A present help in trouble
A detachment of armed security guards has become the norm when “low and slow” vessels are in transit across the Gulf of Aden and Somali basin and it is a significant statistic that none so accompanied has been seized by pirates since the dangers off Somalia first manifested themselves.
Best Management Practice and the presence of naval units in the area are also important contributors to the suppression of a menace which, while it may be less significant than in the past, has emphatically not gone away.
We now have a reasonable amount of guidance on how these Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSC) should operate, BIMCO GUARDCON, and various guidelines for their employment and rules for the use of force are well established. But what sort of selection procedures should be adopted by a shipping company which has ships bound through a danger area? And how does the security team relate to the merchant mariners among whom they will be living as their ship makes the transit? What happens if there is a threat, and how do the guards react?
These issues are now covered in a new Videotel production Working with Maritime Security Guards recently introduced, with its “premiere” in London. In co-operation with the Steamship Mutual P&I Club, and with the active assistance of security experts including BIMCO, the film traces a transit of a ship from its initiation in the company offices as the PMSC is selected to the successful prevention of an attack, with the armed guards frightening off a potential pirate boarding.
Presented as a documentary, the film is designed for all levels, from the company offices to the crews of ships who may find themselves in such a position. It is realistic, without unduly frightening those who might find themselves in harm’s way. It follows the procedure recommended in the selection of the PMSC, pointing out the checks and assurances that the shipping company security officer needs to establish to ensure that he is dealing with experienced, expert and properly documented and approved people.
The film deals with the composition of the team of armed guards, the way they look after and keep secure their weapons and the need for close co-operation between shipping company and PMSC as the guards make their rendezvous with the ship. The “action” then concentrates upon the ship itself, with the team boarding and the important meeting between the Team Leader and the Master of the ship, where the procedures are outlined and the drills explained. The fact that the Master remains in charge and action will be at his approval is emphasised. The film shows the crew being briefed by the security team and the various drills being held to simulate an emergency, with the crew (other than those on the bridge) proceeding to the secure citadel. The importance of communication, speed and everyone knowing what they should do are all emphasised.
The ship is then seen in the midst of the danger zone and the various actions are replayed “for real” as a skiff identified as a pirate is seen. After the danger has passed, with the pirates frightened off by the guards showing their arms, there is then a debrief.
The film, accompanied by a workbook and available in many formats, gives a practical introduction to how this unwanted menace may be dealt with in a business-like fashion.
Source: BIMCO
