Context

The Bureau of Port Security (BoPS) is in news after the Centre constituted it as a statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, to strengthen India’s maritime and port security framework.

Institutional Setup

0.1 The Bureau of Port Security is established under Section 13 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025.
0.2 It is modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Role of the Bureau of Port Security

0.3 The Bureau will oversee regulatory functions related to the security of ships and port facilities across India.
0.4 It aims to address coordination gaps among multiple agencies involved in coastal and maritime security.

Security Mandate

0.5 The Bureau will address threats such as maritime terrorism, arms and drug smuggling, human trafficking, piracy, illegal migration, and cyber risks affecting port infrastructure.
0.6 It will collect, monitor, and share security-related information and coordinate with national cybersecurity agencies as part of India’s coastal security architecture.

Legal Powers and Enforcement

0.7 It will enforce compliance with international standards such as the ISPS Code.
0.8 The CISF is designated as the recognised security organisation to implement port security plans and conduct security assessments.

Federalism-related Concerns

0.9 The new law expands the Union government’s authority over non-major ports.
0.10 Some States have criticised this move as a dilution of maritime federalism.