All ships and ports now have MARSEC Level-2 security measures

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), based in Mumbai, has strengthened security measures at all ports, terminals, shipyards, and ships in response to the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. All port facilities’ Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) have been asked by the Director General of the DGCA to examine the security of their communications and IT systems and to take the necessary precautions against or lessen the risk of cyberattacks. With immediate effect, the security system has been upgraded from MARSEC Level-1 to MARSEC Level-2.

“National marine security is the reason for issuing this instruction, which needs to be handled with the highest priority and urgency. In an advice, Captain Nitin Mukesh, Deputy Nautical Advisor-cum Senior DDG (Tech), stated that strict adherence is anticipated and that any violation will be taken very seriously.

The All-India Seafarers Union (AISU) shared the warning on social media. The order emphasized the need to implement additional preventive measures during times of heightened security risk, citing recent developments and increased worries surrounding potential threats to the Indian coast, ports, terminals, and boats. Increased marine security measures, including elevation to ISPS Security Level 2 (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), have been requested to be implemented immediately by all ports, terminals, and shipyards. In accordance with the Ship Security Plan (SSP), all Indian-flagged vessels operating in and around the Indian subcontinent and its surrounding nations must raise their security level to two and put the necessary security measures in place.