GAC Protective Solutions has published a new position paper calling for ship owners and operators to adopt a more systematic approach to sea defense that is based upon a multi-layered model of non-lethal risk mitigation measures, rather than automatically relying on armed guards for vessel protection.
The position paper entitled 'Sea Crime: Replacing The Fear' has been published by GAC Protective Solutions, a partnership between global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC and maritime intelligence agency AKE.
GAC Protective Solutions argues for an alternative approach to sea defence, replacing an undue reliance of armed guards on vessels travelling through high-risk areas with a more systematic approach based on the concept of the Maritime Risk Management Onion.
The Maritime Risk Management Onion sets out a multi-faceted, layered approach to sea defence, based around the principles of Intelligence, Detection, Communications, Defend & Deter, Control and the Safe Haven.
Rick Filon, Director of Maritime Security at GAC, said: "The number of successful attacks on vessels crossing the Indian Ocean has fallen from one out of every 4,000 vessels to around one in 13,000. Whilst there is no room for complacency, ship owners and operators should certainly take the opportunity to undertake a rational assessment of all the security options available to them. History informs us that the best security solution lies in a robust system, rather than a single device. That is why we believe that a security system comprising several layers of non-lethal threat mitigation measures, as set out in the Maritime Risk Management Onion, is the right solution."
Christer Sjodoff, Group Vice President, GAC Solutions, commented: "This paper sets out GAC's vision of sea defence. A comprehensive, layered maritime security system, built upon training, intelligence and non-lethal security measures, is a worthwhile long-term investment for ship owners and operators. It remains the most cost-effective means of deterring sea crime and protecting your crew, cargoes and vessels, as well as tackling seafarers' fear of sea crime and providing them with the confidence to sail anywhere in the world, without relying on armed guards."