MSB Passes Round 2
We are pleased to announce that MSB Group has passed the second round of oversight checks and proceeding into its third round of checks.
Round 1 checks involved testing a proof of concept. This was accomplished satisfactorily.
Round 2 checks ensured that the administrative control system will offer all member states the means and ability to continuously monitor the full system. This transparency provides the member states, shipping companies and underwriters with the ability to have full confidence and awareness of the system in near-real time. The second round checks also ensured that the system is configured for access by Customs organizations and other international bodies with an interest in overseeing and monitoring the movement of small arms and light weapons (SALW).
The MSB Group has recently launched its official website at www.msbgroupltd.com.
MSB Group Oversight Project Update
We are pleased to announce that the MSB Group Ltd project has completed its pilot project and passed its oversight markers. The MSB Group is a coalition of likeminded states and private entities that have come together to offer a clearly legal and supported logistical structure. IAMSP, as the senior community of maritime security professionals available at the inception of the project, was invited to provide independent oversight. At this point in time, the various members of the groups have asked for time to prepare their own statements with respect to their specific participation in the launching of this program. We are pleased to have been able to contribute to this important exercise and look forward to the next phase and implementation.
Use of Force Standard Released
- We are pleased to announce the release of our Use of Force standard to Full and Associate members. This standard includes guidance based on authoritative sources, the contribution of a broad range of Asset Protection and Security practitioners and has been reviewed independently by two legal experts in the field with maritime experience (both current members of the Bar).
- The standard includes guidance with respect to the following:
- General policies and principles
- Methods for assessing the suitability of armed services
- Sample policies upon which companies can base their own policies, standards and guidance
- Sample descriptions of chains of events leading up to the use of force
- A sample process for risk assessment and determining if arms are a likely appropriate in the operating environment
- A sample form for use in recording use of force incidents that has been reviewed both legally and by police personnel that have been involved in international investigations
- This standard was developed using a rigorous and well-accepted process that mirrors modern standards development practices. First, a call was put out for participants in the development of the standard and the applications were reviewed by the Executive to ensure that a broad community was represented. This community then worked to develop the overall standard which was, following its initial draft, circulated until a concensus was reached regarding its appropriateness, utility and clarity. With that draft finalized, a copy was submitted to each of two legal experts (both members of the bar) that were able to demonstrate significant maritime security legal experience. Following a cycle that reviewed and integrated comments from those legal experts, the document was finally distributed for final acceptance across the community. This rigorous approach assures IAMSP members and those using the standards that they have been subjected to appropriate oversight and review.
- Full and Associate members of IAMSP may request this standard at no cost from the Secretary of the Association at secretary@iamsponline.org. Please note that the standard may be released to those outside the Association for a nominal fee in the near future. It should be noted that this standard would meet the information requirements currently being promulgated as part of the industry’s vetting of private security companies.
- On behalf of the Executive, we would like to thank all those that came forward to participate in the drafting of this document. This provides yet another demonstration of IAMSP’s support to its members and the broader maritime community. We are currently beginning our second standard drafting process and will be issuing a call for participants in the drafting of the standard on the “Determination and Monitoring of Personnel for Suitability” in the near future.
Quality Control Manual and Framework
Filed under: Announcements, Corporate, Corporate, Public, Recognition, Uncategorized
- We are pleased to announce that our Quality Control Manual (QCM) has passed field application and is now being made available to Full and Associate members. Quality control plays a significant role by formalizing and standardizing the organization’s ability to maintain appropriate service levels and also continuously improve those services. This need will likely be incorporated into a number of evolving standards.
- Based on ISO 9001:2008, the Quality Control Manual provides a detailed and well-documented framework that can be used to establish rigorous Quality Controls within the organization. The tool is clearly written, incorporates sample policies and procedures and also includes a number of working tools that can be used to help the organization demonstrate its compliance with the requirements. It is provided in Word format so as to allow corporations to customize it to their own corporate look-and-feel.
- This effort, undertaken by certain members of the IAMSP Executive, provides yet another clear example of how the Association is assisting its members in meeting and exceeding the highest of standards within the industry. The work is available to Full and Associate members who may request a copy of the work, understanding that it is covered by Non-Disclosure.
- Note: This work is provided, at no additional charge to Full and Associate members and can be obtained by requesting the document from the Secretary at secretary@iamsponline.org. Please ensure you include your name, company name and membership number in the subject heading for the request.
SOLE Testing Launched
Filed under: Announcements, Domain Aware, Projects, Public, Technology, Uncategorized
IAMSP is pleased to announce that the SOLE system is now in its second live testing phase. A true, community driven incident and notification system, the SOLE system combines the efforts and offerings of three companies to create a high-powered incident reporting, analysis and notification tool. The SOLE system consists of the efforts of three communities:
- Solara Remote Data Delivery – the provider of the FT2100 handheld tracking device,
- OceanusLive – the provider of the industry-leading incident notification and awareness portal, and
- Evolutionary Security Management – providing trend and pattern analysis.
The SOLE project application is also overseen by the Association, particularly with respect to the system’s ability to assist companies in reporting events covered under Section F of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.
Enabling the Industry
The SOLE system provides the following capabilities:
- Companies can track their teams, based on set polling periods around the world (the FT2100 already having global coverage)
- Team leaders can communicate back to their reporting center through the system’s connection to the Iridium Satellite network,
- Company officials can be notified of alerts or key messages through their own web portal, email, SMS or voice notification system,
- Company officials can communicate with their teams securely, independently of the ship’s infrastructure,
- Company officials can, through the OceanusLive portal, receive an Operations center view, saving on time and effort within the operations center, and
- The company can receive updates and assessments on events that take into account stratetic, operational, or even tactical views through the community-based approach.
These benefits are in addition to the company being able to demonstrate, through participation, that it is supporting efforts associated with human rights. The FT2100 comes pre-programmed with a series of notification alerts that allow the operator to communicate events associated with Section F of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers quickly and consistently. Companies receiving this notification then have the ability of taking those steps that are built within their own Standing Operating Procedures (SOP). This is paired with the ability of the Company to use the features of the Solara system to retrieve logs (location and message) for a variety of uses, including being able to clearly demonstrate its compliance with a range of internationally driven best practices and emerging requirements.
This effort demonstrates the value of the one of the key elements of IAMSP – the ability to bring together members within the Association to provide significantly enhanced services or capabilities for the maritime security industry.
Contact
Initial questions regarding the SOLE project can be directed through the Association. Questions regarding any one of the three individual companies should be directed to each one individually. Contact details will be provided as part of the next testing benchmark.

