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.