The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Ports going hi-tech to step up security

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 01, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Ports going hi-tech to step up security

By N. Ravi Kumar

CHENNAI, JUNE 30. Come Thursday and the three major seaports in Tamil Nadu in Chennai, Tuticorin and at Ennore will begin using more technology, including use of barcodes on entry passes, to improve security and prevent terrorist attacks.

From July 1, they will start implementing norms prescribed under the International Ship and facilities of Port Security (ISPS) code, formulated by the International Maritime Organisation in the wake of 9/11 (in 2001) attack on the World Trade Center in New York.

While the ports of Chennai and Tuticorin were found compliant and certified by the designated agencies of Directorate-General of Shipping, the certification process for Ennore facility, the first corporatised port in the country, had been completed. An Ennore Port official said: "We expect the formal certificate anytime now."

The ports' initiative was in tune with the June 30 deadline for meeting the ISPS code. M. Raman, Chairman and Managing Director of Ennore Port Limited, said it was in line with the Centre's emphasis on not to be found wanting in any aspect, which could have a negative bearing on economic activities. Mr. Raman holds additional charge as chairman of the Chennai Port Trust.

Ocean-going ships also have to comply with the code and vessels not conforming to the guidelines were liable to be barred from entering ISPS compliant ports. While all major seaports were expected to comply before the deadline, the same could not be said about ports worldwide and ships, an issue of concern to the IMO.

A ChPT release said the port had been certified for the ISPS code. Ships calling at the port would be required to mainly file details, 24 hours prior to their expected time of arrival, about the security levels maintained and the ship-to-ship interface in 10 previous ports of call. Those not found compliant "may be subjected to a more detailed inspection, delay/detention, restriction of operations/movements or denial of entry into the Chennai port," the release said. The port had decided on passes for its employees; port users; contract workers of the port and those engaged by the users and visitors and tourists.

In addition, vehicle passes would be issued. By using barcodes, necessary information, including personal details of the pass-holder, validity of the pass, the area of working with the specific gate of entry, would be encrypted, a senior ChPT official said. The Tuticorin Port Trust said the code was conceived in view of the significance of maritime trade.

N.K. Raghupathy, Chairman of the port, said a compliance audit was done earlier this month.

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