Vertical Markets

Maritime scheme

by msecadm4921

The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) has launched its International Accreditation Programme for Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs). The accreditation will see maritime security providers, within the Association’s membership undergo a three-stage process of due diligence, systems checks and site visits. The programme will be managed by SAMI, with accreditations performed by the UK-based independent third party certification body, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).

Work on developing the standards and accreditation programme has been ongoing for the past eight months. Further developing the guidelines laid down by industry and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the programme will assess the capabilities, experience, corporate standing and resources of PMSCs.

SAMI founder, Peter Cook, says” “It has been no mean feat to forge a united front from an industry which has always followed its own path. We are pleased and proud to announce the launch of what we believe to be a rigorous and significant means of assessing global maritime security providers”.

The developments were led by SAMI and supported by NSI who have been conducting a pilot scheme that concluded in January 2012.

NSI Chief Executive, Jeff Little adds: “We are delighted to work with SAMI. Our mission at NSI will be to uphold the independence and credibility of the SAMI Standard while actively and robustly verifying that the maritime security providers have everything in place required by the shipping industry and IMO”.

The three stages of the accreditation

Stage one is a due diligence check, which focuses on the financial, legal and insurance elements of the PMSC. Stage two is a review of the company and involves a physical verification of their premises, systems and documentation. Stage three will see checks on deployed operations.

During the development, SAMI has worked with a range of marine insurers, flag states, shipping associations, seafarer welfare organisations and with input from the maritime security industry.

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