Centre to set up Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a meeting for the constitution of the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS), for the security of vessels and port facilities. 

• The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

• Shah emphasized the need to establish a robust port security framework across the country. 

• In order to strengthen port security infrastructure, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for port facilities with responsibility for undertaking security assessments and preparation of security plans for ports.

• CISF has also been mandated to train and build the capacities of Private Security Agencies (PSAs) engaged in port security. 

• These agencies shall be certified and appropriate regulatory measures shall be introduced to ensure that only licensed PSAs operate in this sector. 

Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)

• The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) shall be constituted as a statutory body under the provisions of Section 13 of the newly promulgated Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. 

• The Bureau, headed by a Director General, shall function under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and shall be responsible for regulatory and oversight functions relating to the security of ships and port facilities. 

• The Bureau is being modelled on the lines of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). 

• BoPS will serve as a single, authoritative regulatory and coordinating institution with the legal mandate to enforce global maritime security standards.

• It is empowered to enforce international standards including the ISPS Code, to conduct security assessments and audits across major and non-major ports, and to coordinate with national cybersecurity agencies on the protection of port IT infrastructure.

• The BoPS shall be headed by an IPS officer. 

• During the transition period of one year, the Director General of Shipping (DGS/DGMA) shall function as the Director General, BoPS.

• The BoPS shall also ensure timely analysis, collection and exchange of security-related information, with a special focus on cybersecurity, including a dedicated division to safeguard port IT infrastructure from digital threats.