Constitution of the Port Facility Security Advisory Committee (PFSAC) of the Major and Non-Major Ports

**Executive Summary** DGS Circular No. 04 of 2022, issued on February 15, 2022, concerns the constitution of the Port Facility Security Advisory Committee (PFSAC) for Major and Non-Major Ports. This circular supersedes the previous Circular no NT/ISPS/06/2012 dated 25.10.2012. The document outlines the composition, responsibilities, and meeting frequency of the PFSAC, along with the review and approval process for the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). **Key Points / Main Content** * **PFSAC Composition:** * The PFSAC shall consist of one suitable representative from each of the listed agencies: * Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) of the respective ports * Customs Department * Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) * Central Intelligence Agencies (IB) * State Intelligence Agencies * Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) * Local Police * Immigration Department * Indian Navy * Indian Coast Guard * Any other concerned agency of the Government [Central/State], as deemed fit by the Chairman/CEO of the concerned port. * **Leadership:** * The Chairman of a Major Port will head and chair the PFSAC committee meetings. * In Non-Major ports, the head of Maritime Board/State Govt. responsible for the functioning of the non-major port shall chair the PFSAC. If a nominee chairs the committee of smaller ports (non-Exim/non-container ports) the report must be approved by the CEO/Secretary. * **Meeting Frequency & Security Review:** * PFSAC must meet at least once every three months for port security review. * The PFSAC can meet more frequently depending on the perceived threat. * **Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) Review:** * The newly constituted PFSAC must review the approved PFSP. * Suggestions from Customs and NCB regarding the PFSP should be considered. * Corrections accepted by PFSAC shall be incorporated in the PFSP and forwarded to the Jurisdictional MMD for examination and approval, after review by IRS. * **New Port Requirements:** * New ports must constitute a PFSAC. * Input from all PFSAC members must be taken during PFSP preparation. * Concerns of the PFSAC members shall be addressed adequately in the PFSP. * The PFSP shall be vetted by the PFSAC before submission to the Jurisdictional MMD for verification and approval after review by IRS. * **Post-PFSP Review:** * After reviewing the PFSP, the port must approach the respective MMD for a security audit for SoC issuance or annual verification, as applicable. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Major Ports** * **Impact:** Must ensure the PFSAC is constituted with representatives from the specified agencies and that the Chairman of the Major Port leads the committee. * **Action Required:** Establish the committee, conduct regular meetings (at least quarterly), review and update the PFSP, and forward the plan to the Jurisdictional MMD after internal vetting and IRS review. **Stakeholder: Non-Major Ports** * **Impact:** Must ensure the PFSAC is constituted correctly, with the head of the Maritime Board/State Govt. (responsible for the functioning of the non-major port) chairing the meetings, or a nominee approved by the CEO/Secretary. * **Action Required:** Establish the committee, conduct regular meetings, ensure that if a nominee chairs the committee from smaller ports, the report of PFSAC is approved by the CEO/Secretary, review and update the PFSP, and forward the plan to the Jurisdictional MMD after internal vetting and IRS review. **Stakeholder: Port Facility Security Officers (PFSO)** * **Impact:** The PFSO is a key member of the PFSAC and responsible for port security. * **Action Required:** Participate actively in PFSAC meetings, provide expertise and insights on port security, contribute to PFSP reviews, and ensure the PFSP is properly implemented and maintained. **Stakeholder: Customs Department and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)** * **Impact:** Their suggestions regarding the PFSP must be considered by the PFSAC. * **Action Required:** Provide inputs and suggestions to the PFSAC regarding the PFSP, ensuring customs and NCB-related security concerns are addressed. **Stakeholder: Jurisdictional MMD and IRS** * **Impact:** Responsible for reviewing and approving the PFSP and conducting security audits. * **Action Required:** Review the PFSP submitted by the ports, provide feedback and approval, conduct security audits for SoC issuance or annual verification. **Stakeholder: Government of India (Directorate General of Shipping)** * **Impact:** Responsible for overseeing port security regulations and implementation. * **Action Required:** Ensure compliance with the circular and monitor the effectiveness of the PFSAC in enhancing port security.

Key Entities Referenced