Security beefed up at all ports: Shipping ministry

Security has been beefed up across all major ports in the country following threat of terrorist strikes, a top shipping ministry official said.

"The directorate general of shipping has directed port authorities to enhance security of ships and port facilities to level 2 under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code," nautical advisor to the government of India, Captain MM Saggi, said here today.

All export and import cargoes are being subjected to a thorough screening at the ports, he said.

Various port authorities recently met with officials of maritime security agencies, including the navy and coast guard, customs and terminal operators to review security measures, he said.

The port authorities cited the need for enhanced water-front patrolling, deployment of marine commando units and installation of a dedicated communication centre to co-ordinate security operations and improve response time, Saggi said.

However, scanning of all containers in ports is not feasible with the two scanners they have, Saggi said, adding that customs authorities needed to acquire additional scanners to beef up cargo scrutiny.

Recently, there have been reports of arms being smuggled into the country through ports by terrorist groups.

The ISPS code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attack in the US.