Puerto Vallarta’s National Port System Authority (ASIPONA PV) will conduct a full-scale Level III maritime protection exercise on May 23 at 11:00 h in the port’s marine zone, involving federal, state and municipal agencies, private-sector operators and civil society under the ISPS Code.
The National Port System Authority of Puerto Vallarta (ASIPONA PV) today announced it will carry out a Level III maritime protection drill on Friday, May 23 at 11:00 hours in the marine zone of the port complex. As the highest classification in Mexico’s port security exercises, Level III entails a full-scale deployment of resources and participants to simulate realistic emergency scenarios and to validate operational readiness across all agencies and stakeholders.
The annual exercise serves multiple purposes: it reinforces coordination among federal, state and municipal authorities; tests the readiness of concessionary companies and private‐sector partners; and engages civil society organizations and trained volunteers. By adhering to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code—an international standard developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)—the drill will assess compliance with global security protocols and identify areas for procedural improvement.
Scope and Scenarios
ASIPONA PV has outlined a series of complex scenarios to be simulated during the drill. These include:
- Suspicious Vessel Approach: Screening and interception of an unregistered craft approaching the port perimeter.
- Onboard Fire and Casualty Response: Emergency firefighting aboard a simulated merchant vessel, including medical triage and evacuation.
- Hazardous Material Spill: Containment and cleanup of a hypothetical fuel or chemical leak, testing coordination between environmental agencies and port operators.
- Security Breach Simulations: Response to unauthorized boarding attempts, reinforcing access-control protocols at port facilities.
Each scenario will activate specialized response units—from the Mexican Navy’s marine contingent to municipal fire brigades and environmental protection teams—ensuring comprehensive training across disciplines. Observers from the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) and the Jalisco state government will monitor performance metrics throughout the exercise.
Organizational Partners
Key participants include:
- Federal Entities: Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), and federal Customs and Port Authorities.
- State and Municipal Agencies: Jalisco Civil Protection, Puerto Vallarta Municipal Civil Protection, and local environmental sustainability offices.
- Private Sector: Terminal operators, shipping companies, fuel suppliers, and cruise line representatives adhering to ISPS Code requirements.
- Civil Society: Certified dive teams, maritime volunteer brigades and non-governmental organizations specializing in marine conservation and emergency response.
By integrating diverse partners, ASIPONA PV aims to foster a culture of shared responsibility for port security and to leverage private‐sector expertise in large-scale emergency management.
Puerto Vallarta’s port is a vital economic gateway for both cargo and cruise tourism. Last year, the terminal handled over 300,000 cruise passengers and facilitated the movement of thousands of tons of merchandise bound for destinations up and down the Pacific coast. Ensuring robust security measures not only safeguards lives and property but also underpins the city’s reputation as a safe, world-class destination for international visitors.
“Maintaining the highest level of preparedness is fundamental to protecting our maritime infrastructure and the thousands who depend on it daily,” said an ASIPONA PV spokesperson. “This drill will allow us to refine our protocols, strengthen inter-agency communication and validate our capabilities under the rigorous standards of the ISPS Code.”
Residents and vessel operators are advised that certain sea lanes within the port’s marine zone will be temporarily restricted on May 23 between 10:30 and 13:00 hours. Advance notices have been issued to ferry companies, tour operators and sport-fishing charters to plan alternate routes. Cruise ships scheduled to dock that day will be informed of security perimeters in place; passenger embarkation and disembarkation processes will proceed with minimal delay.
Local businesses and tour operators have welcomed the announcement, noting that clear communication of drill parameters helps minimize disruption. As the summer tourism season approaches, strengthening port security reassures international cruise lines and tour agencies that Puerto Vallarta remains a secure and well-prepared destination.
Following the completion of the exercise, ASIPONA PV will convene a joint review meeting with all participating agencies to evaluate outcomes, share lessons learned and update the Port Contingency Plan accordingly. Findings from the May 23 drill will inform training programs for the remainder of 2025 and guide investments in port infrastructure, communications equipment and specialized emergency-response assets.
By institutionalizing this Level III exercise as an annual benchmark, Puerto Vallarta not only complies with national regulations but also aligns itself with best practices adopted by leading port cities worldwide. The port authority encourages continued collaboration among government bodies, the private sector and community volunteers to sustain a proactive and resilient maritime security posture well into the future.
Puerto Vallarta’s National Port System Authority (ASIPONA PV) will conduct a full-scale Level III maritime protection exercise on May 23 at 11:00 h in the port’s marine zone, involving federal, state and municipal agencies, private-sector operators and civil society under the ISPS Code.
