CISF, IMU Sign MoU to Strengthen Maritime Security Capacity and Port Security Training

Chennai:

Port Wings News Network:

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime security ecosystem and enhancing professional capacity in port security management, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indian Maritime University (IMU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 June 2026 at the Headquarters of the Indian Maritime University, Chennai.

The MoU establishes a framework for long-term collaboration in the fields of maritime security training, capacity building, research, consultancy, and developmental initiatives related to port and maritime security. The agreement will remain in force for a period of five years and is expected to significantly enhance institutional cooperation between the two premier organizations in advancing professional excellence and domain expertise in maritime security.

Under the MoU, IMU and CISF will jointly develop and conduct specialized Recognized Security Organization (RSO) Courses and other capacity-building programmes for CISF personnel. The collaboration will also facilitate exchange of expertise, joint research, curriculum development, academic support, and knowledge-sharing in emerging areas of maritime and port security.

Marking the immediate operationalisation of the partnership, the first batch of the RSO Course commenced today at IMU, heralding the beginning of a structured training programme aimed at creating a pool of highly trained maritime security professionals within CISF.

The collaboration builds upon the ongoing efforts of CISF to develop specialized expertise in maritime security. In recent years, the Force has expanded its engagement in the maritime domain through security of ports, development of maritime security training modules, and partnerships with leading academic and training institutions.

The inauguration of the Mahasagar Simulator Lab at Rashtriya Raksha University earlier this year and the growing emphasis on Port Security Assistant (PSA) training modules reflect the Force’s commitment to creating a comprehensive maritime security framework for the country.

Speaking on the occasion, senior officials emphasized that the partnership represents a convergence of operational experience and academic excellence. While CISF brings decades of expertise in securing critical infrastructure and implementing security protocols, IMU contributes specialized maritime knowledge, research capabilities, and academic resources. Together, the two institutions aim to create a future-ready maritime security workforce capable of addressing emerging challenges in the port and shipping sectors.

The MoU is expected to contribute significantly to India’s efforts to strengthen port security standards, support secure maritime trade, and build a professional cadre of security personnel equipped to safeguard the country’s rapidly growing maritime infrastructure.