US Coast Guard team inspecting security system at Ctg port

A three-member team of the United States Coast Guard yesterday arrived at Chattogram Port to inspect security measures at the country’s premier sea port.

The delegation, on a two-day tour, reached the country on Saturday to inspect security measures at the port -- in compliance with International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code, said sources.

The team met with senior officials of Chattogram Port Authority (CPA) at the CPA conference room yesterday morning, said CPA Secretary Md Omar Faruk, adding that the team is scheduled to visit port jetties, Chattogram Customs House, private off docks and other facilities to see the ISPS code implementing process.

CPA started improving security systems on July 1, 2004 in compliance with the ISPS code ratified by the International Maritime Organization.

Delegates from US Coast Guard have made several visits to the port earlier.

During the previous visit in September 2017, a delegation gave at least 16 recommendations regarding improvement of security measures at different installations of the port.

CPA has so far taken several steps accordingly, including preparing a data base of over 80,000 port users and staff, issuing digital entry passes to them, installing digital access gates at the port’s 13 entry points, increasing the number of close circuit cameras to 459 inside the port’s restricted areas and more, said the port officials.

After inspection, the team will submit a report on the security of the port to the US Coast Guard head office.