The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) and its certification partner, RTI held an event in London. It was to announce the launch of their pilot scheme assessing companies against the ISO/PAS 28007:2012 Guidelines for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) providing privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board ships.
The pilot will see RTI working with Bowline Defence, Control Risks Group, Securewest International and Zeal Global Maritime Solutions during its first phase.
Peter Cook of SAMI said: “Private Maritime Security companies have supported the development of ISO 28007 to demonstrate their willingness and capability to embrace improved standards and to highlight their commitment to quality and well trained professionalism. Now companies finally have a chance to put that pledge to the test and open themselves to rigorous scrutiny. We are sure that they will excel and that PMSCs within the SAMI membership will continue to keep the maritime industry safe and secure.”
The pilot runs from June to December 2013, during which time RTI will audit a limited number of companies and compare their findings with other pilot scheme certifiers through regular meetings at The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
It was stressed that only at the end of the year, once the pilot scheme is completed and the certifying bodies are accredited by UKAS, will PMSC’s be deemed to have satisfied the ISO28007 standard.
Peter Cook emphasised this and warned: “If any PMSC claims to be 28007:2012 certified before the end of the year, they are mistaken.”
RTI people were on hand to discuss the process in more depth, and took the opportunity to explain how their skills and experience support the route towards ISO 28007 certification.
Managing Director, Les Chapman stressed the company credentials based on what he termed, “a proud and hugely successful background in risk and safety consultancy and the provision of experts for serious casualty investigations, court cases and litigation”. He spoke of their teams of experienced master mariners and former military experts, who are able to work together to cross the divide between the maritime industry and the private maritime security industry.
The company has also formed an independent governance committee to monitor the audit process to make sure they are fair and transparent. This group consists of industry figures with experience of flag registries, Classification Societies and ship owner associations.
About the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI)
SAMI membership is made up of international maritime security companies from over 35 nations, as well as equipment, technology and hardware providers exploring technical maritime security solutions. Visit www.seasecurity.org
About RTI Forensics
RTI is an accident and failure investigation, risk and safety management and auditing consultancy serving the legal and insurance markets. Visit www.rtiforensics.com
