EVALUATION
OF MARITIME SECURITY MEASURES
RAJYA SABHA
The International
Maritime Organization adopted new provisions in the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and the International
Code for the Security of Ships and Ports Facilities (ISPS Code)
to enhance maritime security following the tragic events of 11th
September, 2001. The enhanced security measures would be applicable
to foreign going merchant ships and port facilities which would
become effective from 1st July, 2004. It had been evaluated
that about 200 foreign going ships, 12 major ports and about 30
minor ports in the country were required to comply with the provisions
of IMO’s ISPS Code. The Government had nominated Director General
of Shipping as the "Designated Authority" to oversee
the implementation of new security regulations.
The inspection
of cargo in ports was done by Customs Department based on their
assessment of the need of doing so. Since the time required for
the examination was in the knowledge of the shipper, the cargo
was generally brought well ahead of shipment and the examination
formalities were completed. Therefore, there was no delay in shipment
of cargo.
The above information
was given by Shri Dilipkumar Mansukhlal Gandhi, Minister of State
in the Ministry of Shipping in a written reply to the question
of Shri R.S. Gavai in Rajya Sabha today.
