CISF designated as Recognized Security Organisation for Blue Economy

New Delhi:  In a major policy stride toward enhancing India’s port security architecture, the Government of India has designated CISF as the Recognized Security Organisation (RSO) for port security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security  Code. T he development aligns with the national vision of port-led growth and the Government’s focus on the Blue Economy as a key driver of economic expansion. This is an outcome of a Joint Committee of CISF and DG Shipping, constituted in Sept 2024, which made a comprehensive study of Port security, conducted gap analysis and made recommendations on the remedial measures according to a CISF press note.

New Responsibility to  CISF:  It will conduct fresh Port Facility Security Assessments (PFSA) and develop Port Facility Security Plans  for all EXIM ports as per orders issued by Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. This initiative aims to resolve longstanding gaps arising from non-standardised security arrangements at non-major ports and ensure oversight by a domainexpert security agency across all such facilities.

Adoption of Hybrid Security Model Following a comprehensive assessment by the Joint Committee of CISF and DG Shipping, a Hybrid Security Model has also been recommended. Under this model: ● Core security functions at all EXIM ports will be carried out by CISF. ● Non-core duties such as traffic management, gate control and ancillary tasks may be undertaken by State Police, SISF, or Private Security Agencies (PSAs) This layered approach is designed to improve accountability, efficiency and security uniformity across the country’s port ecosystem in line with MHA guidelines for security of non-major ports issued in July 2023.

Mandatory Training Programme for PSAs: To ensure professional and standardised port security services, a mandatory training programme, to be conducted by CISF experts, for private security personnel deployed at EXIM ports will be introduced. The DG Shipping is likely to issue orders in this regard shortly.

Training standards will mirror the successful Aviation Security Training model where certification is compulsory prior to deployment of CISF, Local police and other stake holders. A detailed Port Security Training Programme has already been jointly developed by CISF and DG Shipping. Pilot training sessions have been successfully conducted at JNPA, Mumbai and CHPA, Chennai, receiving encouraging feedback from participating agencies. In order to conduct specialised training on Port Security, it is proposed to set up dedicated Port Security Training Institute (PSTI). It will enable standardisation of training curriculum, streamlining certification requirements and ensure availability of skilled manpower across the Port security ecosystem avers the press release.

A Strategic Enabler for India’s Blue Economy Vision: Ports constitute a critical component of India’s logistics and supply-chain infrastructure, contributing significantly to trade facilitation, economic competitiveness and maritime connectivity. In line with the Government of India’s emphasis on Port-led development, logistics efficiency and the advancement of a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy, the enlargement of CISF’s role through regulatory function heralds a new era in Port security.

The proposed measures—including comprehensive security assessments, adoption of a hybrid security framework and the establishment of specialised capacity-building institutions—will enhance preparedness, ensure standardisation of security practices and bolster the overall port security architecture. Collectively, these initiatives will support the Government’s vision of creating secure, efficient and future-ready EXIM gateways that underpin India’s economic growth and global maritime engagement.