ISPS code: Karachi and Qasim ports bifurcated into smaller port facility units

The Karachi Port and Port Qasim have been bifurcated into smaller port facility units for the purpose of implementation of an integrated security plan for the safety of ships and ports under the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) code due to come into force from July 1.
The plan is being supervised by a special ISPS wing, created by the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping (DGPS), headed by Lieutenant Colonel Javed Akhtar.
Giving details of the security plan, he said that the Karachi Port had been divided into East Wharf, West Wharf, Oil piers, Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) and Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT).
Similarly, Port Qasim had been divided into port facility units such as marginal wharves, iron and coal berth, Qasim International Container Terminal (QICT), Fotco and Engro Vopak Terminal (EVTL), he said.
The responsibilities for the security of the navigation channels at the Karachi Port and Port Qasim have been entrusted to the KPT and PQA respectively.
Four classification societies have also been given the Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) status to perform the job for port entities and terminal not having requisite infrastructure for security.
The ISPS designated authority has accorded the status of the RSO to the KPT, PQA, QICT, KICT, PICT and Fotco. These entities would make plans for the security of ships and berths in their respective jurisdiction and submit the same to the ISPS Directorate.
There is a long-term plan to establish a Port Security Force on the pattern of Airport Security Force (ASF), which would train the personnel for the new force.
Meanwhile, services of an international classification society would be acquired to certify security arrangements to be made at Pakistani ships being operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).
Under the ISPS requirement, every ship will have a security officer and an information system accessible to security agencies patrolling in international seas.