Source: PIB
Subject: Polity/Economics
Context: The Union government has constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 to strengthen port and maritime security.
About Bureau of Port Security (BoPS):
What it is?
- The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) is a statutory regulatory authority responsible for the security oversight of ports, port facilities, and ships in India.
- It is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), providing a unified institutional framework for port security.
Established by:
- Constituted under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
- Functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
Aim:
- To create a single, legally empowered authority for port security regulation, coordination, and compliance.
- To ensure safe, secure, and resilient ports in line with Maritime India Vision 2030 and global security standards.
Key functions:
- Regulatory oversight: Enforce compliance with international frameworks such as the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
- Coordination role: Act as a nodal body coordinating among Coast Guard, CISF, Navy, State maritime police, and port authorities to avoid security gaps.
- Threat prevention: Address risks like maritime terrorism, arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, piracy, illegal migration, and poaching.
- Cybersecurity: Establish a dedicated division to protect port IT systems and digital infrastructure, coordinating with national cyber agencies.
- Standardisation & training: Designate CISF as a recognised security organisation to prepare security plans, conduct audits, and train port security personnel.
- Graded security implementation: Ensure risk-based, phased security measures across major and non-major ports.
Significance:
- Reduces fragmentation caused by multiple agencies handling coastal security.
- Enhances security credibility amid rising cargo volumes, port capacity expansion, and inland waterway usage.
