The Hindu Business Line : Concern over new port security norms

THE new ISPS (International Ship and Port Security) Code will have implications on the entire shipping industry. To be effective from July 2004, the ISPS code puts in place new security measures on ships and at ports. The new regulation would increase cost to ship owners for providing additional security officers and chief security officers on board the ships, said Capt K. Vivekanand, Director, Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET).

He told presspersons on the occasion of World Maritime Day that the ISPS code was formulated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. The IMO has been working towards strict security-related issues at ports and ships, while in December 2002, it brought the new code, he said.

With the IMO not planning to extend the July 2004 deadline, Indian ships owners are taking steps to train their officers on ISPS, and also have security officers on board their vessels, he said.

Mr Prabodh K. Majumder, Engineer and Ship Surveyor, Mercantile Marine Department, Chennai, in a release said before the new security measures come into force, it was crucial that governments and the shipping industry take steps to increase awareness among the fraternity members about the dangers from terrorist attacks on ships and port infrastructure.

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