The Hindu Business Line : Getting minor ports to use modern security measures a challenge

New Delhi, Dec 1 The Shipping Ministry is looking to beef up port security. It can mandate action in the 12 major ports under the Centre’s jurisdiction.

However, there are 120 non-major ports under state jurisdiction. This is where the problem could lie.

At a meeting last Friday to discuss security, the Ministry decided to implement moves such as upgrading close circuit televisions, making available speedboats, bringing in more vessels under automated surveillance systems and checking the background of contract labourers who work in ports.

The meeting was called by the Shipping Minister, Mr T.R. Baalu.

The Shipping Ministry hopes that security agencies like the Coast Guard will ensure implementation of these parameters at the non-major ports.

In the meeting, the Ministry has decided to bring more vessels under the surveillance – vessels of over 100 gross registered tonnage (GRT) will now have to install automatic identity systems (AIS) on board. Till now, vessels of over 300 GRT were required to install AIS. With AIS, these vessels would come under the vessel tracking management system of ports. Most of the large fishing trawlers will be covered in “over 100 GRT” classification.

AIS allows ships to electronically exchange ship data, including identification, position, course and speed, with other nearby ships and vessel tracking systems.

Speed boats

Each port has been asked to immediately procure two speedboats for patrolling the waterfront of their respective areas of operation. The port authorities have been asked to hire speedboats till they are procured.

“We have now decided that ports will have to issue entry pass to each labourer — after the contractor issues an undertaking that the labourer’s background has been checked,” the source said. The contractors engaged in various works (civil construction etc.,) tend to bring in contract labourers. Till now, ports used to register the details of vehicles that brought in the labourers.

Closed circuit TVs

Till date, the closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) used by ports primarily used to check the area till the breakwaters. Now, the port authorities will upgrade the CCTVs to get the visibility of 2-3 km of the area stretching beyond breakwaters, the committee decided.

Moreover, the CISF contingent for port security usually comprises constables — the Ministry has decided to seek an additional unit of marine commandos for each port.

The Directorate General of Shipping has been asked to undertake a special audit of port security in all the major ports of the country to ensure compliance of all security measures.

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Getting minor ports to use modern security measures a challenge

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