Given the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), which is housed within the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has raised maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to “MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security.” A key component of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which was created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Growing international worries about maritime security, particularly in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, prompted its adoption.
The ISPS Code’s classification of security levels is one of its main features. These tiers are intended to guarantee that ships and port infrastructure can function safely in a range of threat scenarios. In response to a heightened risk, Security Level 2 entails sustaining suitable additional defensive security measures for a predetermined amount of time.
This level is triggered in advance of an incident, frequently as a preventative measure based on reliable information. Level 2 calls for tight monitoring of threat updates and escalation of normal processes. India prohibited ships flying the Pakistani flag from entering any Indian ports earlier this month. In order to guarantee regular freight transportation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed important marine projects in detail on Friday. He gave officials instructions to keep business as usual.
