IMCA Newsroom

Press Release 27/06

'VERIFICATION OF THIRD-PARTY SECURITY PERSONNEL' - A VITAL AID TO INCREASED SECURITY

While piracy is reflected in recent Hollywood blockbusters as the stuff of legend and intrigue, for those operating offshore vessels it can be a very genuine concern. The potential threat is being taken so seriously that the International Marine Contractors Association's (IMCA) Security Task Force has produced 'Guidance on Verification of Third-Party Security Personnel' designed to address a potentially real threat.

"This new publication gives useful advice on vetting procedures to ensure that private security contractors provide standards of service and personnel fit for purpose," explains IMCA's chief executive, Hugh Williams. "Experience has shown that ships, whilst in port or operating within certain geographical areas, regularly require suitable additional protective security to counter threats that may stem from a variety of local factors.

"Shipping companies tend to rely on local shipping agents to make this provision; and on occasions, local private security companies are used without sufficient consideration being given to those companies' structures, recruitment standards, training procedures or guards' abilities. Just who checks those security staff - and how? Of course these concerns could just as easily apply to port facilities operated by our member companies."

The IMCA Security Task Force has found that potential weaknesses can be identified by carrying out a simple audit to evaluate the security contractor's suitability for this purpose, prior to them being contracted. "We believe that this process of vetting will in turn ensure that private security contractors will provide a standard of security services and security personnel that are fit for purpose," says Hugh Williams.

The new guidance contains an easily understood checklist that needs to be sent to the company's shipping agent for completion and immediate return to the company security officer prior to the vessel's arrival in port; or when the additional security measures and use of contracted guards needs to be implemented whilst at sea. It can also be used, with little modification, by the port facility security officers (PFSOs) at company port facilities.

Such questions as "is a background check performed prior to the hiring of all security personnel?" and "if security personnel carry firearms has this been authorised by the contracting government, and have all security personnel received adequate training?" may seem like common sense. "Common sense not only helps to increase safety, but is also designed to ensure that contractors can really live up to expectations," explains Hugh Williams.

Notes to Editors (common)

• IMCA is an international association with over 450 members in more than 50 countries, representing offshore, marine and underwater engineering companies. IMCA has four technical divisions, covering marine/specialist vessel operations, offshore diving, hydrographic survey and remote systems and ROVs, plus geographic sections for the Americas Deepwater, Asia-Pacific, Europe & Africa and Middle East & India regions, as well as a core focus on safety, the environment, competence and training. IMCA seeks to promote its members' common interests, to resolve industry-wide issues and to provide an authoritative voice for its members.
• IMCA publishes some 200 guidance notes and technical reports. These have been developed over the years and are widely distributed. They are a definition of what IMCA stands for, including widely recognised diving and ROV codes of practice, DP documentation, marine good practice guidance, the Common Marine Inspection Document, safety recommendation, outline training syllabi and the IMCA competence scheme guidance. In addition to the range of printed guidance documents, IMCA also produces safety promotional materials, circulates information notes and safety flashes.
• Judith Patten is here to help you if you want any additional information on IMCA; would like to discuss a feature article; want to organise interviews with key members of the IMCA team, etc.