U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security (IPS) Program representatives conducted a Country Assessment with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping from January 20 – 23, 2025.

To establish a comprehensive approach to maritime security, the International Maritime Organization and its Member States developed the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the only internationally accepted blueprint for implementing maritime security measures, according to a press release.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s IPS Program was established in 2003 to reinforce the implementation of the ISPS Code and better understand maritime security measures worldwide.

Committed to port security and working with our maritime trading partners, IPS Program delegations request to visit partner countries triennially to meet with officials responsible for overseeing port security and observe the implementation of the ISPS Code within the country’s ports.

“During this Country Assessment, the U.S. Coast Guard worked directly with the Department of Shipping in a bilateral exchange of port security information and sharing of best practices. We thank the Department of Shipping for this opportunity to continue these discussions between our governments to improve port security measures in our respective countries and learn more about Bangladesh’s implementation of the ISPS Code. The knowledge gained from this assessment will be used by ports around the country to enhance their port security programs, thus enhancing the security of the worldwide maritime transportation system. We believe these port security exchanges continue to be of immense mutual benefit,” said Head of Delegation Lieutenant Commander Nagy.