The Hindu : Chennai port to implement security code

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 26, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Chennai port to implement security code

By N. Ravi Kumar

CHENNAI, FEB. 25. The Chennai port is working on a 14-point programme to comply with the International Ship and (facilities of) Port Security (ISPS) code, which comes into force from July 1.

The exercise is aimed at insulating the facility against possible acts of sabotage and terrorism by tightening security through a combination of measures, including implementation of access control systems.

Apart from putting in place strict entry and exit norms, the ISPS programme will involve closure of and changes at a few of the port gates. It includes designating Gates-1 and 2-A exclusively for containers, making Gate-5 exit for other cargo vehicles, relocating Gate-7 and using it only for specific purposes and closing down Gate-3-A.

Fencing, better illumination and training of security personnel are part of the programme, said K. Elangovan, Chennai Port Trust deputy chairman. The port would acquire two high-speed patrol boats - for use by the marine police and Central Industrial Security Force personnel - and security and communication equipment.

It would, however, not invest in bomb disposal equipment, as the services of the police department would be requisitioned in the event of any eventuality.

Declaring that the port had complied with nine of the 14 parameters, he told an ISPS workshop here on Friday that the ChPT was awaiting guidelines from the Director-General Shipping on systems necessary for automatically identifying ships. The port was ``completely equipped'' for emergency power supply and alternative systems for storing computer records.

Within the next eight weeks, it would conduct training for its staff and others concerned on the requirements of the code, conceived by the International Maritime Organisation. The ChPT would lay down the specific security responsibilities for its employees and conduct two mock drills of the systems before seeking the approval of the certification agency.

Noting that the port was ``very porous and anybody can come and go,'' Dr. Elangovan said that on implementation of the code parameters it would become secure with even mechanisms to ascertain the number and identity of people inside various facilities. Four categories of pass would be introduced.

A photo identity card would be issued to ChPT employees and the principal port users.

The token system for contract workers and others supporting the principal port users would be abolished. Instead, the workers would be allowed only after the contractors attested their identity.

The pass, in different colours, would have bar codes. Bar-code readers at the gate would match the pass details with those using it and the wharf to which they were eligible to go. The stevedores and steamer agents have to make a requisition for passes at the (vessel) berthing meeting. The fourth category of pass would be for visitors.

M. Raman, Chairman and Managing Director of the Ennore port, who is holding additional charge as the ChPT chairman, said maritime facilities not complying with the ISPS code would be ``kept away from the global trade.'' In turn, that would affect the economy and the country.

The port would ensure a smooth transition to the code for the all concerned.

A.K. Srivatsava, Principal Surveyor, Indian Register of Shipping, which had been designated as the recognised security organisation by the Centre, said the work on complying with ISPS at the Chennai, Ennore, Tuticorin and Pondicherry ports was in different stages of implementation.

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