Thomas Jakobsson News

The threat to maritime trade from Somali pirates continues, and ship operators should stay vigilant and adhere to best management practices, according to private maritime security company Sea Marshals Ltd, which counsels against complacency at this time. Latest security industry intelligence points to a likely upsurge in pirate attacks, particularly given recent releases of hijacked vessels and a reduction in attack success rates. Thomas Jakobsson, Chief of Operations for U.K.

To thwart escalating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, Sea Marshalls gets license to use Cape Verde as base for ship security operations. The Government of Cape Verde earlier granted a licence to Cape Verde Maritime Security Services (CVMSS) allowing it exclusive rights to vet Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) who want to use the island as a base for embarking and disembarking armed security teams. Sea Marshalls is the first company to obtain its approval. On behalf of the Cape Verde Government, CVMSS will undertake checks to ensure PMSCs comply with agreed minimum standards in accordance with both local and international laws and regulations. These standards will include training, support and insurance levels.

In a move designed to thwart the escalating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the Government of Cape Verde has granted a licence to Cape Verde Maritime Security Services (CVMSS) allowing the company exclusive rights to vet Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) who want to use the island as a base for embarking and disembarking armed security teams. And UK-headquartered SeaMarshals Ltd is the first company to be granted a permit to use Cape Verde as its base for security operations in the West Africa region. On behalf of the Cape Verde Government, CVMSS will undertake checks to ensure PMSCs comply with agreed minimum standards in accordance with both local and international laws and regulations. These standards will include training, support and insurance levels.

Sea Marshals has expanded its UK Operations Centre and introduced the latest tracking technology to protect vessels under its protection. The company has transferred its Operations Centre to larger premises in Cardiff to accommodate its growing team of security consultants. The unit is staffed year-round, 24 hours per day, seven days a week, by expert personnel, most with Naval or Army backgrounds and experience in planning and tracking. Sea Marshals has also introduced a custom…

Sea Marshals has appointed maritime communications specialist Elaborate Communications to manage its public relations and media handling. Sea Marshals Ltd supplies both armed and unarmed security teams for vessels transiting in pirate infested waters. The company is run by experienced security sector professionals who are also ship owners. They work closely with various Flag States, governments, P&I clubs and ship owners to provide a comprehensive security operation. Headquartered in Cardiff, UK, Sea Marshals Ltd is fully licensed in Djibouti, Sri Lanka, Oman and South Africa for the use of military grade weapons and embarkation and disembarkation of security teams.

International maritime security specialist Sea Marshals Limited announced that it has gained insurance which complies with BIMCO’s new Guardcon standards. Launched this week, BIMCO’s Guardcon provides an industry standard contract for the employment of security guards on ships. In particular, it addresses concerns over the relationship between the Master and the Head of the Security team on board a vessel. The company signed documents for the policy at the end of last week to ensure that it was already in compliance with Guardcon before its industry launch. “Sea Marshals has worked hard to make sure we comply with Guardcon,” said Thomas Jakobsson, Chief of Operations for Sea Marshals. “Guardcon gives the whole industry a standard contract when using guards onboard ships.