CPA takes steps to implement ISPS code by July 1

Earlier in January last, the IMO instructed its member countries to ensure compliance with the code by the end of June this year or run the risk of international ships avoiding their ports.

A meeting held at the Ministry of Port and Shipping in the first week of this month took the decision in regard to the steps towards ISPS code, port officials said.

Implementation of the ISPS code at Chittagong port requires installation of various security systems that feature automatic identification for the vessels calling at the port, scan of import and export cargo, closed circuit TV camera and so on. It also calls for an increase in the number of security guards, port officials added.

They said the authorities have recently invited tenders for installing automatic identification system for vessels.

Besides enhanced security inside the port, ISPS code stresses special surveillance at the outer anchorage, a senior port official said.

Against the backdrop of the terrorist attacks on the twin towers of New York, USA on 9/11, 2001, the IMO decided to seek implementation of the ISPS code in the ports of its member countries across the globe to combat global terrorism.

A committee with the Deputy Conservator of Chittagong port Kamrul Hossain as its convenor, was formed. An expert team headed by the Principal Officer (PO) of Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) Shafiq Ullah was assigned to provide necessary expertise and other support for formulating a plan of action to devise a comprehensive security system for the premier port of the country.

Nepal Chandra Sarkar, joint secretary of the shipping ministry, was tasked with monitoring the entire process, port sources said.

"We have already initiated the assessment of the facilities. We will soon prepare a Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) for the implementation of the ISPS code," said Kamrul.

"Right now, we are trying to detect the lacks and lapses in the prevailing facilities of the port. Basing on the assessment, we'll go for appropriate measures to ensure safety for vessels and port installations and thus heighten the preparedness of the port to face terrorist acts," Kamrul added.

He said observance of the ISPS code is a must in the present day world to keep pace with others.

Kamrul said 1,000 staff of port and the shipping sector would be provided training in batches at Chittagong port to make them aware of the ISPS code.

The training programme will begin May 17 with a batch of 50 people, he said adding that Chittagong port would fund the whole programme.

Earlier, a move to engage a foreign company for preparing the security plan was dumped due to the abnormally high cost the company quoted, sources said.

The concerned ministry then ordered the CPA to go ahead implementing the codes in collaboration with MMD thus averting inflated costs, sources added.