Much has been made of the fact that Somali pirates did not hijack any vessels in 2013, however, the truth is somewhat more complicated, according to the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI).
The London-based body says progress is undoubtedly being made against Somali based piracy. However, ahead of its seminar on international maritime security standards, the association stresses the importance of understanding why we are finally making headway against pirates and of how delicately poised the improvements are.
SAMI says shipping industry adherence to industry Best Management Practices (BMP) has been vital; so too has been the reassurance of patrolling navies. However, it adds, the single most effective protection and deterrent against pirates has been the widespread deployment of privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) onboard vulnerable vessels. The association points out that no armed merchant vessel has yet been hijacked. It argues piracy remains a danger with pirates still operating, and urges against complacency.
SAMI believes that one of the most important and significant drivers behind the improvement in private maritime security has been development of a new standard for security providers. The International Organization for Standardization ISO/PAS 28007:2012 is being rolled out. Hence SAMI‘s “lessons learned” seminar.
Speakers invited include Giles Noakes, head of security at BIMCO, Robin Townsend from the standards body ISO’s 28007 project; David Hayward, UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) Project Leader for ISO/PAS 28007, Robert Missen and Christian DuPont of the European Commission and the prospective certifying bodies.
The seminar is onboard the “HQS Wellington” at Victoria Embankment, London, WC2R 2PN on January 29, from 13:30 to 17:30 (GMT). Details can be found at http://goo.gl/kacVTS
