Latest news with #MARSEC
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
DG Shipping increases maritime security for Indian ports, terminals
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Pak moving troops to border areas? All that's happening Why India chose to abstain instead of 'No Vote' against IMF billion-dollar funding to Pakistan How Pak's jihadi general Munir became trapped in his own vice The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. Live Events This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement . He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maritime security raised to level 2 for Indian ports amid tensions
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement. He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Shipping authority sounds warning bell
The Directorate General of Shipping has raised maritime security to MARSEC Level-2 , or 'heightened security', for all Indian ports, terminals, shipyards and Indian-flagged vessels, effective immediately, citing growing concerns over potential threats. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures This shift to MARSEC Level-2 of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code signals an elevated risk, requiring enhanced security measures. It is the mid-level of the maritime security system. The directive, issued on Thursday, referred to an April 24 advisory from the ministry of external affairs, which underlined the need for increased vigilance due to ongoing regional security concerns, including potential threats linked to India-Pakistan tensions . Ports across the country are conducting security checks on a daily basis in line with the MARSEC Level-2 alert, especially on the sensitive western coast, a senior port official said. "These checks include stricter access controls, vessel monitoring and screening of personnel and cargo," he said. "We are also stepping up cyber vigilance and running blackout drills to prepare for any eventuality." There are three MARSEC levels under the ISPS Code . Level 1 is the standard level with routine security measures in place. Level 2 is activated when there is a heightened risk of a security incident, requiring stricter checks and controls. Level 3 is the highest alert, used when a security threat is imminent or underway. Each level mandates a corresponding escalation in security protocols for ships and port facilities to safeguard maritime operations. The DG Shipping directive also requires all ports and terminals to conduct blackout tests and unannounced security drills to "test and reinforce preparedness" including to assess the "real-time response and coordination among security personnel". According to it, the chief information security officers of all the port facilities must review the security of IT and communications systems and take appropriate measures to prevent/mitigate the threats of cyberattacks. According to the DG Shipping, its directive must be complied with strictly and "any breach will be viewed seriously".
United News of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Security of ships, ports enhanced
Mumbai, May 9 (UNI) In the wake of the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Mumbai-headquartered Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has enhanced security arrangements at all ports, terminals, shipyards and ships. Following the directive, security arrangements of the coastal area in Mumbai was reviewed by the deputy commissioner of police port zone. Heavy police bandobast was deployed out side JNPT port at Panvel , Sasoon dock , Bhav Ka Dhaka, Indira Dock and Yellow Gate. The Director General, DGCA has asked all the chief information security officer of all port facilities to review the security of IT and communications systems and take appropriate measures to prevent/mitigate the threats of cyberattacks. The security system has been enhanced from MARSEC Level-1 to MARSEC Level-2 with immediate effect. 'This directive is issued in the interest of national maritime security and must be treated with utmost urgency und priority. Strict compliance is expected, and any breach will be viewed very seriously,' said Captain Nitin Mukesh, deputy nautical Advisor-cum senior DDG (tech) said in an advisory. The advisory was posted by All India Seafarers Union (AISU) in its social media platform. 'In light of recent developments and growing concerns regarding potential threats to the Indian coast, ports, terminals, and vessels will emphasize the necessity of implementing additional protective measures during periods of heightened security risk,' the order said. All ports, terminals, and shipyards have been asked to implement heightened maritime security measures, including elevation to International Ship and Port Facility Security Code -- ISPS Security Level 2 -- with immediate effect. All Indian flagged vessel operating in and near the India sub-continent and neighboring countries are required to elevate the security Level to 2 and implement the applicable security measures as per Ship Security Plan (SSP). UNI AAA PRS
