Maritime Asset Security and Training (MAST) Ltd has gained the official approval from the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) to deploy armed security personnel on vessels flying the Panama flag.
The maritime security firm says that it has invested in gaining accreditation for its operations and for working to improve professional standards for Private Maritime Security Companies (PSMCs) since its establishment in 2005. Panama is the world’s largest ship registry and gaining flag status enables MAST to operate with approval on the 5,700 plus ships that fly the Panama flag.
The latest accreditation follows MAST’s work with Fenech & Fenech Advocates, and the Maltese Government to help develop a licencing regime for PMSCs in Malta. MAST has SAMI, SCEG, IMCA, ADC, ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation for its operations. The company has just gained City & Guilds accreditation for its Maritime Security Operatives (MSO) course, so that MoD (UK Ministry of Defence) learning credits to be used by former armed forces people looking to retrain for new careers after demobilisation.
The City & Guilds accreditation applies to the MSO courses available from its training facilities in Malta, covering the maritime security industry, security operating procedures, incident management, pre-deployment planning and processes.
Philip Cable, pictured, CEO MAST said: “Panama Flag Status is an important step for MAST as we continue to seek accreditation and full licencing for our global operations, and to encourage higher standards throughout the maritime security industry. Providing piracy prevention consultancy, PMSCs and training is a huge growth area but ensuring that these services are delivered professionally and to a high standard is critical if we are to counter the threat of maritime crime. The City & Guilds accreditation is also an important step to achieving improved standards for the industry and we are delighted to have agained these two milestones.”
For more visit: http://www.mast-commercial.com/
