Security measures raised to MARSEC Level 2 at all Indian ports, terminals, and ships

MUMBAI : In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Mumbai-headquartered Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has enhanced security arrangements at all ports, terminals, shipyards and ships.

The Director General, DGCA has asked all the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of all port facilities to review security of IT and communications systems and to take appropriate measures to prevent or mitigate threats of cyberattacks.

Security system has been enhanced from MARSEC Level-1 to MARSEC Level-2 with immediate effect. “This directive is issued in the interest of national maritime security and must be treated with utmost urgency and priority. Strict compliance is expected, and any breach will be viewed very seriously,” Captain Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor-cum Senior DDG (Tech) said in an advisory.

“In light of recent developments and growing concerns regarding potential threats to the Indian coast, ports, terminals, and vessels to emphasize the necessity of implementing additional protective measures during periods of heightened security risk,” the order said.

All ports, terminals, and shipyards have been asked to implement heightened maritime security measures, including elevation to International Ship and Port Facility Security Code – ISPS Security Level 2, with immediate effect.

All Indian flagged vessels operating in and near to the India sub-continent and neighboring countries are required to elevate the security Level to 2 and implement the applicable security measures as per Ship Security Plan (SSP).