BIMCO guidelines on security contractors
SHIPPING: BIMCO is on the forefront of the collective industry efforts to develop guidelines on the use of private maritime security contractors as an additional measure to the existing Best Management Practices, to protect ships against the threat of piracy.
The resultant guidelines address a series of key issues including those of selection and vetting of PMSCs, jurisdiction, the question of insurance cover, command and control, weapons management, and rules of engagement.
They will be discussed at the upcoming meeting in IMO's Maritime Safety Committee.The decision on the employment of a PMSC is a complex one for a shipowner. The absence of applicable regulation or industry self-regulation coupled with complex legal requirements governing the legitimate transport, carriage and use of arms is regrettable. This situation is further complicated by the rapid growth in the number of maritime security industry companies and doubts about the capabilities and maturity of some of these companies.
Significant competence and quality variations are present across the spectrum of contractors offering services.
In order to make an informed decision, a thorough and properly conducted risk assessment is essential. The risk assessment should thoroughly explore whether all practical means of self-protection have already been effectively implemented in advance of considering PMSC employment as an additional measure. Applying effective due diligence in contractor selection is essential if there is to be reasonable confidence that the service provided in practice is equal to the expectations.
The guidelines will be reviewed and updated as necessary by the supporting industry organisations, which are BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO, INTERGARGO, OCIMF and IG P&I.
Source: BIMCO / maritimedanmark.dk
