Criminalisation of Maritime Security Operatives

The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) said that in piracy afflicted areas, both in the Indian Ocean and off West Africa, there are increasing concerns that innocent maritime security operatives are being targeted, wrongly arrested and criminalised.

Peter Cook, CEO, SAMI, said: “We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this creeping trend of criminalisation. Maritime security professionals should not be used as makeweights in political disputes, nor be seen as scapegoats in commercial quarrels.”

He added that it is deplorable that such individuals are being made to suffer the indignity, uncertainty and distress of arrest and incarceration, especially as the maritime security industry has been at the forefront of efforts to protect seafarers and world trade from piracy.

The maritime security industry has certainly been doing its bit to become ever more transparent, accountable and to fit into the global shipping structure. Something that has been demonstrated through the development of standards such as ISO/PAS28007, Rules for the Use of Force or embracing standardised contracts.

Mr Cook continued, “Given this positive evolution it is deemed vital that all relevant parties are willing and able to work together to ensure that just as seafarers are protected, maritime security operatives must be afforded the same status, safeguards and recognition.”

To this end, SAMI is working with relevant stakeholders to promote the need for maritime security operatives to be better protected and supported in the line of duty.