US Coast Guard delegation to inspect security measures at Chattogram Port

Highlights: 

• Delegation to visit on 21-26 Jan
• Will inspect key areas of port: yard, jetty, Container Freight Station, port gates, Inland Container Depots 
• The ISPS Code team's visit is a normal occurrence, routine visit, officials say

A delegation from the US Coast Guard is scheduled to visit Chattogram Port to assess its overall security measures. 

A four-member team, led by US Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander Khiem V Nagy will conduct the inspection under the guidelines of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The team also includes Martin S Donohue, Irving A Cintron, and Kramer, all of whom hold various positions within the US Coast Guard.

The Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) and the Department of Shipping have confirmed the visit, which will take place on 21-26 January.

CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk told The Business Standard, "The Chattogram Port is an ISPS Code-compliant port. As part of compliance, the US Coast Guard delegation conducts periodic inspections of our security measures."

Port records show that ISPS delegations have inspected the port seven times in the past, with the most recent visit occurring in 2022. These inspections are crucial for maintaining the special security index required for ports that export goods to the United States.

During their visit, the delegation will examine key areas of the port, including the yard, jetty, Container Freight Station (CFS), port gates, and various Inland Container Depots (ICDs). 

They will evaluate security protocols such as cargo scanning, manpower deployment, CCTV surveillance, and operational procedures of the Port Security Department.

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the ISPS code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities, developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the 9/11 attacks in the United States.

Since 2004, the IMO has made it mandatory to implement the ISPS code for security in ports around the world including the Chattogram Port.

The DG (Director General) of the Ministry of Shipping is the head of the designated authority (DA) for the implementation of the ISPS Code.

The authority also includes representatives from the National Board of Revenue and the port. This authority monitors whether the terms of the ISPS code are being implemented at the port.

Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam, director general of the Department of Shipping, described the visit as routine, saying, "The ISPS Code team's visit is a normal occurrence. 

"They have visited before and expressed satisfaction with the security measures in place. We are confident they will be pleased with our efforts this time as well."