Section 66. Emergency preparedness and response plan.

(1) Every port shall frame an emergency preparedness and response plan for the purposes of safety, security, disaster management and pollution incidents in accordance with applicable law. (2) The plan referred to in sub-section (1) shall be submitted to the Central Government for its approval in such manner as may be directed by the Central Government in consultation with the State Government. (3) The Central Government may grant approval to the plan after taking into consideration such factors as may be notified by the Central Government in consultation with the State Government. (4) The conservator may issue directions for the implementation of the approved plan and the Central Government may audit such implementation. (5) The Central Government may, either suo motu or on the basis of an audit under sub-section (4), issue directions to any person in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section and put in place a national emergency response mechanism.