It has been the worry of certain parties that private maritime security firms are another growing ‘armed group’ that needs to be regulated.
Last month’s meeting convened by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) concluded with the introduction of marginal enforcements for counter-piracy measures from private maritime security companies, so what of these moves to regulate such firms?
Dips in successful pirate hijacks can only mean a rethink in strategy for the pirates themselves. It’s certainly not a time for the shipping industry to become complacent. This is part of the reason why private firms have found an industry in which to flourish, notably over the last four years.
An element within the United Nations’ International Maritime Organisation, the MSC held its last briefing in London from 16-25 May and has introduced new guidelines to ensure private maritime security firms gain professional certification and standards.
Compliance with maritime legislation
Part of the MSC’s stipulations focus on the perceived need for private firms to have established procedures in place that comply with relevant maritime legislation and requirements. Any companies operating without strict procurement, deployment and management are, in effect, functioning in a business model that pirates themselves would use.
Concerns have been fuelled by an uncertainty in the level of force used to combat pirate attacks. It must be stated that, wherever and whenever possible, our own operatives at Eos Risk Management employ humane measures to counter attacks.
The MSC now includes guidelines on the recruitment and training of personnel as well as the deployment of operatives on contracts.
Previously, private maritime security companies were fairly low key and reputations built by word of mouth, but the increase in companies offering services has seen a rise in outbound marketing activity and aggressive awareness tactics.
It’s safe to say, however, that the majority of operatives contracted within private companies are highly trained ex-military personnel. Statistics suggest no vessel harbouring private maritime security teams has been successfully hijacked to date.
Combined experience in combating pirates
We have our own training division at Eos with over 25 different maritime security and offshore protection courses. These courses have been developed over many years of combined experience in combating pirates on the global stage.
Recently, we launched a 12-day Vessel Protection Officers (VPO) course and we expect all our operatives to complete this instruction by the end of the summer to benchmark training and skills within maritime security.
The Eos VPO course is somewhat unique to the industry and was MoD approved in January as a Level III qualification, eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS).
Eos takes skill sets very seriously indeed. In combination with our strict recruitment and selection process, we will only contract operatives who adhere to our industry standards.
Monitoring of communication procedures
The shipping industry carries over 70% of the world’s trade commerce. Disruptions caused by pirate attacks have a significant impact on every nation, both in the short and long term.
Communication channels are important and every effort is made by ship owners and operators to avoid pirate infested waters and to be able to counter attacks in a humanitarian way.
A further requirement outlined in the new guidelines is to monitor communication processes between security operatives and vessels and the management of firearms and ammunition.
As long as it’s reasonable, workable and produced in consultation with the people who have to operate within any frameworks that are being set up, then there shouldn’t be any major issues.
*David Johnson is managing director at Eos Risk Management, one of the Top 10 global private maritime and offshore industry risk consultants
**Since 2003, Eos Risk Management has provided expert consultancy and armed teams for protective vessel security and anti-piracy, specialist maritime security systems, threat intelligence, vulnerability surveys and risk assessments, asset hardening consultancy and full project management, physical protection, recruitment and manpower services as well as ISPS compliance.
With turnover reaching GB pound 10 million in 2012, the company has invested in a brand new training facility with real life simulator scenarios. New contracts are commencing on a weekly basis and over 1,000 candidates are choosing to learn with the company each year.
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I don’t really understand why it is a problem to have maritime security be armed. When I look at the sea, there is so much more space for people to run. On land, you’re limited to streets. On the sea, you can go anywhere. I want the people hired to secure the sea to be equipped to do their job successfully. http://www.ssnwhq.com/#!maritimesecurity/ccfw