VCTPL gets iso 28000 certification

Visakha Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd (VCTPL) has added another feather to its cap by achieving the prestigious ISO 28000:2007 security certification by complying with the independently-audited standard for supply chain security management, Exim News Service reports.

Capt. Sriram Ravichander, COO, VCTPL, told Exim India that the certificate was awarded after a stringent audit by a leading auditing firm, Indian Register Quality Systems (IRQS), Mumbai.

The ISO 28000 certification covers a wide range of requirements for security management system, including those aspects critical to security assurance of the supply chain. This was the first certificate awarded by IRQS to any organisation.

Capt. Ravichander said that at a time when coastal security was of paramount importance, VCT took the initiative to obtain this certification and has again proved itself to be a truly world class container terminal, setting new security standards.

"ISO 28000 is for supply chain security management systems and sets in place mechanisms and processes to address security vulnerabilities at strategic and operational levels, as well as establish preventive action plans," he explained.

"The standard complements all national/international security legislative codes, including International Shipping and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to which VCTPL already conforms," he elaborated.

Capt. R. E. Balasubramanian, team leader and industry expert, IRQS, spearheaded the ISO certification audit for three days from November 10 to 12.

The audit was mainly focused on container security, physical access controls, personnel security, procedural security, security training, IT security, business partner requirement and threat awareness.

The certification will also require IRQS to conduct surveillance audits every year over the next three years during the validity period of the certification.

VCT is also certified for ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 standards. It underlines its commitment and drive to quality, care for environment, safety, health and security at all levels within the organisation.
(Source:www.transportweekly.com)