Date:15/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/15/stories/2006071503340900.htm

Back Security levels at JNPT, Mumbai port upgraded

Our Bureau

Upgraded to level 2 from level 1 under ISPS code

Mumbai , July 14

The security level at India's premier container handling port, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port, and its neighbour, the Mumbai port, has been upgraded from level 1 to level 2 under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. This comes in the wake of the serial blasts that rocked Mumbai on July 11.

These two ports are the only ones in India to have enhanced security level under the ISPS Code so far.

The ISPS code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, which were developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facility in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the US.

The purpose of the code is to provide a standardised and consistent framework for evaluating risk and enabling Governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities through determination of appropriate security levels.

Security levels

Security level 1, which is described as the normal level at which ports operates, envisages minimum appropriate protective security measures at all times. Level 2 signifies heightened security level, which is in force for as long as there is a heightened risk of a security incident. This level envisages additional protective security measures to be maintained for a period of time as a result of the heightened risk.

The Security level 3 is clamped under "exceptional" circumstances, when there is a probable or imminent risk of a security incident.

Tighter screening

Sources close to JNPT said with the upgradation of security level, there would be a tighter screening of import containers, movement of personnel in the port area and waterfront security, apart from increased searches.

The possibility of explosive material being smuggled into the port from overseas will also be taken into account under the enhanced security level.

"The Security level 2 will be in place at both the ports for some more time, after which there would be a review and the level appropriately changed," an official associated with implementation of ISPS code said.