Panama Maritime Authority Certifies IMSN¹s Anti-Piracy System, Belize to Evaluate

The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize will evaluate IMSN's Triton Shield APS aboard a Horizon Lines vessel. Panama Maritime Authority certifies the IMSN's system.

Wellsburg, WV (Mar. 14, 2011)- With seafarers' safety and lives at risk, along with the billions of dollars maritime piracy costs the global economy every year, International Maritime Security Network (IMSN) has developed a solution to combat piracy with its Triton Shield Anti-Piracy System (APS). The multi-layered defense package is designed to detect, deter and defend against piracy on the high seas by incorporating training, education, technological deterrents and security.

After five years of research and testing, the final phase of testing for the Triton Shield APS will be completed by the end of March on a voyage from Jacksonville, Fla., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, aboard a Horizon Lines vessel.

A representative from the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) will observe and evaluate the Triton Shield APS and Anti-Piracy course aboard the Horizon Lines vessel. The voyage will test IMSN's early-detection cameras, ballistic armor for safe rooms, and upgrades to the Triton Shield wall-of-water device. In addition, IMMARBE will observe crew training and a security team's role aboard the vessel.

"While there is little credible threat of pirates in the Caribbean waters, the Horizon Lines vessel will allow testing of all processes and training of crew members at sea," said Captain Timothy D. Nease (ret.), co-founder and CEO of IMSN. He added that this initial testing is imperative in preparation for another voyage on a different carrier scheduled through the high-risk waters off Africa in April.

The world's largest ship registry, PMA, has certified the Triton Shield APS based on a demonstration conducted in Panama last September. IMSN also presented its Anti-Piracy course, which PMA is currently evaluating for certification. "The Panama Maritime Authority's support for an anti-piracy system is very significant for the maritime industry," said Captain Nease.

IMSN's Triton Shield APS provides layered security beginning with an innovative camera system to detect any watercraft that enters a one-mile radius of the IMSN-equipped vessel.  Additionally, the Triton Shield water system discharges a powerful wall of water alongside of the ship, which can run continuously on vessels transiting through high-risk waters.  The wall of water makes it extremely difficult for pirates to scale the hull of the ship, and can flood small boats within minutes.  The wall of water can further be enhanced with environmentally safe irritants making it even more challenging for pirates to ever board a commercial vessel.

"Our team at IMSN has been researching ways to make the system more affordable and transferable between ships," said Captain Nease. "This is a very practical solution for ship owners with multiple vessels. We're also seeking designs applicable to yachts and expect to introduce customizable solutions this summer," he continued.

According to IMSN, early detection of maritime piracy allows for proper use of force continuum with various methods of deterrence to harden the target and warn pirates off before the need for direct engagement and defense.

The Triton Shield APS was designed using anti-piracy intelligence and real world experience combined with the concept of force continuum. IMSN believes that piracy is a criminal action, and therefore a law enforcement issue that should be met with appropriate counter-measures.

The IMSN Anti-Piracy Defense Course, designed for officers and crews, provides concepts related to anti-piracy laws and the needed practical training for activities such as watch-keeping, lockdown procedures, anti-piracy drills, hand-to-hand defensive tactics, as well as contingency plans for issues such as surviving a hostage attack or movement of prisoners. IMSN has the only certified Anti-Piracy course available online or on DVD.

"We have offered IMSN's training both on-site and online because it is absolutely vital that we ensure that as many seafarers as possible are trained and safe," noted Captain Nease.
 

Source: IMSN