Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
Why in News?
The Centre has recently constituted the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS).
Aim -To oversee the security of ships and port facilities across the country.
Modelled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), it serves as the apex regulatory authority for maritime security.
Statutory Status -BoPS is established under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
Jurisdiction -It functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).
Scope - The bureau provides a unified institutional framework for security oversight at all 12 major ports and over 200 non-major (state-owned and private) ports in India.
International Compliance -It has the legal authority to enforce the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Organizational Structure - Leadership - The BoPS will be headed by a Director General, who must be a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer (Pay Level-15).
Transition Period - During the initial one-year transition phase (2025–2026), the Director General of Shipping (DGS) will hold additional charge as the DG of BoPS.
Core Functions – Cybersecurity - A dedicated division will be created within BoPS to protect port IT and digital infrastructure from emerging threats.
Risk-Based Security - Implementation of security measures in a graded manner, factoring in a port's location, trade volume, and vulnerability.
Intelligence Sharing - BoPS ensures the timely collection, analysis, and exchange of security-related information among various stakeholders.
Training & Certification - BoPS oversees the certification and licensing of Private Security Agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security.
