MCA Approves Marine Security Training
Securewest International, which has specialised in maritimesecurity for more than 20 years, has received official approval of its securitytraining operations from both the UKs Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and theclassification society Det Norsk Veritas (DNV).
The MCA gave approval for Securewest’s updated Ship Security Officer training course whilst DNV, on behalf of the USA’s Marine Adminstration (MARAD), recognised the company’s updated Company Security Officer, Facility Security Officer, Vessel Security Officer, and Security Awareness training courses.
Approval by the MCA of the training course marks an important milestone for Securewest, as more pan-European clients are added to its portfolio. It is additional to the Competent Authority status approval already received from the MCA for SOLAS compliant Ship Security Alarm System monitoring.
Paul Singer, Securewest International’s vice president business development said, ‘Training has become not only mandatory in some cases but also recognised as more vital for our growing list of clients, both vessel owners and port authorities alike. Therefore it is an area that over recent months we have increased our investment and resources in and will continue to invest in.
‘The significant increases in subsidies for training recently provided by the US government are a key indicator to how important this area is. Training is a must in today’s world of ISPS and MTSA compliance. All the greatest technology in the world can be installed at ports and on vessels, but using this technology to good effect is imperative. We already offer a range of training options and official approval for these particular courses means that we can help to further ease the security burden for our clients and deliver them in a variety of flexible and cost effective ways.’
