and monitor technical safety conditions of Argentineand foreign-flagged vessels in jurisdictional waters according to national and international legislation in
force. When regular inspection and survey requests are submitted to the Technical Inspection Division
under the Safety of Navigation Directorate, surveyors will be appointed and be available within 24
working administrative hours. When requests are submitted at jurisdictional units, surveyors will be
appointed within 48 working administrative hours. In case of extraordinary inspections and surveys,
surveyors will be available within six (6) hours when the request is made to Safety of Navigation
Directorate or twelve (12) hours in case of jurisdictional units. Direct recipients: shipping companies, on
board personnel, shipowners, shipping agents. Indirect recipients: foreign trade agents, maritime
suppliers, citizens in general.
 Conducting technical inspections and surveys to oversee, certify and monitor technical conditions from
the environmental protection point of view on board Argentine-flagged vessels and according to
legislation in force. When inspection and survey requests are submitted to the Environmental
Protection Directorate, surveyors will be appointed and be available within eight (8) working
administrative hours. When requests are submitted at jurisdictional units, surveyors will be appointed
within twelve (12) working administrative hours. Direct recipients: shipping companies, on board
personnel, shipowners, shipping agents. Indirect recipients: foreign trade agents, maritime suppliers,
citizens in general.
ANALYSIS AND APPROVAL-RELATED SERVICES
 Conducting port facility audits according to approved plans as established in the International Ship and
Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). Audits should be made when first submitting these plans, for
maintenance purposes at regular intervals and every time modifications are made, so as to ensure
implementation of intended measures. Audit tasks will be completed within ten (10) working days from
the moment the audit request is filed at the Directorate of Port and Maritime Security and Judicial LawEnforcement. Recipients: foreign trade agents; private port terminals; national, provincial and
municipal port administrations included in the ISPS Code.
 Conducting audits on vessels of the National and International Merchant Marine within ten (10)
working days from the moment the audit request is filed at the Safety of Navigation Directorate
(Management Control Division). Direct recipients: shipowners, shipping companies included in Chapter
XI-2 of SOLAS Convention (ISPS Code). Indirect recipients: on board personnel, citizens in general.
 Conducting audits on vessels of the National Merchant Marine and shipping companies within ten (10)
working days from the moment the audit request is filed at the Safety of Navigation Directorate
(Management Control Division). Direct recipients: shipowners, shipping companies included in Chapter
IX of SOLAS Convention (ISPS Code). Indirect recipients: on board personnel, citizens in general
 Analyzing and approving packaging manufactured in Argentina for the carriage of dangerous goods in
packaged form within twelve (12) working days only if all pertinent requirements are met. Direct
recipients: commercial operators, shipowners, shipping agents. Indirect recipients: multimodal
transportation operators, citizens in general.
 Analyzing the Management System manuals for Vessels of the National Merchant Marine and
Shipping Companies within fifteen (15) working days only if all pertinent requirements are met. Direct
recipients: shipowners, shipping companies included in Chapter IX of SOLAS Convention. Indirect
recipients: on board personnel.
 Analyzing and approving emergency corporate plans within twelve (12) working days only if all
pertinent requirements are met. Direct recipients: port operators, shipping agents. Indirect recipients:
on board and shore personnel, vessels, citizens in general.
 Analyzing and approving ship emergency plans within fifteen (15) working days only if all pertinent
requirements are met. Direct recipients: shipping companies, vessels, shipowners, owners, shipping
agents, on board personnel, port terminals, citizens in general.
 Analyzing and approving ship security plans for ships of the National Merchant Marine within fifteen
(15) working days only if all pertinent requirements are met. Direct recipients: shipowners, shipping
companies included in Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS Convention. Indirect recipients: on board personnel.

Analyzing and approving port facility security plans within twelve (12) working days only if all pertinent
requirements are met. Direct recipients: Port operators. Indirect recipients: on board and shore
personnel.
QUALIFICATION, AUTHORIZATION AND REGISTRATION-RELATED SERVICES

Issuing National Navigation Safety Certificates and International Safety Certificates, National and
International Ship Security Certificates, National and International Safety Management Certificates,
Documents of Compliance and International Documents of Compliance, International and national
Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, within twelve (12) working days only if all pertinent requirements
are met. Direct recipients: shipowners, shipping companies and shipping agents. Indirect recipients:
on board personnel, citizens in general.
 Registering private and State-run ships and naval crafts in the National Register of Ships within thirty
(30) working days after the pertinent and correct documentation is submitted. Direct recipients:
shipowners and shipping companies. Indirect recipients: on board personnel.
 Issuing authorizing licenses for sports and recreational boaters within twenty (20) working days only if
all pertinent requirements are met. Direct recipients: sports and recreational boaters. Indirect
recipients: citizens in general.
 Issuing fitness certificates and carriage authorizations for Argentine-flagged ships carrying dangerous
goods in bulk within twelve (12) working days only if all pertinent requirements are met. Direct
recipients: shipowners, shipping companies, owners and shipping agents. Indirect recipients: on board
personnel, citizens in general.
 Issuing national and international pollution prevention certificates according to legislation in force within
twelve (12) working days only if all pertinent requirements are met. Direct recipients: shipowners,
shipping companies, owners and shipping agents. Indirect recipients: on board personnel, citizens in
general.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING-RELATED SERVICES
 Granting 2,000 vacancies per year for courses regarding the International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95 Convention) in the following areas:
fire fighting and prevention training, personal survival techniques, first aids, personal safety and social
responsibilities. Direct recipients: on board personnel, shipping companies, maritime administration
staff. Indirect recipients: citizens in general.
 Granting 10 vacancies per year for the course “Professional Diving, 3 rd category” which qualifies
citizens/users for working as professional divers. Recipients: citizens in general meeting pertinent
requirements.
 Giving 1,800 vacancies per year for training courses for National Merchant Marine Staff in the following
categories: seaman, engine room assistant, factory assistant. Recipients: citizens in general meeting
pertinent requirements.
 Granting 10 vacancies per year for the “Rescue Swimmer” course which qualifies citizens/users to
serve this function. Recipients: citizens in general meeting pertinent requirements.
 Granting 45 vacancies per year for the “Yatch Pilot” course which qualifies citizens/users to serve this
function. Recipients: citizens in general meeting pertinent requirements.
 Developing nautical activities involving teenagers and children having different capabilities, as
contemplated in the nautical-therapeutical project called “Compass Rose” of the Nosotros Foundation.
Conduct at least four (4) of these events per year inviting teenagers and children having different
capabilities. Recipients: teenagers and children having different capabilities, organizations working in
this field.
 Providing annual nautical training to 150 students at our Academy and yatch clubs on board the
“Esperanza” yatch. Recipients: Students of recreational sailing courses.
INFORMATION SERVICES

Provide the community, through our website, with information related to safety of navigation,
protection of the environment, natural resources conservation, international and national rules in
force, sea and river levels, acquisitions, press releases, courses offer, requirements for joining the
organization, guidance on proceedings in other services. Availability 24 hours. Recipients: people
related to our organization, foreign trade agents, community in general.

Provide information related to PNA activities, its history and culture, technical and scientific papers,
and publications at Guardacostas Publishing House: 60,000 annual copies. Recipients: maritime
administration staff, personnel related to the shipping industry, community in general.

Provide information on ship positioning through the AIS National Server Website 24 hours.
Recipients: people related to our organization, shipping companies, customs agents, control bodies,
community in general.

Provide information gathered through the Ship, Passengers and Cargo Movements System 24 hours.
Recipients: people related to our organization, shipping companies, customs agents, control bodies,
community in general.

Provide legal and technical advice to requirements by recreational boating users, replying 100% of
them through email or by telephone during working days. Recipients: Yatch clubs, recreational
boating users, community in general.
Citizens’ involvement system
 System for complaints and suggestions so that citizens may file complaints and make presentations as
they deem proper. All complaints will be answered in writing within 10 working days and submittals to
the PNA’s top authority (the Commandant) will be answered in writing within 15 working days.
Recipients: maritime administration staff, on board personnel, shipping companies, shipping agents,
citizens in general.
 Keeping a communication channel available and divided into Advisory Councils so as to learn opinions
and needs from the nautical community. At least 300 invitations will be sent every year to groups and
associations engaged in this field. Recipients: seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies, operators,
shipping agents, insurers, cargo and freight companies, port operators, producers, classification
societies, training institutes, on board personnel.
 Attention to citizens will be made personally and over the telephone. All users will be served properly
and politely using clear and easily-understood language. All individuals will be treated equally and
fairly using similar criteria and without favouritism. PNA staff will wear uniform and personal
identification tags at all times. When speaking on the telephone, PNA members will identify themselves
properly. If a PNA member assisting a citizen is not able to give the information requested, he/she will
refer this citizen to another co-worker who can act on this request. PNA units and stations will have
accessible, safe, clean and well-lit facilities.
 At least 80% of the results of customer satisfaction polls regarding point of contact qualities will score
from 7 to 10 points in a scale from 1 to 10. Recipients: people engaged in nautical, industry and
shipping sectors, tourists, citizens in general.
PNA IMPROVEMENT COMMITMENTS FOR 2014/2015
TOOLS FOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
Implement institutional assessment tools for essential services and activities through new technology and
development of skills making organizational management more efficient.
In this sense, the adoption of specific information technology software will allow the production of control
tables and management indicators to apply at the organization.
Currently, this software is under development, adapting databases and defining more productive indicators
to be measured.
SECURITY FOR CITIZENS
Optimize support activities to public security through cooperation with the federal police force in several
neighbourhoods, such as La Boca, Parque Patricios and Pompeya.
This service is provided with state-of-the-art technology for patrol cars with a GPS device providing the
location of cars to a Control Centre.
In summary, this improvement focuses on the quality of tasks related to prevention and security provided
to the community through the reorganization of human resources and materials.
COMMUNICATIONS BY E-MAIL
Optimize communication with operators of the Port and Maritime Security Department, through a proper
interaction and compliance with the security system aspects included under Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS
Convention (ISPS code). This improvement will be achieved by email to be able to reply to the needs of
users and generate a reduction in the administrative burden of each body.
SHIP REFLOATING
It aims at improving navigation safety through ship refloating operations in the access to river and maritime
ports and navigable waterways, within the framework of cooperation agreements signed with national and
provincial bodies, developing refloating plans of sunken ships in favour of the Argentine Government, as
well as excising the supervision and approval of the rescue plans submitted by private individuals.
Ship refloating is an activity which is closely related not only to navigation safety, but also to environmental
protection as sunken ships and shipwrecks have a negative impact on both of them; therefore, their
removal or extraction significantly contributes to their clean-up.
TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING
These commitments aim at improving and updating professional training of PNA staff carrying out maritime
and air patrolling for the purpose of navigation safety, through obtaining and improving state-of-the-art
technology, such as a Navigation Simulator.
This kind of tool is used to simulate shipping, navigation and manoeuvres, and perform analyses and
operational tests by using mathematical models which reproduce vessels and scenarios in order to train
future crew.
This resource, which is currently used for virtual navigation practices, is planned to be enhanced including
different structural and information technology improvements which increase the complexity degree of
problems to be solved in new scenarios.
WEBSITE
It aims at optimizing PNA’s official Website services by increasing content integration and facilitating
access to information. Service improvement will be achieved by streamlining resources and developing
technical potential in the following areas:

Introducing modifications to clarify information included in the Website when necessary.

Updating design features to boost functionality and content clarity.

Tending to increase channel accessibility and interactive features.
MARITIME TRAFFIC CONTROL-RELATED TASKS
These commitments aim at optimizing coverage and integration of technical resources for vessel traffic
control purposes. They also deal with integrating tasks and missions of the main shore stations using
state-of-the-art technology and systems.
In this way, existing monitoring will be improved and technical resources will be increased in areas at major
ports having high activity levels and large vessel movements.
Monitoring resources integration in each specific location will be implemented by ancillary linking Radar
Monitoring System, Automatic Identification System for vessels and security camera surveillance system,
the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships and the Satellite Fishing Monitoring System. All these
elements are complemented to obtain a global and comprehensive identification and positioning vessel
system.
CITIZENS’ SERVICE QUALITY
It aims at increasing specific training of PNA staff at citizens’ service centres so as to overcome obstacles
when communicating respecting the in force regulations on gender matters.
Improvements regarding response to users will be focused on human resources specialized training on
tourism and in English language so as to optimize citizens’ attention especially in places featuring large
presence of foreign tourists.
LEARNING BY PLAYING
It aims at fostering early learning about safety measures regarding navigation and recreational boating
using “learning by playing” teaching techniques so as to spread information and increase responsibility and
awareness in this respect. For such ends, a special training method is used featuring teaching crafts to
facilitate children’s understanding and learning. Implementation of this educational system will be focused
at schools and major events so as to teach children to be aware of safety precautions before sailing, how
to board a craft, where to sit on board, identify and learn the importance of buoys and lighthouses,
lifejacket use and other major items involved in safety and life protection.
PROPER FACILITIES
The process of optimization of environment conditions regarding contact points with citizens/users will
continue under development.
In this sense, Offices for Citizens Services at the Guardacostas building and other stations along river and
maritime coasts were authorized.
Within this framework, Prefectura is committed to offer safe and clean facilities with easy access, good
light and proper comfortable seats.
QUALITY STANDARDS OF SERVICES
QUALITY STANDARDS FOR VITAL SERVICES
RELATED WITH
SERVICE
Medical advice and assistance to crewmembers
on board ships through radio contact
Channel 16 of the Mobile Maritime Service
Watch on the nautical emergency telephone
number 106
STANDARD
INDICATOR / FORMULA
Medical advice and assistance to
Percentage of radio medical advice given within 30
crewmembers on board ships in Río de minutes of reception (Number of consultations taken
la Plata and the Argentine Sea through care of within 30 minutes of reception/total number of
the PNA Communication Service will be
consultations received) x 100
given by a physician within 30 minutes of
reception.
A round-the-clock watch on Channel 16
is kept to respond to distress, emergency
and safety calls.
Availability percentage of the watch on channel 16
based on a random sampling (Number of positive
verifications / total number of random sampling
verifications made) x 100
A round-the-clock watch on the nautical
emergency telephone number 106 is
kept
Availability percentage of emergency telephone
number service based on a random sampling
(Number of positive verifications / total number of
random sampling verifications made) x 100
FEATURE
RECIPIENTS
Promptness
Direct recipients:
Seafarers
Suitability
Availability
Availability
Indirect recipients:
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Personnel on board
Companies and users of
vessels engaged in
commercial, sports and
recreational activities.
Direct recipients:
Seafarers
Shore populations
Citizens in general
Indirect recipients:
Shipbuilders
Shipping companies
Assistance in distress
situations
Air evacuation service in Río de la Plata area
A round-the-clock watch for air
evacuation in the Río de la Plata area is
kept
Availability percentage of air evacuation service
based on a random sampling (Number of positive
verifications / total number of random sampling
verifications made) x 100
Availability
Shore populations
Seafarers
Shipowners
Shipping companies
An aircraft is ready to take off within thirty
(30) minutes after receiving the alert call
Percentage of services rendered within the
established takeoff time after receiving the alert call
(Number of services within the established takeoff
time / Number of alerts received) x 100
Response
capability
Citizens in general
Air evacuation service in the Maritime Littoral
Assistance in distress
situations
A round-the-clock watch for air
evacuation in Mar del Plata and
Comodoro Rivadavia Air Stations is kept
An aircraft is ready to take off within two
(2) hours after receiving the alert call
Fire brigade services in port areas in the
following cities: Barranqueras (Chaco province);
Santa Fe, Rosario, San Lorenzo (all these in the
Santa Fe province); Buenos Aires, Campana,
Martín García, Dock Sud, La Plata, Mar del
Plata, Quequén, Bahía Blanca (all these in the
Buenos Aires province); San Antonio Oeste (Río
Negro province); Puerto Madryn, Comodoro
Rivadavia (all these in the Chubut province)
Puerto Deseado, Caleta Olivia (Santa Cruz
province) and Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego
province), as well as in the Petty Officers
Academy (Zarate, Buenos Aires) and the
Aviation Service (Buenos Aires province).
Support outside jurisdiction is also available
Explosives brigade
Divers and rescue swimmers Service
A round-the-clock fire watch is kept
Availability percentage of air evacuation service
based on a random sampling (Number of positive
verifications / total number of random sampling
verifications made) x 100
Percentage of services rendered within the
established takeoff time after receiving the alert call
(Number of services within the established takeoff
time / Number of alerts received) x 100
Availability
Shore populations
Seafarers
Shipowners
Citizens in general
Response
capability
Foreign trade agents
Availability percentage of fire brigade services in port
areas based on a random sampling (Number of
positive verifications / total number of random
sampling verifications made) x 100
Availability
The fire brigade service is available
within 3 minutes after receiving the alert
call
Percentage of services rendered within the
established time after receiving the alert call (Number
of services within the established takeoff time /
Number of alerts received) x 100
Response
capability
Citizens in general
The explosives brigade is available
round the clock
Availability percentage of explosives brigade services
based on random a sampling (Number of positive
verifications / total number of random sampling
verifications made) x 100
Availability
On board personnel
Staff and resources will be ready in three
(3) minutes after receiving the alert call
Percentage of sorties within the established time
(Number of services within established time /
Number of alerts received) x 100
Response
capability
A round-the-clock rescue service is
available in distress situations suffered
Availability percentage of the divers and rescue
swimmers service based on random a sampling
Availability
Vessels
Port facilities
Shore populations
Vessels
Port facilities
Shore populations
Citizens in general
On board personnel
by crewmembers or citizens as the result
of floods or in areas of the Río de la
Plata having difficult access
(Number of positive verifications / total number of
random sampling verifications made) x 100
Vessels
Staff and resources will be ready in three
(3) minutes after receiving the alert call
Percentage of services rendered within the
established time (Number of services rendered
within the established time / Number of alerts
received) x 100
Response
capability
Assistance to shore and island inhabitants
Assistance service is available round the
clock to shore and island inhabitants in
case of health emergency situations and
natural disasters caused by navigable
river floods or unusually heavy rains
Availability percentage of the assistance service to
shore and island inhabitants in case of floods, health
emergency situations and natural disasters based on
a random sampling (Number of positive verifications /
total number of random sampling verifications made)
x 100
Availability
Shore and island populations
Giving information on maritime safety to
seafarers
(1) SOLAS Chapter IV Regulation 2.1.3/PNA
Internal Rule 3-009 “Rules to perform the
function of Notices to Mariners issuance”
Broadcasts at pre-arranged times and
ways
Percentage of broadcasts made at pre-arranged
times (Number of broadcasts made at pre-arranged
times / total number of broadcasts to be performed) x
100
Response
capability
Seafarers
Answering questions about river and tide
levels, weather reports and alerts;
port and navigable river conditions within
five (5) minutes after receiving the call
Percentage of response to questions within five (5)
minutes after receiving the call (Number of questions
answered within pre-established times / Total
number of questions received) x 100
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Seafarers
120,000 hours of navigation per year will
be completed
Percentage of navigation hours fulfilled (Number of
navigation hours completed / Number of navigation
hours scheduled) x 100
Monitoring
capability
230,000 kilometres of air surveillance will
be completed
Percentage of air surveillance kilometres travelled
(Number of kilometres of air surveillance travelled /
Number of air surveillance kilometres scheduled) x
100
Monitoring
capability
Ensuring round-the-clock safety and
security for citizens in certain districts
and neighbourhoods under specific
instructions given by competent
authorities
Availability percentage of the neighbourhood safety
and security service based on a random sampling
(Number of positive verifications / total number of
random sampling verifications made) x 100
Availability
Shore populations
Citizens in general
Safety, security and
prevention
Sea, river and lake patrolling
Neighbourhood safety and security
Indirect recipients
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Seafarers
Shore populations
Citizens in general
Citizens in general
Support service to citizens’ security in Puerto
Madero port district, Buenos Aires.
Rendering citizens’ security support
services using monitoring cameras at
strategic locations in Puerto Madero port
district, Buenos Aires city, to broadcast
images round the clock.
Availability percentage of the camera monitoring
service based on a random sampling (Number of
positive verifications / total number of random
sampling verifications made) x 100
Availability
Individuals and companies
engaged in commercial
activities in this port area.
Tourists
Nautical clubs
Citizens in general
Water quality monitoring
Supervision and monitoring
Port State Control of vessels
Maintaining a water quality monitoring
service according to which at least 900
tests are made every year from samples
taken from the jurisdiction of the river
littoral for water environmental protection
purposes, thus contributing to the
activities scheduled by relevant bodies.
Percentage of analysis made per year (Number of
analysis made / Number of analysis foreseen) x 100
At least 25% of different foreign vessels
calling at Argentine ports during the
previous 12 months is inspected
Percentage of foreign vessels inspected (Number of
vessels inspected / Number of different foreign
vessels calling at ports x 0.25) x 100
Monitoring
capability
Shore populations
Seafarers
Suitability
Citizens in general
Accuracy
Monitoring
capability
Direct recipients:
Flag States
Seafarers
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Port operators
Classification societies
Recognized Security
Organizations
Maritime agents
Indirect recipients:
Insurers
Cargo companies
Cargo companies and shippers
Producers
Maritime suppliers Citizens in
general
Vessel Traffic Service through the Automatic
Identification System (AIS)
Rendering round-the-clock Maritime
Traffic Control services to vessels
entering Río de la Plata Vessel Traffic
Service area
Availability percentage of the AIS vessel monitoring
service based on a random sampling (Number of
positive verifications / total number of random
sampling verifications made) x 100
Monitoring
capability
Accuracy
Direct recipients:
Seafarers
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Coverage
Continuity
Promptness
Verifying compliance with national and
international standards
All vessels cleared comply with
legislation in force to ensure safety of life
at sea and to prevent pollution from
ships.
Percentage of vessels cleared complying with
legislation in force (Number of vessels cleared
complying with legislation in force / Number of
vessels cleared) x 100
Monitoring
capability
Reliability
Port operators
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
Insurers
Cargo companies
Shippers
Producers
Citizens in general
Direct recipients:
Seafarers
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Operators
Classification societies
Recognized security
organizations
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
Insurers
Cargo companies
Shippers
Producers
Citizens in general
Supervision and monitoring Regular and extraordinary technical surveys and
inspections in order to oversee, certificate and
monitor technical safety conditions vessels
Regular inspections and surveys:
When these requests are submitted to
the Technical Inspection Division of the
Navigation Safety and Security LawEnforcement Directorate, surveyors will
be appointed and be available within 24
working administrative hours.
Percentage of appointments made within 24 hours
(Number of appointments within the established time
/ Number of inspections and surveys requested) x
100
When requests are submitted to
jurisdictional units, surveyors will be
appointed within 48 working
administrative hours.
Percentage of appointments made within 48 hours
(Number of appointments within the established time
/ Number of inspections and surveys requested) x
100
Extraordinary inspections and
surveys:
Surveyors will be available within six (6)
hours when the request is made to the
Percentage of appointments made within six (6)
hours (Number of appointments within the
established time / Number of inspections and
surveys requested) x 100
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Shipping companies
On board personnel
Shipowners
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
Foreign trade agents
Maritime suppliers
Citizens in general
Technical Inspection Division of the
Navigation Safety and Security LawEnforcement.
Technical inspections and surveys to oversee,
certify and monitor technical conditions of
vessels from the environmental protection point
of view.
Analysis and approval
Port facility audits
Audits conducted aboard ships of the National
and International Merchant Marine
Audits conducted aboard ships of the National
Merchant Marine and Operators
When requests are submitted to
jurisdictional units, surveyors will be
appointed within twelve (12) working
administrative hours.
Percentage of appointments made within twelve (12)
hours (Number of appointments within the
established time / Number of inspections and
surveys requested) x 100
When requests are submitted to the
Environmental Protection Directorate,
surveyors will be appointed and be
available within eight (8) working
administrative hours.
Percentage of appointments made within eight (8)
hours (Number of appointments within the
established time / Number of inspections and
surveys requested) x 100
When requests are submitted to
jurisdictional units, surveyors will be
appointed within twelve (12) working
administrative hours.
Percentage of appointments made within twelve (12)
hours (Number of appointments within the
established time / Number of inspections and
surveys requested) x 100
Port facility audits are conducted within
ten (10) working days from the moment
the audit request is filed at the Maritime
and Port Security and Judicial LawEnforcement Directorate.
Percentage of port facility audits made within ten (10)
working days after the audit request is filed (Number
of audits made within the established time / Total
number of audits requested) x 100
Response
capability
Audits aboard ships are conducted within
ten (10) working days from the moment
the audit request is filed at the
Navigation Safety and Security LawEnforcement Directorate (Management
Control Division).
Percentage of audits made aboard ships within ten
(10) working days after the audit request is filed
(Number of audits made within the established time /
Total number of audits requested) x 100
Response
capability
Audits aboard ships and operators are
conducted within ten (10) working days
from the moment the audit request is
filed at the Navigation Safety and
Security Law-Enforcement Directorate
(Management Control Division).
Percentage of audits made aboard ships of the
National Merchant Marine and Operators within ten
(10) working days after the audit request is filed
(Number of audits made within the established time /
Total number of audits requested) x 100
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Shipping companies
On board personnel
Shipwoners
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
Foreign trade agents
Maritime suppliers
Citizens in general
Foreign trade agents
Private port terminals
National, provincial and
municipal port administrations
included in ISPS Code
Direct recipients:
Shipwoners
Shipping companies
included in SOLAS Chapter XI2 (ISPS Code)
Indirect recipients:
On board personnel
Citizens in general
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Shipwoners
Shipping companies
included in SOLAS Chapter IX
Indirect recipients:
On board personnel
Citizens in general
Analyzing and approving packaging prototypes
manufactured in Argentina for the carriage of
dangerous goods in packaged form
Analysis and approval
Analyzing the Management System manuals for
Vessels of the National Merchant Marine and
Shipping Companies
Analyzing, approving, updating and/or validating
emergency corporate plans
Analyzing and approving Ship Emergency Plans
Percentage of packages approved within twelve (12)
working days after the request is filed (Number of
prototypes approved within the established time /
Total number of prototypes submitted) x 100
The manuals’ analysis are carried out
within fifteen (15) working days from the
moment the analysis request is filed at
the Navigation Safety and Security LawEnforcement Directorate (Management
Control Division) only if all pertinent
requirements are met
Percentage of Management System manuals
analyzed within fifteen (15) working days after the
request is filed (Number of manuals approved within
the established time / Total number of manuals
submitted) x 100
Response
capability
Emergency corporate plans are
approved within twelve (12) working
days after being requested only if all
pertinent requirements are met
Percentage of emergency corporate plans approved
within twelve (12) working days after being requested
(Number of emergency plans approved within the
established time / Total number of emergency plans
submitted) x 100
Response
capability
Analyzing and approving Ship
Emergency Plans within fifteen (15)
working days after being requested only
if all pertinent requirements are met
Percentage of Ship Emergency Plans approved
within fifteen (15) working days after being requested
(Number of ship emergency plans approved within
the established time / Total number of plans
submitted) x 100
Response
capability
Shipping companies, Vessels
Shipowners
Owners
Shipping agents
On board personnel Port
terminals
Citizens in general
Percentage of Ship Security Plans approved within
15 working days after being requested (Number of
ship security plans approved within the established
time / Total number of plans submitted) x 100
Response
capability
Direct recipients
Shipowners
Shipping companies included
in Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS
Convention
Analyzing and approving Ship Security Plans for
Ship Security Plans are analyzed and
ships of the National Merchant Marine
approved within fifteen (15) working days
after being requested at the Navigation
Safety and Security Law-Enforcement
Directorate (Management Control
Division) only if all pertinent requirements
are met
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Trade operators
Shipowners
Shipping agents
Prototype approval for packages
manufactured domestically for the
carriage if dangerous goods in packaged
form is given within twelve (12) working
days only if all pertinent requirements
are met
Indirect recipients:
Multimodal transport operators
Citizens in general
Direct recipients: Shipowners
Shipping companies included
in Chapter IX of SOLAS
Convention
Indirect recipients
On board personnel.
Direct recipients:
Port operators
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
On board and shore personnel
Vessels
Citizens in general
Indirect recipients
On board personnel
Analyzing, approving, updating and/or validating
of port facility security plans
.
Qualification, authorization
and registration
Percentage of port facility security plans approved
with 12 days as from their submission (Number of
approved plans within the time established / number
of emergency plans submitted) x 100.
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
• Port operators
Indirect recipients:
• On board personnel and
personnel on shore
• Ships
• Citizens in general
National Navigation Safety Certificates and
Issuing National and International
Percentage of National and International Certificates
International Safety Certificates, National and Certificates and Documents within twelve and Documents within twelve (12) working days after
International Ship Security Certificates, National (12) working days after being requested
being requested (Number of Certificates and
and International Safety Management
only if all pertinent requirements are met Documents issued within the established time / Total
Certificates, Documents of Compliance and
number of Certificates and Documents submitted) x
International Documents of Compliance
100
International Minimum Safe Manning Document,
National Minimum Safe Manning Certificate
Special Services Ship Safe Manning Certificate.
Response
capability
Direct recipients
Shipowners
Shipping companies Shipping
agents
Registration of private and State-run ships and
naval crafts in the National Registry of Ships
Authorizing licenses issued for sports and
recreational boaters
Fitness certificates and carriage authorizations
for Argentine-flagged ships carrying dangerous
goods in bulk
National and international pollution prevention
certificates according to legislation in force
Port facility security plans are approved
within 12 working days as from their
submission if compliant with all the
established requirements.
.
Indirect recipients
On board personnel Citizens in
general
Private and State-run ships are
registered within thirty (30) working days
from the moment registration procedures
are started and pertinent requirements
are met
Percentage of registrations filed within thirty (30)
working days (Number of registrations filed within the
established time / Total number of registrations
submitted) x 100
Response
capability
Issuing authorizing licenses within twenty
(20) working days after being requested
only if all pertinent requirements are met
Percentage of authorizing licenses issued within
twenty (20) working days (Number of authorizing
licenses issued within the established time / Total
number of licenses requested) x 100
Response
capability
Fitness certificates and carriage
authorizations for Argentine-flagged
ships carrying dangerous goods in bulk
are issued within twelve (12) working
days after being requested only if all
pertinent requirements are met
Percentage of certificates and authorizations issued
within twelve (12) working days (Number of
certificates and authorizations given within the
established time / Total number of certificates and
authorizations requested) x 100
Response
capability
Issuing national and international
pollution prevention certificates within
twelve (12) working days after being
Percentage of national and international pollution
prevention certificates issued within twelve (12)
working days (Number of certificates given within the
Response
capability
Direct recipients:
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Indirect recipients:
On board personnel
Direct recipients:
Sports and recreational
boaters
Indirect recipients:
Citizens in general
Direct recipients:
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Shipping agents
Indirect recipients:
On board personnel
Citizens in general
Direct recipients:
Shipowners
Shipping companies
requested only if all pertinent
requirements are met
Education and training
Courses regarding the International Convention
on Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95
Convention)
Shipping agents
established time / Total number of certificates
requested) x 100
Indirect recipients:
On board personnel
Citizens in general
Vacancy
availability
Direct recipients:
On board personnel
Shipping companies
Maritime Administration staff
Granting 2,000 vacancies annually in the
following training areas: fire fighting and
prevention training, personal survival
techniques, first aids, personal safety
and social responsibilities
Percentage of vacancies offered annually (Number
of vacancies given / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Course on “Professional Diving, 3rd category”
which qualifies citizens/users for working as
professional divers
Granting 10 vacancies per year for the
course on “Professional Diving, 3rd
category”
Percentage of vacancies given annually (Number of
vacancies given / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Vacancy
availability
Citizens in general meeting
pertinent requirements
Training courses for National Merchant Marine
Staff in the following categories: seaman,
engine room assistant, factory assistant
Giving 1,800 vacancies per year for
training courses for seaman, engine
room assistant, factory assistant
Percentage of vacancies given annually (Number of
vacancies given / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Vacancy
availability
Citizens in general meeting
pertinent requirements
“Rescue Swimmer” course which qualifies
citizens/users to serve this function
Granting 10 vacancies per year for the
“Rescue Swimmer” course
Percentage of vacancies given annually (Number of
vacancies given / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Vacancy
availability
Citizens in general meeting
pertinent requirements
“Yatch Pilot” course which qualifies
citizens/users to serve this function
Granting 45 vacancies per year for the
“Yatch Pilot” course
Percentage of vacancies given annually (Number of
vacancies given / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Vacancy
availability
Citizens in general meeting
pertinent requirements
Developing nautical activities involving
teenagers and children having different
capabilities as contemplated in the nauticaltherapeutical project called “Compass Rose” of
the Nosotros Foundation
Conducting at least 4 (four) of these
events per year inviting teenagers and
children having different capabilities
Percentage of events organized annually (Number of
events organized / Total number of vacancies
foreseen annually) x 100
Accessibility
Teenagers and children having
different capabilities
Indirect recipients:
Citizens in general
Fairness
Safety
Organizations working in this
field
Empathy
Nautical training
Provide nautical training to 150 students
of PNA Academy and private nautical
clubs on an annual basis through
Percentage of training sessions made annually
(Number of training sessions / number of prospective
training sessions) x 100
Accessibility
Equality
Safety
• Students of recreational
navigation
navigations on board the “Esperanza”
yatch.
Empathy
(1) SOLAS Chapter IV Regulation 2.1.3/PNA Internal Rule 3-009 “Rules to perform the function of Notices to Mariners issuance”
SERVICE STANDARDS OF POINTS OF CONTACT
RELATED WITH
SERVICE
STANDARD
INDICATOR / FORMULA
FEATURE
RECIPIENTS
Attention to citizens
Attention to citizens personally and over the
phone
At least 80% of the results of customer
satisfaction polls regarding point of
contact qualities will score from 7 to 10
points in a scale from 1 to 10
Percentage of polls meeting over 80% of customer
satisfaction (Number of polls – unit- meeting over
80% of satisfaction / Number of polls) x 100
Polite and proper
service
Individuals involved in shipping
activities
Clearness and
accessibility
Tourists
Citizens in general
Fairness
Staff identification
Communication
Response capability
Safety and comfort
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICE
RELATED WITH
SERVICE
STANDARD
INDICATOR / FORMULA
FEATURE
RECIPIENTS
Citizens’ information
service
Information through PNA Website
PNA Website is available round the clock
to give information regarding shipping
and navigation safety, environmental
protection, natural resources protection,
related national and international
legislation, law enforcement statistics,
sea and river level, hiring and
outsourcing, information bulletins,
educational offer, admission to training
academies, administrative procedures
about other PNA services, etc.
Website availability percentage based on a
random sampling (Number of positive verifications
/ total number of random sampling verifications
made) x 100
Accessibility
Individuals involved in PNA’s
missions and tasks
Printing and circulation of 60,000 issues
per year of the Guardacostas official
magazine in which information regarding
PNA’s missions; background; cultural,
scientific and technical news and articles
is published.
Percentage of issues printed and published
(Number of copies made and published / Total
number of foreseen issues to be circulated) x 100.
Maintaining the AIS National Server
website available 24 h.
Percentage of web site availability on sample at
random (Number of positive verifications
/ Number of verifications performed on a sample at
random) x 100.
Accessibility
Information
Maintaining the System of Movements of
Percentage of system availability on sample at
Ships, Passengers and Cargoes,
random (Number of positive verifications
available 24 h.
/ Number of verifications performed on a sample at
random) x 100.
Accessibility
Information
“Guardacostas” official magazine
AIS National Server.
System of Movements of Ships, Passengers
and Cargoes,
(MBPC).
Technical and legal advice.
Responding to 100% of the annual
advisory requests by users of the
nautical system administered by
Prefectura.
The service will be available through
email or pone on working days..
Agents
Foreign trade agents
Citizens in general
Suitability
Maritime Administration staff
Truthfulness
Staff engaged in shipping
activities
Citizens in general
Percentage of annual advisory requests answered
(number of advisory requests answered / number
of advisory requests requested) x 100
Accessibility
Fairness
Stakeholders
• Shipping agencies
• Customs office
• Control bodies
• Citizens in general
Stakeholders
• Shipping agencies
• Customs office
• Control bodies
• Citizens in general
Direct recipients:
• Nautical clubs
• Sport seafarers
Indirect recipients:
• Citizens in general
CITIZENS’ INVOLVEMENT SYSTEM
RELATED WITH
SERVICE
STANDARD
INDICATOR / FORMULA
FEATURE
RECIPIENTS
Citizens’ involvement
system
Complaint and suggestion system
All complaints will be answered in writing
within ten (10) working days. If submitted
before the PNA’s top authority (the
Commandant), complaints will be
answered within fifteen (15) working
days.
Percentage of complaints answered during the
agreed period of time (Number of complaints
answered / Number of complaints received) x 100.
Promptness
Maritime Administration staff
Suitability
On board personnel
Shipping companies
Maritime agents
Citizens in general
Communication channel through Advisory
Councils
At least 300 invitations will be sent to
nautical-related bodies and
organizations.
Percentage of invitations sent (Number of
invitations sent / Number of foreseen invitations) x
100
Accessibility
Seafarers
Fairness
Shipowners
Shipping companies
Operators
Shipping agents
Insurers
Shippers
Cargo companies
Port operators
Producers
Classification societies
PNA’s Training Academies
On board personnel
ELECTRONIC LETTER
WEBSITE CONTENT
WEBSITE: WWW.PREFECTURANAVAL.GOV.AR
REQUIREMENTS FOR USE





INTERNET connection.
Any type of browser (Internet Explorer 5.0, SP 1 or updated; recommended: 6.0 SP1, Netscape
4.7, Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or updated version).
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Windows Media Player.
Virtual Machine JAVA (Only necessary for chat application in distance learning platform).
INFORMATION
PNA’s Web page provides the following information to all its visitors:
INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS:

ORGANIZATION:
Prefectura’s organic structure. Authorities. Scope and geographical deployment. Distribution of
districts (Upper Paraná District, Upper Uruguay District, Upper Paraná and Paraguay District,
Lower Paraná District, Lower Uruguay District, Delta District, Río de la Plata District, Argentine
Northern sea District, Argentine Southern sea District, Comahue and Lakes District and Services
Explanation and information of services provided by PNA: Cutter Service, Aviation Service,
Salvage, Fire-fighting and Environmental Protection Service, Communications Services, Criminal
Intelligence Service, Pilot Service, Spiritual Support Service, Health Care Service and “Albatros”
Squad.

HISTORY:
Prefectura Naval: Argentine Maritime Authority. About its traditional missions. Milestones and
prominent figures in the history of Prefectura. First Port Captains of Prefectura. Institutional
symbols and historic uniforms. Publications on the history of Prefectura

RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Publication of Maritime Rules and Regulations: It describes the origin of rules that regulate
navigation and Prefectura’s background with respect to professional work carried out together with
international organizations and foreign agencies with similar goals. It also provides information on
all the amendments to the IMO instruments to safeguard maritime security, the protection of the
maritime environment and varied technical and legal aspects that fall within its jurisdiction.
Reports for the Merchant Marine (BIMM - for its acronyms in Spanish). International Maritime
Reports (BIMI).

MISSION:
Coast Guard Services: a family of humanitarian institutions. Safety of life at sea. Ship inspection.
National Registry of Ship. Registry and authorization of Seafarers. Vessel Refloating. Marine
casualty investigation. Prevention of water pollution. Control of dangerous good transportation by
sea. Recreational boating and PNA. Security and public order. Offences and infringements. Port
security. Assistance to the judiciary. Drug interdiction. Surveillance of jurisdictional waters.
Assistance to shore communities.

MALVINAS ISLANDS:
Information on: General situation; Coast Guard Services; Ground Services; Aerial Services;
Continental Area Services, used for combat; Soldier killed in action. Personnel that served in the
Teatro de Operaciones Atlántico Sur (South Atlantic Theatre of Operations). Personnel Stationed
in Malvinas.

MUSEUM OF HISTORY:
Located in Tigre, province of Buenos Aires, this Museum preserves and has in display a variety of
elements of an organization with more than two centuries of history and with a complex functional
spectrum at all national seas, rivers and lakes within its jurisdiction.

THE MUSIC BAND:
The Music Band currently reports to the Public Affairs Directorate and it is made up of 103 highly
professional musicians. The Band plays at several events, ceremonies, meetings and
commemorations both for PNA’s official ceremonies as well as for the community in general.

“DR. BERNARDO HOUSSAY” OCEANOGRAPHIC VESSEL
Initially named “Atlantis”, later renamed as “El Austral” and today, named “Dr. Bernando
Houssay”, this oceanographic vessel represents a symbol of worldwide investigation and human
effort that deserves to be cherished in our waters under an appropriate framework. Not doing so,
would be wasting an amazing opportunity.
The vessel was named after the distinguished Argentine scientist who won a Nobel Prize of
Medicine (1947) for his contribution to science and for being the first President of CONICET
(National Council of Science and Technical Research).
Currently, Prefectura Naval Argentina, with full ownership over the ship, is working towards the
complete restoration of this “old wise fellow” so that it can keep on navigating and carrying out
scientific missions thanks to the support of all those who are after the same challenge.
INFORMATION OF INTEREST FOR USERS:
BODIES:

Environmental protection: Functions. Letter of Commitment with Citizens signed by PNA (PDF file)
and recognitions granted by the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers. International Conventions signed
by the Environmental Protection Directorate: Ballast Water Management International Convention
(BWM) 2004, for the control and management of ship’s ballast water and sediments ratified by
Argentina on 17 February 2005. Globallast Partnership Programme, a cooperation initiative
promoted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The United Nations Development Program
and the International Maritime Organization IMO in order to provide assistance, together with other
states, to countries that are particularly vulnerable to the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and
pathogens from ships' ballast water, as well as strengthening political, legal and institutional
aspects. International Convention on Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Co-operation
(OPCR 90). International Convention Relating to Intervention on the High Seas in Cases of Oil
Pollution Casualties, (INTERVENTION 1969), among others.
-
Agreements celebrated with other organizations: Prefectura Naval Argentina has celebrated
agreements to protect the environment with both governmental and non-governmental
Organizations: National Institute of Industrial Technology (INTI), Shell-Capsa Company, Fundación
Vida Silvestre Argentina (Argentine Wild Life Organization), Fundación Patagonica Industrial
(Industrial Patagonic Organization), etc.
-
Ballast Water Control: International Conventions. National Conventions. Training Programs.
Functions of the Environmental Protection Directorate. National Legislation. Water Quality
Measurement.
-
Information on the GEF PROJECT: This is a project from the Global Environment Facility managed
by the World Bank and co-ordinated by the National Department of Environment and Sustainable
Development.

Safety of navigation: Description and statistics of the organization as Port State Control.
Procedures, rules and regulations, forms, etc. Ships' operational safety management and the
management to prevent pollution. Registry of companies. Pilot Services Regulations. Glossary of
frequent nautical terms used in the maritime field, the terms are organized alphabetically in English
and in Spanish. Crewmembers. Enquiries on Degrees and Issuance validity (Merchant Marine
Personnel). Instructions on how to submit technical elements for judgment. Recommendation of
maximum drafts for each port. List of companies that provide pilot service in our country. It also
includes the list of Foreign Consulates in our countries, the list of rating agencies with influence in
the legal environment. Contact point of the Maritime authorities’ members of Viña del Mar
Agreement.
-
Information for the ships’ operational safety and for the prevention of pollution: The IMS CODE for
international maritime navigation included in the national maritime legislation via Ordinance 8/97
Book 3 of PNA’s Safety of Navigation Directorate, which reflects the letter and the spirit of IMO
Resolution A. 788 (19). Instructions for the enforcement of the international safety management
code (IMS Code) for the administrations, (quality management definition, scope and applications of
the code, reference instruments, etc.).
-
Life-saving equipment: Makers and maintenance centres of life-saving equipments.
-
Additional stability criteria for fishing vessels with a length ranging from twelve meters (12 m) to
twenty-four meters (24 m), (RPOL Disposition, 088 No. 02-07).
-
Safety of Navigation: Provides the descriptions and statistics for the organization as Port State
Control.
-
Inspection of foreign ships in Argentine ports.
-
Statistics of Technical Inspections: National Plan for Contingencies PLANCON, Dangerous Goods.
-
Statistics of ship inspections, foreign-flagged ship detention and concentrated inspection
campaigns (Bulk Carrier, IMS Code 2007, ISPS Code, Marpol, Protection).
-
Statistic of presumed substandard vessels detected, investigation conducted due to law
infringement and detention of foreign ships.
-
Self-assessment form on the performance of the Flag State.
 Maritime Traffic: Introduction. Weather forecast. Costal Stations. Contact points.
-
Río de la Plata Traffic Control Centre: It describes and comments on the functions, activities and
scope of the Safety and Traffic Control System. This is a complementary system from the
Information Technology and Communications Directorate for the Safety of navigation
(SECOSENA), which is public and free of charge and that has been introduced and managed by
Prefectura. This system enables traffic control as well as the exchange of relevant information
between a coastal station and a ship. It has as its function: ship traffic control, broadcasting of
maritime information to aid navigation and co-ordination of search and rescue tasks.
-
Static and Explanatory map of the radar system, identification system and video system.
PREFECTURA’S NEWS
 Related to Prefectura’s activities.
 News and Updated information: Latest news of Prefectura, anniversaries and monthly articles.
EDUCATION
 Prefectura Naval Argentina and Education: The evolution of science and technology poses a
need for the organization to keep up with modern times, which does not imply losing their own
idiosyncrasy tied to maritime traditions.
 Three different aspects can be identified in the manner and method in which the personnel is
trained:
1. Training and disciplinary regime characteristic of a security force;
2. Including technical and legal aspects relevant to their professional activity; and an attitude of
prevention.
3. Provide support and assistance to people, protecting the safety of people, goods and navigation in
general.
ORDINANCES
 Ordinances are statutory provisions issued by Prefectura Naval Argentina based on legislations,
resolutions, regulations and other rules related to Prefectura Naval Argentina’s functions. They are
grouped and published in Volumes, as listed below:








Volume 1: “Ship Technical Regime” (38 Ordinances)
Volume 2: “Ship Administrative Regime” (36 Ordinances)
Volume 3: “Ship Operative Regime" (24 Ordinances)
Volume 4: “Regime for Recreational Boating Activities” (6 Ordinances)
Volume 5: “Regime for Merchant Marine personnel” (18 Ordinances)
Volume 6: “Environmental Protection Regime” (28 Ordinances)
Volume 7: “Communication Regime for Navigation Safety” (3 Ordinances)
Volume 8: “Police Regime” (11 Ordinances)
 With this new application, users can access any Ordinance published by Prefectura Naval
Argentina, as well as the Reports for the Merchant Marine (BIMM). It is the communication channel
used by Prefectura Naval Argentina to inform all sectors related to the Merchant Marine about
relevant activities or port activities, about topics of interest and to publish the International Maritime
Reports (BIMI). It has as its purpose to publish information related to international conventions on
safety of navigation, environmental protection or similar topics, it also publishes resolutions,
recommendations and activities from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and from
international organizations and conferences related to navigation and of special interest for the
shipping and naval industry, as well as for professional organizations, technical researches and
interested parties.
 Search options.
PREFECTURA – IMO
 Documents:
- Meeting schedule 2010, Contact points, 2010-2011 Committee. Documents to be carried on board.
Member States. Ordinances related to International Conventions, Status of the Conventions, and
Conventions per country, List of Conventions, Status of Conventions in Argentina.
- This data base includes: Resolution of IMO Assemblies, Maritime Safety Committee Circulars
(MSC), Marine Environment Protection Committee Circulars (MEPC), MSC-MEPC Circulars, MSC
Resolutions and reports form Committee/Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquid and Gases (BLG), Subcommittee on Radio communications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR), Sub-committee on
Design and Equipment (DE), Sub-committee on Dangerous Goods Solid Cargoes and Containers
(DSC), Sub-committee on Fire Protection (FP), Sub-committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV),
Sub-committee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels’ Safety (SLF), Sub-committee
on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW), Sub-committee on Flag State Implementation
(FSI), Facilitation Committee (FAL), Legal Committee (LEG), Technical Co-operation Committee
(TC).
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES GUIDE
 In this section there are 3 sub-sections to facilitate navigating the web site and that provide great
amount of information:
 Procedures according to topics
 Procedures according to a specific topic
 All procedures
MANAGEMENT TRANSPARENCY:
PURCHASES AND CONTRACTS:
• Current, past and future contracts
INTERACTIVITY
Prefectura Naval Argentina offers the following options to interact through its website:
CONTACT
 Inquiries addressed to the Information Centre of Prefectura Naval Argentina.
[email protected]. This service provides users and citizens with the possibility of making
inquiries, suggestions, claims and reports in a direct and easy way facilitating the response time.
 Prefectura Naval Argentina’s Webmaster: form sheet to make comments and suggestions to the
website administrator. If users find some kind of difficulty when navigating the site, be it a
technological problem or access problem, they can send their comments or suggestions for
improvement by filling out the on-line form specifying name, surname, e-mail address and
comment in order to solve the problem. [email protected]
 Search tool: to carry out searches within the website of Prefectura and the web in general.
 E-mail address to contact the Safety of Navigation Directorate – Ship Inspection Division:
[email protected]
 E-mail
address
to
contact
[email protected]
the
Quality
Management
Division:
 E-mail address to contact the Operations Directorate. Department of Auxiliary Fishing Police:
[email protected]
 E-mail address to contact the University Institute of Maritime Safety and Security:
[email protected]
 E-mail address to contact the Officers’ College: [email protected]
 E-mail address to contact the Cutter Service: [email protected]
 E-mail address to contact the
[email protected]
representative
of
the
retired
personnel:
 E-mail address to contact the maritime authorities of Viña del Mar Agreement and national
contacts in charge of safety and environmental protection: [email protected], [email protected],
etc.
 E-mail
address
to
contact
[email protected]
the
Recreational
Boating
 Organization Contact Telephone numbers: PNA’s complete Contact information.
Department:
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
Prefectura provides specific tools to carry out procedures:
1. Approval of Emergency Plans. Issue of certificate for the prevention of oil/waste pollution. Approval
of containers to transport dangerous goods by ship. Authorization for transportation of dangerous
liquid and gas chemical products and hazardous liquid substances in bulk. Specialized Technical
Inspections: Charges. Content. Required documentation. Procedure. Required payment.
Authorized applicant. Time period of the procedure. Expiration date of the document. Procedure to
be carried out in-person at Prefectura’s offices. Operating hours. Time period between submission
of request and issue of certificate. Telephone number of the Environmental Directorate.
 Site map (topic and textual web structure)
 Website in Spanish
 Website in English
GUIDELINES
 Safety of Navigation: ISPS Code Certificates. Legislations on the security levels against terrorism and
illicit acts for the security of the whole naval system: ships, passengers, crew and port facilities. It also
informs about the relevant list of contacts.
 It provides information on current national and international regulations with a detailed list of the
requirements needed. The conventions below include reference model forms:
1. International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (including model of International Ship Security
Certificate, model of a declaration of Security between a ship and a port facility, Model of
Statement of compliance of a port facility).
2. Ship Watchmen regime: It provides detailed information on the requirements and necessary legal
procedure. This ordinance includes the form that the candidate should complete and submit when
applying.
3. Rules for registration, authorization and functioning of private security and surveillance agencies at
ports. It includes explanations of rules, enrolment requirements and responsibilities, validity of
enrolment certificate and renewal process. This Ordinance includes the authorization model to be
used, the application certificate model and the card model for the personnel of private security
agencies and as well as the collection forms.
4. Rules to obtain the ship security certificates according to Part “A" of the International Ship and Port
Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). Its Annexes provide a Guide to assess ship security detailing
the necessary steps to carry out the assessment, and including a model of the Ship Security Plan
that companies should submit, and a model of the international ship security certificate, among
others.
5. Rules to obtain the statement of compliance of a port facility from the International Ship and Port
Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). It provides a guide for the assessment of port facilities security
and a guide for the development of port facilities security plan. It also includes a model of the
statement of compliance of a port facility and a security measure chart to be enforced at port
facilities.
6. Rules for the registration, authorization and functioning of recognized security organizations. It
includes the required authorization model to request personal background information.
7. Rules for the registration and authorization of Port Facility Security Officers and Maritime Security
Company Officer. It includes the authorization model.
8. Exception to Ordinance No. 1/2004: Provisional authorization of the Port Facility Officer and the
Maritime Security Company Officer.
 List of certificates and documents required by IMO instruments: International Tonnage Certificate
(1969), International Load Line Certificate, International Load Line Exemption Certificate, Damage
Control Plan and Booklets, Minimum Safe Manning Certificate, Fire-fighting Safety Training
Manual, Fire-fighting Plan/leaflet, Performance and registration of on-board drills, etc.
 Safety of Navigation Directorate, Recreational Boating Department:
1. Monthly schedule of exams and description of exams. In order to speed up the examination
process for recreational boating, an Examination Board has been set and a basic monthly
schedule has been assigned between Prefectura La Plata and Zárate so that those citizens who
are interested can sit for the exam in the station of the area. Appointments are made via e-mail:
[email protected]
2. Recreational Boating: Required license to pilot a boat of up to 140 hp, venue and opportunity in
which the yacht pilot training course is given. If it is necessary to take the vessel to the station to
complete the paperwork to travel overseas. Distribution of publications from PNA’s Guardacostas
Publishing House. Professional diver exam, required documentation to change ownership of a
vessel’s license.
 Forms available for printing: License to pilot sporting vessels issued by the Special Yatch Registry
or Jurisdictional Registry.
1. Information that makes access easier to Training Programs for the following categories: grumete,
conductor náutico, timonel de yate, patrón de yate and piloto de yateTN1 (Program’s
characteristics, responsibilities and conditions).
2. Requirements to obtain and renew recreational boating certificates (it also provides recommended
texts of certificates to be submitted by the applicant), requirements to register in Yatch Clubs.
3. Guide to transfer ownership of merchant or sporting vessels of 1 to 6 tons of total tonnage,
merchant or sporting vessels of 7 to 9 tons of total tonnage, merchant or sporting vessels of 10 or
more tones of total tonnage; the proceedings, process to declare heirs.
4. List of required equipment in sporting vessels (cruises and sailing boats): Nautical instruments,
publications, navigation and manoeuvring instruments, signalling instruments, salvage instruments,
fire-fighting and anti-flooding instruments.
5. List of national and international sport diving organizations authorized by Prefectura, list of
privileged areas for sports and list of Nautical Clubs registered at Prefectura Naval Argentina.
6. Recreational Boating: Registration of incoming and outgoing of recreational vessels, License to
pilot a recreational vessel owned by other people. Certificate of safety equipment on recreational
vessels. Issuance of Nautical Sport Certificate. Category: Timonel de yate a vela; Timonel de yate
TN1
Different degrees of recreational boating crewmember certification which depends upon the yacht size.
a moto; Timonel de yate a vela y motor; Issuance of Nautical Sport Certificate. Category:
Conductor náutico. Issuance of Nautical Sport Certificate. Category: Patrón de yate a vela, patrón
de yate a motor, patrón de yate a vela y motor, Issuance of Nautical Sport Certificate. Category:
Grumete. Registration of Nautical Clubs, Renewal of Recreational Boating Certificate, Issuance of
Nautical Sport Certificate. Category: Piloto de yate a vela, Piloto de yate a motor, Piloto de yate a
vela y motor, Issuance of Recreational Boating Certificate.
 Río de la Plata Traffic Control Centre
1. Cruise arrival schedule.
2. Buoys and beacons Status, wind in Nórdem Pile and Swell Forecast for Río de la Plata.
 Updated list of river level. Availability of daily level registry identifying station and classified
according to river sections (Iguazú River, Paraná River, Delta del Paraná, Paraguay River,
Uruguay River or Río de la Plata), including comparison with the river level of prior day and reports
on warning levels and evacuations.
 Weather Status and Forecast (information provided by the national weather forecast service). This
information is available at the home page of Prefectura’s website making all the information readily
available for the seafarers: cloudiness, humidity, visibility, wind, temperature and pressure.
 Information on borders including data such as: geographical coordinates, area of authority, border
country, port, river height, alert stage, evacuation stage, condition of routes, delays in borders,
contingencies, contact point, date of information update, weather forecast, (cloudiness, visibility,
temperature, relative humidity, and winds).
 It provides the necessary information for the submission of elements of technical assessment 2002
for ships. The Instruction Guide provides the basis to submit the Elements of technical assessment
before the Safety of Navigation Directorate pursuant to current rules and regulations and
depending on the type of procedure and the characteristics of the vessel involved. In this way, the
analysis and administration times are reduced creating therefore a mutual benefit between the
maritime community and Prefectura Naval Argentina. It also provides the administrative steps:
construction, incorporation, modifications, change of main engine, change of auxiliary engines,
modifications, change of generators, construction or incorporation of barges, change of category,
request of tonnage, etc. It displays a model for approval of private constructions.
 Emergency Instruction Manual (PDF). Response Guide in case of emergency. The guide is
updated every 3 or 4 years.
 Guide for administrative procedure: Pursuant to the Government Electronic Plan stated in
Executive order 378/05, this Guide describes the most common administrative procedures to be
carried out at Prefectura's offices. It allows users to search by topic or specific aspects and it
describes in general terms the characteristics of each procedure: Charges, Websites to download
forms, Content, Required documentation, Procedure, Authorized applicant, Time periods,
Expiration date of the document. Procedure to be carried out in-person at Prefectura’s offices,
Operating hours, less crowded periods. Time period between submission of request and issue of
certificate. Where can the procedure be done?, Prefectura Naval Argentina’ s telephone number.
This guide for administrative procedure provides information on the following topics:
1. Payment beneficiaries: Registration and change of beneficiaries for payment to the Treasury's
single account.
2. Purchases and Contracts: Information about bidding terms and conditions of eventual bidding
projects.
3. Training Courses and Workshops: Public Relation Course. Ceremonial and Institutional
Communication, Ship Degasification, Oil Spill Control, Rescue Swimmer, Dangerous Goods Spill
Control, Third rank professional diver course.
4. Technical Department for Navigation: Request for construction, authorization, transformation or
modification of national ships, vessels and naval crafts, Registration of companies considered
under Ordinance 6/94 (Ship Administrative Regime), Approval of rescue methods and instruments
related to Ordinance No. 3/01 (Ship Technical Regime), To provide information related to technical
characteristics, anchoring port and national ship owners, vessel or naval craft, Request of common
technical safety inspection for national ships, vessels or naval crafts or for those under foreign flag
navigating in national jurisdictional waters.
5. Education and training for personnel of the Merchant Marine.
6. Application for the Training College for on-board personnel from the Merchant Marine
(EFOCAPEMM).
7. Joining Prefectura: Admission to Academy.
8. Registration and ISPS authorizations: Registration and authorization as Port Facility Security
Officer (PFSO), Registration and authorization as Company’s Officer for Maritime Security
(COMS), Registration and authorization as a Recognized Security Organization (RSO).
9. Dangerous good: Approval of containers to transport dangerous goods by ship and issue of
authorization to transport by ship dangerous liquid and gas chemical products and hazardous
liquid substances in bulk.
10. Personnel for navigation: authorizations for on-board and ground personnel.
11. Emergency Plan: Approval of Emergency Plans according to Ordinance No. 8/98, Volume 6
(Environmental Protection Directorate).
12. Environmental Protection: Oil/Waste Pollution Prevention Certificate.
13. National Ship Registry: Request of registration/official letter on judicial sale of ships and/or naval
crafts under Argentine or foreign flag to be carried out by private parties.
14. Safety of Navigation: Transfer Authorization (Towage Service – Towing Manoeuvre- Own means),
Issue of National Safety of Navigation Certificate (NSNC), Audit Request.
15. Annual Fixed Rate: Enquiries about the annual fixed rate for license renewal (invoicing, validation,
double payment, etc.) Payment certification of annual fixed rate for license renovation.
16. Technical Inspections and Audits: Inspection Request. Techniques in the specialty.
 Guidance on the procedures to carry out the General Census of the on-board personnel from the
National Merchant Marine and the Vessel National Census.
 List of chemical substances subject to export control by the National Government.
 Guide for drafting a Marine Safety Statement: Operating companies and their ships are provided
with the procedure reference framework in order to comply with the national and international
regulations related to the Marine Safety Declaration (MSD), facilitating, therefore, its understanding
and the filling out process, as well as the manner in which the assumed commitments will be
fulfilled by the responsible of safety on-board in the different safety activities detailed in the
document.
 General requirements to join the Academy: Admission Requirements, Exam program.
ON-LINE SERVICES
 AIS National Server (Automatic Identification System). It is a complementary system to assist
navigation. The registration process as a Registered User has two stages, an on-line stage and an
in-person stage, both are mandatory. Once both registration stages are fulfilled, users will be able
to access the AIS – INFO system. The AIS-INFO System displays graphic data about the physical
and navigational condition of ships that must carry an AIS system according to IMO’s specific
rules.
ISPS CERTIFICATES
 In the aftermath of the terrorist attack against the United States of America of 11 September 2001,
the International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated its determination to work together with
interested countries, to prevent that the maritime transportation became a target of international
terrorism and illicit acts.
 During December 2002, a series of measures were approved and the Safety of Life at Sea
Convention was amended, 1974, Chapter V and XI, and at the same time, the International Ship
and Port Facility Security Code was adopted and came into force as of 1 July 2004.
In this section, we can find the following information:
 ISPS Code, Legal framework, Current international and national rules. First ISPS certifications in the
country, Certified Port Facility, Ship and Port Facility Certification (IMO web site in English),
Recognized security organizations, security levels and contact points.
 Information to be provided by foreign-flagged ships before arrival to the country pursuant to Chapter
XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention and Part A of the ISPS Code. (Ordinance 01/09 2-2009-1.pdf)
 Form according to Ordinance 01/09 (Download option)
 Security Assessment for recertification (Annex I)
 Structure of Security Plan for recertification (Annex II)
 Recognized Organizations to give training courses.
 Academy – Joining Prefectura (including list of training institutions and recommendations with map
indicating location):
1. Application Forms and Entrance Exam Program
2. Application request (Annex 1)
3. Authorization of parents or legal guardians (Annex 2)
 Distance Learning: Technical and professional training of personnel represents the fundamental base
to correctly and efficiently fulfil institutional responsibilities. Therefore, the organization proposes a
comprehensive and permanent training program for their personnel that are constantly adapted to the
scientific and technical developments of the organization’s activities and functions. With this purpose
in mind, the Distance Learning Platform is introduced as a mechanism to guarantee education equity
to its personnel regardless of their geographical location or professional role.
In order to enrol in training courses, users should register beforehand. The following Educational
Centres are available in the virtual campus: University Institute of Maritime Safety and Security,
Education Directorate, Officers’ College, Teacher Training Institute, Petty Officers’ Academy, Regional
Training Centres. All these institutions also provide academic information, News and frequently asked
questions (Application, Enrolment, Difficulties to access the forum or chat application, among others).
 Forms to print:
-
Payment beneficiaries.
Admission and change of beneficiaries for payment to the Treasury's single account.
Purchases and Contracts.
Biding project Forms, international public and private bids, duly signed and sealed before submission.
When downloading a biding project’s conditions from this webpage, just by sending an e-mail to
Prefectura informing the action is enough to submit the bid at the moment of opening.
Nautical Sports.
Registration of entrance and exit of recreational vessels.
Boat driving license for vessels owned by another person.
Safety of navigation.
Transfer authorization (Towage Service – Towing Manoeuvre- Own means).
Guide for drafting a Maritime Security Statement.
Joining Prefectura.
Application Forms for Prefectura Naval Argentina's Academy.
Application Forms and Exam Programs.
Rules for the organization and functioning of the jurisdictional registries. Forms from Ordinance No.
2/05: registration request in the jurisdictional registries, transfer request, request of disposal, request
for change of measures, request for change of engine(s), Request for change of Name or change of
Activities, Request of duplicate license certificate due to lost or deterioration, Form with owner’s
details: individual, Form with owner’s details: legal person.
SHIP NATIONAL REGISTRY
Forms pursuant to Ordinance No. 9/02. The following 16 forms include instructions to carry out the
procedure:
-
Form No.1: Registration of ships or naval crafts with a gross tonnage of 10 tons or more under
national merchant license, group 1 and 3 (Section 201.0206 REGINAVE Regime).
Form No. 2: Registration of ships or naval crafts with a gross tonnage of 2 to 9 tonnes under national
merchant license, group 1 and 3, and special yacht registry regardless of its tonnage (Section
201.0207 and 201.0206 REGINAVE Regime, respectively).
Form No. 3: Transfer of ships or naval crafts with a gross tonnage of 2 to 9 tonnes under national
merchant license, group 1 and 3 and special yacht registry.
Form No. 4: Disposal of ships or naval crafts with national license regardless of tonnage or category
they belong.
Form No. 5: Change, removal or installation of engine, change of rigging, and change of measures,
for every ship or naval vessel with national license regardless of their tonnage or the category they
belong.
Form No. 6: Change of name or category of ships or naval crafts registered under national license.
Form No. 7: Request of Ownership Certificate for all ships or naval crafts with national license and
Form No. 7. Request of Certificate of Injunction
-
Form No. 8: Request for duplication of license certificate for all national ships and naval crafts
regardless of their tonnage or the category they belong.
Form No. 9: Information sheet of natural persons.
Form No. 10: Information sheet of legal persons.
Form No. 11: Request for registration or discharge of personnel of the nautical club from a ship or
naval craft with national license or that is being registered.
Form No. 12: Request for transfer of ship or naval craft with 10 or more tones of gross tonnage under
national license (Section 156 and 163, Act No. 20.094).
Form No. 13: Request of registration of ship or naval craft with national license or under construction.
Form No. 14: Request of registration of mortgage on ships or naval crafts (Section 499 Act No.
20.094)
Form No. 15: Request of registration of construction contracts of ship or naval crafts (Section 148 Act
No. 20.094)
Form No. 16: Request of registration of contract of affreightment of ships or naval crafts with national
license (Section 219 Act No. 20.094).
TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE
 Switchboard operator at Guardacostas Building, PNA Headquarter: +54 11 4318-7400/7500/7600; +54
11 4314-7000. Direct contact with the Citizens Service Office: extension number 2018.
 Telephone number for nautical emergencies: 106.
 Channel 16 (VHF Radio)
 Free line 0800-888-7730.
PNA provides the following services via telephone:
GENERAL INFORMATION
 Through the switchboard operator, other areas can be reached and enquiries are derived to the
relevant sectors, which are detailed in the Telephone Guide available for users of the organization’s
webpage.
GUIDANCE
 Information on the methods to file complaints or make suggestions about services received from
personnel at the organization or any other type of problem at the Citizens Service Office located at the
ground floor of the Guardacostas Building.
 Information on procedures. Most common procedures, for example ship registration in the National
Ship Registry or Navigation License; citizens are informed on where to carry out procedures, nearest
units, proper venue, etc.
 Information on the location of PNA’s different units and procedures which can be exclusively carried
out there.
TELEPHONE FOR NAUTICAL EMERGENCIES 106:
Every requirement for information is answered. People wishing to contact different Prefectura units to
communicate any act related to navigation or security matters.
CHANNEL 16 (VHF RADIO):
Incoming SOS, emergencies and safety calls are received from seafarers by channel 16 of the mobile
maritime service, in all Prefectura units throughout the country.
FREE LINE 0800-888-7730:
Responses are provided to all people calling for information or any other requirement from Mondays to
Fridays from 9:00 am to 5 pm.
Supplementary Information
Guardacostas Building, PNA Headquarters – Av. Eduardo Madero 235 (C1106ACC)
Switchboard Operator: +54 11-4318-7400/7500/7600 – +54 11-4314-7000
UNITS LOCATED AT THE BUENOS AIRES PORT AREA – BUENOS AIRES CITY – LA PLATA
Economic Crimes Investigation Department
Dársena “F” Puerto Nuevo ..................................................................................................... 4576-7677
Drug Trafficking and Special Operations Department
Ramón Castillo y Calle 14 (1104) – Office-on-Duty ............................................................... 4576-7642
Health Department – DARSENA “F” PTO. NUEVO
Switchboard Operator – Office-on-Duty ................................................................................. 4576-7615
Fire-Fighting Division
Cecilia Grierson 50 (C1053ABB) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................ 4576-7684 Fax
Division of Criminal Administrative Investigation
Av. Ramón S. Castilla y Calle P.N.A. (1414) ......................................................................... 4576-7672
Navigation and Port Registry Division
Av. Ramón S. Castilla y Calle P.N.A. (1414) – Office-on-Duty .............................................. 4576-7659
Chemical Laboratory
Benito Correa No. 1058 (1107) .............................................................................................. 4307-6125
Heliport and Service Shops
Dársena “F” Pto. Nuevo ......................................................................................................... 4576-7636
Prefectura Boca del Riachuelo
Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1200 – (1156ACY) – Office-on-Duty ................................................ 4301-3525
Prefectura Buenos Aires
Ramón S. Castillo y calle P.N.A. (1414) – Radioelectric Command .............................. 4576-7658 Fax
Prefectura Dock Sud
Morse S/N Lado Este (B1871) - Office-on-Duty ................................................. 4201-9045/7642 Fax
Prefectura La Plata
Ortiz de Rozas S/N (B1925) – Operation Division .................................................... 0221-4691357 Fax
Prefectura Quilmes
Cervantes y Otamendi Zip Code. B.1878 – Office-on-Duty ................................................... 4253-0494
Prefectura Zona Río de la Plata
Ramón S. Castillo y calle P.N.A (1414) – .............................................................................. 4576-7652
Criminal Records
Ramón S. Castillo y Calle P.N.A. (C1104BCA).............................................................. 4311-9743 Fax
Coast Guard Cutter Service
Dna. “E" Pto. Nuevo (1104) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................................ 4318-7446
Fire-Fighting and Environmental Protection Service
Av. Edison 988 – Dársena “F” Pto. Nuevo (1104).................................................................. 4576-7623
UNITS LOCATED IN THE ZARATE AREA - DELTA - RÍO DE LA PLATA
Albatros Group
25 de Mayo y Río Lujan (B1646) – Office-on-Duty ................................................................ 4512-4002
Prefectura Cab Primero Luis Braga
Office-on-Duty ........................................................................................................................ 4728-1725
Prefectura Campana
Puerto Campana (B2804) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................... 03489-422055
Prefectura Canal San Fernando
Colón y Río Luján San Fernando (B1646) – Office-on-Duty .................................................. 4512-4003
Prefectura Chana Mini
Río Paraná Mini y Arroyo Chana (B1646) – Office-on-Duty .................................................. 4728-1877
Prefectura Dique Lujan
Río Luján y Canal Arias (B1648VAB) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................... 4728-0306
Prefectura Escobar
Ruta 25 y Oficial Principal Adrián Saieg (B2804) – Office-on-Duty .................................. 03489-460103
Prefectura Guazú Guazucito
Office-on-Duty ........................................................................................................................ 4728-1245
Prefectura Ibicuy
Port Area (E2846) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................................... 03446-498222 Fax
Prefectura Martin Garcìa
Gerónimo Costa y Espora – (B1601XAA) – Office-on-Duty................................................... 4728-2816
Prefectura Olivos
Av. Corrientes 150 Olivos (B1636GEB) – Office-on-Duty ................................................. 4512-1021 Fax
Prefectura Paranacito
Av. Entre Ríos y Los Inmigrantes, Villa Paranacito –
(E2823XBC) - Office-on-Duty ...................................................................................... 03446-495251 Fax
Prefectura San Isidro
Av. Mitre1385 (B1643DIA) - Switchboard operator ........................................................ 4513-0200/0201
Prefectura Tigre
General Mitre 165 (B164AAC) – Office-on-Duty ....................................................................... 4512-4907
Prefectura Zárate
Apolo XI S/N Puerto Zárate (B2800) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................03487-422733
Prefectura Zona Delta
Lavalle 13 Tigre (B1648CMA) – Office-on-Duty........................................................................ 4512-4903
Aviation Service
Aérodromo San Fernando Ruta 202 Km.3 San Fernando,
Bs. As. Province (B1646) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................... 4714-6792/4580-0101
UNITS LOCATED ALONG THE RIVER COAST
Paraná, Paraguay and Uruguay Rivers Area
Prefectura Alvear
Carlos Pellegrini S/N (W3344) – Office-on-Duty ..................................................................03772-470002
Prefectura Arroyo Seco
Bella Vista S/N (S2128) – Office-on-Duty .................................................................... 03402-428341 Fax
Prefectura Ramallo
San Lorenzo 945 (B2915CHS) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................... 03407-421246 Fax
Prefectura Baradero
Alte. Brown 251 (B2942BYE) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................... 03329-480205 Fax
Prefectura Barrenqueras
Av. Río Paraná 1005 (H3503) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................... 03722-480017 Fax
Prefectura Bella Vista
Canales 198 – (W343BKO) – Office-on-Duty .............................................................. 03777-451981 Fax
Prefectura Bermejo
Puerto Bermejo - (H3524) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................................03722-94007
Prefectura Candelaria
Pto. Candelaria Zip Code N3308 - Office-on-Duty ..............................................................03752-493139
PREFECTURA COLON
Emilio Gouchon 39 (E3280) – Office-on-Duty .............................................................. 03447-421619 Fax
Prefectura Colonia Cano Fotheringham
Office-on-Duty ................................................................................................................... 03717-1551066
Prefectura Concepción del Uruguay
Espiro y Estrada (E3260EFA) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................03442-425504
Prefectura Concordia
Cervantes 18 (E3200) – Office-on-Duty....................................................................... 0345-4212404 Fax
Prefectura Corrientes
Pasaje Mantilla 385 (W3408) – Office-on-Duty ....................................................................03783-421477
Prefectura Diamante
9 de Julio 472 (E3105AJH) – Office-on-Duty ............................................................... 0343-4981117 Fax
Prefectura El Dorado
Pto. Pinares Av. 9 de Julio 2590 (N3380EGT) – Office-on-Duty ................................. 03751-431212 Fax
Prefectura Empedrado
Bartolomé Mitre e Ituzaingó (W3418) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................03783-491001
Prefectura Esquina
25 de Mayo y Juan D. Perón – (W3196AMF) – Office-on-Duty ................................... 03777-460310 Fax
Prefectura Federación
Corrientes y Tucumán (E3206) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................... 03456-481514 Fax
Prefectura Formosa
Av. 25 de Mayo y Ribera (P3600) – Office-on-Duty .................................................... 03717-430811 Fax
Prefectura Guarruchos
Zip Code W3349AOA - Office-on-Duty ................................................................................03756-497706
Prefectura Goya
Caagazú y 25 de Mayo (3450) – Office-on-Duty .................................................................03777-421419
Prefectura Gualeguaychú
Leandro N. Alem 504 – (E2822FIL) – Office-on-Duty ..........................................................03466-424213
Prefectura Iguazú
Av. Tres Fronteras 232 (N3370) – Office-on-Duty ...............................................................03757-420246
Prefectura Isla del Cerrito
Office-on-Duty ......................................................................................................................03722-496201
Prefectura Ita Ibaté
Islas Malvinas y Sarmiento (3480) - Office-on-Duty..................................................... 03781-495012 Fax
Prefectura Itatí
25 de Mayo y R. González (W3414) – Office-on-Duty ................................................. 03783-493074 Fax
Prefectura Ituzangó
Centenario y B. Valle (W3302COA) – Office-on-Duty.................................................. 03786-420025 Fax
Prefectura La Cruz
Unión 20 (W3346) - Office-on-Duty .....................................................................................03772-491082
Prefectura La Paz
Rondeau 1233 (E3190) – Office-on-Duty .................................................................... 03437-422215 Fax
Prefectura Libertador General San Martín
San Martín 38 (N3334ATN) – Office-on-Duty .............................................................. 03743-420596 Fax
Prefectura Mocoretá
Cabina Semipùblica (3226) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................................03775-498799
Prefectura Yerua
Av. Roca y San Martín – (E3201XAB) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................0345-4991084
Prefectura Monte Caseros
Alte. Brown y Juan Pujol (W3220) – Office-on-Duty .................................................... 03775-422638 Fax
Prefectura Paraná
Güemes y Liniers (E3102) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................................0343-4310201
Prefectura Paso de la Patria
25 de Mayo 719 (W3409) – Office-on-Duty ................................................................. 03783-494005 Fax
Prefectura Paso de los Libres
Colon 423 (W3230AAG) – Office-on-Duty ...........................................................................03772-424327
Prefectura Pilcomayo
Puerto Pilcomayo (P3610) - Office-on-Duty ................................................................. 03718-425244 Fax
Prefectura Posadas
Fleming y Polonia (N3305) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................................03752-425044
Prefectura Puerto Libertad
Zip Code N3374XAA – Office-on-Duty ........................................................................ 03757-496200 Fax
Prefectura Reconquista
Puerto Reconquista Santa Fe Province- (S3567XAC) - Office-on-Duty ..............................03482-499710
Prefectura Represa Salto Grande
Av. Los Pinos y Av. Eucaliptos (E3200) – Office-on-Duty....................................................0345-4215013
Prefectura Rosario
Av. Belgrano 321 (S2000APD) –
CONTRASE – Office-on-Duty ......................................................................... 0341-47203343/4720340
Prefectura San Javier
San Martin 95 (N3357CBA) - Office-on-Duty .......................................................................03754-482230
Prefectura San Lorenzo
Córdoba 100bis. Pto Gral. San Martín (S2202) – Office-on-Duty ........................................03476-422424
Prefectura San Nicolás
Pto. Nuevo S/N (B2900) – CONTRASE ...................................................................... 03461-423693 Fax
Prefectura San Pedro
25 de Mayo 268 (B2930DFF) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................03329-425219
Prefectura Santa Ana
Zip Code N3316 - Office-on-Duty .......................................................................................03752-497734
Prefectura Santa Elena
Port Area Zip Code E3192 – Office-on-Duty................................................................ 03437-481247 Fax
Prefectura Santa Fe
Mendoza y Dique 1 (S3000) - Office-on-Duty ......................................................................0342-4562400
Prefectura Santo Tome
López de Bertodano 1272 (W3341) – Office-on-Duty..........................................................03756-420215
Prefectura Victoria
Port Area Zip Code E3153 – Office-on-Duty................................................................ 03436-421467 Fax
Prefectura Villa Constitución
Av. Prefectura Naval Argentina S/N (S2919) – Office-on-Duty .................................... 03400-474407 Fax
Prefectura Yapeyú
Chacabuco S/N – Office-on-Duty.........................................................................................03772-493052
Prefectura Zona Alto Paraná
San Martín 151 (N3300MRI) - Office-on-Duty.............................................................. 03752-430703 Fax
Prefectura Zona Alto Uruguay
Colón 427 (W3230AAG) – Office-on-Duty ...........................................................................03772-424325
Prefectura Zona Bajo Paraná
Belgrano 315 (S2000APD) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................................0341-4720346
Prefectura Zona Bajo Uruguay
M. Álvarez y 8 de Junio (E3260ANC) – Office-on-Duty ............................................... 03442-422044 Fax
Prefectura Zona Paraná Superior y Paraguay
Av. Costanera 1158 (W3400BJN) – Office-on-Duty..................................................... 03783-423318 Fax
UNITS LOCATED ALONG THE ATLANTIC COASTS AND LAKES AREA
Buenos Aires coastal Area up to Mar del Plata
Prefectura General Lavalle
Av. B. Mitre 95 (B7103) – Office-on-Duty .................................................................... 02252-491063 Fax
Prefectura Las Toninas
Zip Code 7107 – Office-on-Duty ..........................................................................................02246-431785
Prefectura Mar de Ajo
Diagonal Rivadavia y Av. Costanera S/N (7109) – Office-on-Duty ......................................02257-423261
Prefectura Mar del Plata
Av. “A” S/N (B7608) –Mar del Plata Coastal Station .................................................... 0223-4803006 Fax
Prefectura Mar del Plata
Office-on-Duty ......................................................................................................................0223-4800715
Prefectura Mar del Tuyu
Zip Code 7108 .....................................................................................................................02246-434704
Prefectura Miramar
Office-on-Duty Zip Code 7607 .............................................................................................02291-433917
Prefectura Pinamar
Office-on-Duty Zip Code B7167 ...........................................................................................02254-485741
Prefectura Villa Gesell
Office-on-Duty Zip Code B7165 ...........................................................................................02255-476464
Bahía Blanca Area up to Ushuaia
Prefectura Bahía Blanca
Av. T. Salustio entre Guardacostas Río Iguazú e Islas Malvinas
Ing. White (B8103277) .........................................................................................................0291-4573124
Prefectura Bahía Blanca
CONTRASE ................................................................................................................. 0291-4573355
Prefectura Caleta Oliva
Av. Costanera 2060 (79011) – Office-on-Duty............................................................. 0297-4851275 Fax
Prefectura Comodoro Rivadavia
Office-on-Duty .............................................................................................................. 0297-4473863 Fax
Prefectura Comodoro Rivadavia
M. Abásolo y Sarmiento (U9000) – Coastal Station ............................................................0297-4476800
Prefectura Lago Argentino
Villanustre 167 (79405DAA) –
Recreational Boating Advisory Office ..................................................................................02902-491653
Prefectura Monte Hermoso
Pte. Perón 235 (B8153CIC) – Office-on-Duty ......................................................................02921-481002
Prefectura Patagones
Mitre 350 S/N (B8504) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................... 02920-461742 Fax
Prefectura Puerto Deseado
España 1828 (Z9050BAH) - Office-on-Duty ........................................................................0297-4872322
Prefectura Puerto Madryn
Guillermo Rawson S/N (U9120) – Office-on-Duty........................................................ 02965-451263 Fax
Prefectura Punta Colorada
Villa Hipasam (R8532) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................... 02934-481154 Fax
Prefectura Punta Pirámide
Punta Ballenas (9121) – Office-on-Duty ..............................................................................02965-495054
Prefectura Punta Quilla
Office-on-Duty ......................................................................................................................02962-498181
Prefectura Quequen
Calle 507 No. 945 (B7631) – Office-on-Duty ............................................................... 02262-450514 Fax
Prefectura Rawson
Av. Marcelino González S/N (U9103XAA) – Office-on-Duty ........................................ 02965-496004 Fax
Prefectura Río Gallegos e Islas Malvinas
Coastal Station ....................................................................................................................02966-435494
Prefectura Río Gallegos e Islas Malvinas
Pasaje Abuela Paredes No.071 (79403) – Office-on-Duty ..................................................02966-420375
Prefectura Río Grande
Port Area Zip Code V9420 – Office-on-Duty........................................................................02964-422305
Prefectura San Antonio Este
Pto. San Antonio Este Zip Code R8524 – Office-on-Duty ...................................................02934-492073
Prefectura San Antonio Oeste
Brown 20 (R8520ACB) – Office-on-Duty ..................................................................... 02934-421202 Fax
Prefectura San Blas
Bahía San Blas – Office-on-Duty .........................................................................................02920-499477
Prefectura San Julián
9 de Julio 649 (79310ACD) – Office-on-Duty .............................................................. 02962-452012 Fax
Prefectura Santa Cruz
Av. Piedrabuena 380 (9300) - Office-on-Duty.............................................................. 02962-498305 Fax
Prefectura Ushuaia e Islas del Atlántico Sur
Maipú Yáganes Zip Code V9410 – Office-on-Duty ..............................................................02901-422382
Prefectura Zona Mar Argentino Norte
Moreno 244 (B8000FWF) – Office-on-Duty Switchboard ............................................ 0291-4563050 Fax
Prefectura Zona Mar Argentino Sur
San Martín 116 (9400) – Office-on-Duty ...................................................................... 02966-420577 Fax
Neuquén-Bariloche lake area and Southern Lakes
Prefectura Del Comahue
Chile 50 (8300LSB) – Office-on-Duty ........................................................ 0299-4484483/4422686 Fax
Prefectura Exequiel Ramos Mejìa
Zip Code8311 - Office-on-Duty ............................................................................................0299-4901102
Prefectura Futalaufquen
Office-on-Duty ......................................................................................................................02945-471013
Prefectura Puerto Pañuelo
Km 25 Ruta Llao Llao (R8409LAO) - Office-on-Duty ...........................................................02944-448214
Prefectura San Carlos de Bariloche
Gdor. Elordi 219 (R8400HRE) – Office-on-Duty ..................................................................02944-422798
Prefectura San Martín de los Andes
Capitán Drury 649 (Q8370DSM) – Office-on-Duty...............................................................02972-428608
Prefectura Villa La Angostura
Avda. Nahuel Huapi S/N (98407) – Office-on-Duty ............................................................02944-494032
Prefectura Zona Lacustre y Del Comahue
Chile 50 (8300LSB) – Office-on-Duty .......................................................................... 0299-4438195 Fax
CONTACT US
PREFECTURA NAVAL ARGENTINA
Guadacostas Building, PNA Headquarters
Avenida E. Madero 235
Buenos Aires
(C116ACC) Argentina
Switchboard Operator:
+54 11 4318-7400/7500/7600
+54 11 4314-7000
www.prefecturanaval.gov.ar
[email protected]
Units in the Provinces (See additional information)
TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR EMERGENCIES 106
FREE LINE: 0800 - 888 - 7730 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)