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In 2011 we had 128 vessels being attacked out of which 23 were pirated. In 2012 we had 27 vessels being attacked out of which only 7 were pirated. In 2013 we had 6 vessels being attacked and none pirated. So what has happened? We see a dramatic reduction in the number of successful attacks ships by Somali pirates and not only, thanks to a combined success of sustained compliance with industry Best Management Practice and the security culture generated between shipping companies, activity of military assets, new initiatives ashore and the use of Private Maritime Security Companies.
It is of course premature to conclude that the piracy is over, with seafarers still held hostage in Somalia, and active pirates with capacity to attack far into Indian Ocean, and other areas as developed. So what really happened? Is the industry developed with a number of serious companies taking all the necessary steps for minimizing risks or the pirates when on extended holidays?
We need to express the importance of industry standards that have been introduced with, ISO 28000. We applaud the complexity and detail that the ISO standard brings to our industry. Now the bar has been set at a very high level.
The certification process covers every aspect of a security some of the aspects covered are:
- Security Objectives
- Company Policies
- Regulatory Compliance
- PCASP Management
- Weapon Management
- Incident Investigation
- Preventative Actions
- Rules of Use of Force
- Risk Management
Achieving certification is only the beginning of a complex journey. The maritime security is not one man job. We need assistance of all stakeholders. Piracy has not been eliminated; it has simply evolved, be it in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, or any of the other International waters that vessels sail through. There also exists as another threat to the industry referring to the ”white collar piracy”.
It comes down to “PMSC” and the other contracting party turning a blind eye to certain practices of which the most important ones are:
- Guards that do not meet the required standards
- Illegal weapon sharing and trafficking
- Not having the necessary insurances in place that a PMSC must have
- Boarding without Flag Approvals, etc…
A major concern is that involved parties in this process are prepared to conduct themselves in this manner, knowing too well that they are compromising safety and security because their actions are increasing the risk; the risk that they are trying to eliminate; they themselves are feeding oil to the fire.
PMSC’s should not compromise on the quality they offer for it is directly proportionate to the risk factors that influence security onboard a vessel. Ship Managers and Ship Owners should ask questions and asses the PMSC’s, they use, frequently based on the highest standards as developed.
Cutting corners with questionable practices may result to their return..When all is said and done it’s an investment after all, that is made to minimize risks…So, invest wisely.
Above article is an edited version of Thrasos Tsangarides presentation during 2014 SAFETY4SEA Forum
More details may be found by viewing his Presentation video
