Germany’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) has approved the use of ESC Global Security (ESCGS) personnel aboard German flagged vessels under Section 31 of its Trade Regulation Code. ESCGS is now one of 12 accredited Private Maritime Security Companies licensed to protect more than 2500 vessels operating in the German International Shipping (GIS) registered fleet.
Jaanus Rahumägi, pictured, ESC’s founding CEO and President, said: “To have our application approved by the German Administration is a game changer for ESCGS. Germany has one of the most stringent PMSC application processes and to have received accreditation is testament to the high standards, training and professionalism of our security teams.”
Since December 2013, all private security companies operating on ocean-going vessels sailing under the German flag require a licence issued by BAFA in consultation with the Federal Police (BPol). Section 31 of the Trade Regulation Code sets out the specific criteria PMSCs have to meet, to be considered for accreditation. This includes assessment of an organisation’s management procedures, its personnel, technical competency and aptitude.
Rahumägi said: “We are very proud to have received this approval so soon after being accredited by the Panama Maritime Authority. Germany’s accreditation means that ESCGS is now able protect the crews and ships of 27 flags, including Belgium, Estonia, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Croatia.”
The Panama Maritime Authority accredited ESC Global Security in March, in what marked the first PMSC licence issued under the new Panama Administration.
