Police trained Perth Harbour staff in anti-terrorism measures as part of a crackdown on maritime crime.
Officers revealed in a report before their latest quarterly review at Perth and Kinross Council the harbour was one of a handful of ports to be targeted by police for Project Kraken training.
Project Kraken is an initiative run by the UK Border Force, which provides a mechanism for reporting “unusual activity or behaviour within the maritime environment” which is believed, or suspected, to be linked to criminal acts or preparation of terrorism.
According to the UK government, this includes watching out for boats arriving at unusual times or isolated locations.
Employees at the Shore Road port have also been instructed to keep an eye out for anyone taking an interest in the harbour’s security or buildings and to watch for nervous crews who show “a lack of maritime protocols.”
Boats with signs of unusual modifications or damage and anyone in the area looking to purchase seafaring equipment with large sums of cash have been highlighted as red flags for harbour management.
Management of the harbour was taken on by Calmac in July 2018 as part of a £700,000 takeover, having previously been run by the local authority.
A spokesperson said: “Port engagement visits have been carried out at various ports across Tayside including Perth Harbour, where information and security advice has been given to staff along with Project Kraken information.”
Members of the public are also urged to report suspicious behaviour and can do so by calling 101.
City centre councillor Chris Ahern said it is crucial that while the number of ships that pass through Perth Harbour steadily increases, standards do not slip.
Mr Ahern, who is also chairman of the Perth Harbour Board, said: “It’s a requirement of any harbour to have a police plan and anti-terrorism plan.
“The operational staff at Perth Harbour would have been trained over the summer, which isn’t unusual, especially as we’re stepping up business at the port.
“We’ve had an increase in traffic at the port, which means we need to be responsible keeping on top of things.”
