K'taka: Security measures for ships and port facilities
Mangalore, June 23: The International Maritime Organisation(IMO) has unanimously agreed to develop a new security measures relating to security of ships and port facilities to a new code.
Announcing this at a press conference after unveiling + CCTV Surveillance System+ at New Mangalore Port at Panambur near here, Deputy Conservator and Code Captain K V Vaswani of New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) said that it would focus on an international framework through which ships and port facilities could cooperate to detect and deter acts which threaten security in maritime transport sector.
He said that the provisions of this code applied to cargo ships of over 500 GRT engaged in foreign trade, passenger vessels, oil rigs and port facilities handling such vessels. In view of the perceived threats and changing technology, NMPT had procured additional equipment to enhance safety and control into the port facility by procuring night vision binoculars and explosive vapour detectors.
The port had already installed a computerized biometric system by which entry of cargo handling worker was done by verifying their identity through thumb impression. Vaswani said adding that NMPT was the first port in the country to install this system.
UNI