Separating the Cowboys from the Pirates
Global maritime security provider Securewest International has called on the leading maritime regulatory bodies and, if necessary, governments to implement an international maritime security services gold standard in a bid to halt the spread of unauthorised and inexperienced private security companies who may be carrying out dangerous or unlawful practices in the name of maritime security, often using security officers with little or no formal training.
Commenting following his involvement in a recent BBC Scotland debate on the subject of piracy with guests The Honourable Gwyneth Dunwoody MP (Chair of the UK Government’s Transport Committee) and Captain Pottengal Mukanden of the International Maritime Bureau, Securewest International’s vice president Paul Singer said that it is crucial for there to be a clear minimum guideline standard for security companies which operate in the maritime sector. This should be a matter of urgency to safeguard both the sovereignty of the countries in the worst effected areas and the safety of crews.
Singer said, ‘We applaud Gwyneth Dunwoody and the UK Government’s stance and help in raising the profile of the piracy issue, and in identifying that policing resources across the oceans of the world are overstretched. The knock on effect of this is a worrying influx of inexperienced start up companies looking to make fast money. For the sake of all crew it is vital that anyone involved in providing maritime security services, or legitimately supporting a government in its attempts to cleanse problems in its waters, is properly checked to establish that the service they offer is not causing more harm than good.’
Singer called for a body such as the IMO to create a register of approved maritime security services providers which governments, shipping and port authorities can rely upon to deal with situations involving piracy.
He added that there should be an internationally agreed set of standards and service delivery that must be met by anyone offering maritime security services to vessels or maritime facilities. This would include set standards of training, rules of engagement, use of deadly force, use of non-lethal weapons and their particular rules of engagement, reporting procedures, and standards for vetting security officers and their administrative support.
MJInformation No: 22224
