Bureau of Port Security
About
- The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) was established in 2025 as a statutory body under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Merchant Shipping Act, 2025:
- Replacing the outdated Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, ensures comprehensive adoption of India’s obligations under major international conventions, reduces compliance burdens and enhances safety in navigation and life at sea.
- Merchant shipping refers to the transport of goods and passengers by sea for commercial purposes, distinct from military or naval activities.
- The Act expands the eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant shipping vessels and provides for investigation and enquiries on marine casualties.
- It empowers the central government to take charge and detain vessels within India or in coastal waters as a vessel without nationality, if such vessel is not legally entitled to fly the flag of a state or has lost such a right.
- The Bureau will be headed by a Director General and will function under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Mandate
- The BoPS will be responsible for regulatory and inspection functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities.
- It will ensure the timely analysis, collection, and sharing of security-related information, with a special focus on cyber security.
- The Bureau will also have a dedicated division to safeguard the IT infrastructure of ports against digital threats.
Why was BoPS created?
- Currently, coastal security responsibilities are shared among multiple agencies such as the Coast Guard, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), State maritime police, and the Navy.
- This leads to challenges in coordination and communication, and also leads to possible security gaps.
- The BoPS will be a single statutory body for regulatory oversight and coordination.
- As a statutory body, the BoPS will have the legal authority to enforce compliance with international standards.
- Under the BoPS, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is designated as a Recognised Security Organisation to prepare standardised plans, conduct security assessments, and train private agencies across all major and non-major ports.
Why in News?
- Union Minister Amit Shah reviewed the progress made in the establishment of the Bureau of Port Security.