Bahrain authorities have stepped up security procedures at the island's ports as part of its "fight against terrorism," an official was quoted yesterday as saying.

In addition, "ships have been equipped with secret alarm systems to detect and suppress illegal activities which threaten the security of the maritime industry," Ports Director-General Saleh Al Musallam, told the English language Gulf Daily News.

Bahrain has "successfully met the deadline to upgrade its maritime security in line with the international requirements," he said.

He said the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code has come into effect on July 1 and is designed to deter any potential terrorist act.

"We have implemented strict security measures and plans aboard ships and at port facilities to avoid terrorist acts," ports official Eisa Yateem told the newspaper.

"We must make sure all Bahrain flagships are assessed and are following the ISPS code and that ship security alert systems are installed in case of a security incident at sea.

This alert will be relayed to the flag state, which would then react. The alarm system is located in a secret location on the ship and can only be heard by relevant authorities – not neighbouring vessels, Al Musallam said.

The ISPS code applies to cargo ships over 500 gross tonnes, passenger ships and mobile offshore drilling units. Under the code, ships and ports must be on an identical security footing before the vessel is allowed to enter, he said.