Working with Maritime Security Guards: New Course

Videotel, in association with Steamship Mutual, has launched a new training programme  developed in conjunction with the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) and BIMCO, informs UK trade association Maritime London.

Videotel points out that it is easy to forget that the use of Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) has only become commonplace in the last few years and that the selection and deployment of armed guards is still an unknown quantity for many operators and crew. 



The company notes that, as part of their anti-piracy measures, many shipping companies now employ armed security guards aboard vessels that transit pirate waters and it is essential that any company that takes this route understands the importance of selecting the right operators for its requirements and understands how best to work with the team to ensure maximum efficiency and integration with everyday operations on board ship.


“There are legal and safety risks associated with the use of armed guards and so it is vital to choose a PMSC that offers highly competent and professionally trained guards who have demonstrable experience in protecting ships against pirate attacks,” explains Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel.

He adds: “Once the guards are on board they must be successfully integrated with the crew on both a personal and a professional level. To reinforce this message we have used first-hand accounts from a Company Security Officer (CSO), a PMSC Operations Manager and a guards’ Team Leader.”



The course provides shipping companies and personnel on board ship with useful guidance on how to engage and work successfully with armed guards, from selecting the PMSC through to the guards’ disembarkation at the end of their deployment. It is a companion programme to Videotel’s 'Piracy and Armed Robbery' which deals with piracy prevention on board ship.

Source: Maritime London