Ships, whilst in port or operating within certain geographical waters, regularly require additional protective security to counter threats that may stem from a variety of local factors. Such requirements may also apply to IMCA members' port facilities.

Shipping companies tend to rely on local shipping agents to facilitate this provision and need to ensure that when security companies are deployed sufficient consideration is given to those companies' structures, recruitment standards, training procedures and guards' abilities. Potential weaknesses can be identified by carrying out a simple audit to evaluate the security contractor's suitability prior to them being contracted.

To assist its members in this process, IMCA has produced this document which sets out brief guidance and a simple audit checklist.

• Security zone