Piracy Violence Continues Against Seafarers
The MPHRP highlights the hardship inflicted upon seafarers and families. Responding to recent reports on current levels of international maritime piracy, the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program (MPHRP) noted the trend that they appear to avoid the word "piracy" in favor of new forms of criminality, specifically "attacks" and "hijacking". The technical differences denoted by these terms aside, MPHRP said a basic truth is veiled: that violent crime is committed against seafarers.
Watson Named VP of Meridian Global Consulting
William H. Watson has been appointed as Vice President of Meridian Global Consulting, LLC, a Mobile, Alabama-based scalable risk mitigation specialist consultancy. Company CEO Jonathan McConnell announced the appointment, stating that, “We are pleased that Will Watson has agreed to join the Meridian Global team. Prior to joining Meridian Global, Watson maintained his own consultancy, based in Washington, DC, and will continue to be based in the Nation’s Capital. MWatson’s experience includes serving as a flag State security officer for one of the world’s largest ship registries…
Private Maritime Security: SAMI Secretariat Update
"Initially the doors within the shipping industry had been closed to private maritime security companies, and there was a definite “them and us” divide. SAMI has joined the United Nations Contact Group on piracy, and this has allowed the maritime security industry a voice at the highest levels, and a conduit for information to be channelled. For a long time there was antipathy towards PMSCs – but now, it is able to communicate as respected, integrated and involved parts of the wider shipping community. Maritime security has come a long way in a short time, and it is a testament to the quality providers who have worked hard to provide excellence to their clients…
Will Watson joins AdvanFort as President
Maritime professional will lead the next generation of global security solutions. The AdvanFort Company today announced that maritime professional William Hughes (Will) Watson has joined the company as president. Will comes to AdvanFort from the Office of the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) where he has been Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs and Special Agent since 2009. Additionally, Will served as delegate of the RMI to the United Nations…
Post-Piracy Care for Seafarers
The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) has published Preliminary Guidelines: Post-Piracy Care for Seafarers, outlining preliminary strategies on caring for seafarers (merchant mariners) affected by piracy. The document, based on cutting-edge mental health research and ongoing discussions with shipowners, crewing agencies, representatives of governments, and other stakeholders in the industry, provides practical guidelines for the maritime industry. SCI presented the Preliminary Guidelines to Working Group Three of the United Nations Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia on January 27, prior to the Plenary Meeting of the Contact Group the following day.
