Since the conclusion of the intake process, IAMSP has gathered significant details regarding the video. As part of this process, however, IAMSP has concluded that the nature of events portrayed in the video (if, in fact, they did occur) warrant the attention of the appropriate flag state law enforcement and not an administrative investigation. IAMSP is concluding its initial fact finding and will defer to decisions that come out of any subsequent legal actions and is stepping back from the investigation process as such an investigation belongs firmly with the appropriately delegated flag state authorities.

IAMSP is also calling upon other members of the maritime security community to cooperate with requests from law enforcement on this issue and not to attempt to conduct their own parallel investigations or inquiries without the approval and knowledge of any assigned flag state investigative authority as such actions may taint the investigation.

It is with pleasure IAMSP can communicate that MSB Group has communicated to IAMSP that it has passed benchmarks that immediately precede its launch. The MSB Group (www.msbgroupltd.com) will provide an official mechanism to address significant concerns regarding the proliferation of illicit arms in the region in addition to eliminating the need for companies to utilize measures that operate in grey areas in the domain of maritime operations, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human labour trafficking and adherence to customs controls.

More details will be released through MSB Group official communications channels in the near future and their website at www.msbgroupltd.com.

IAMSP recently put forward comments regarding the ICoC Charter, expressing significant concerns over its structure and a number of specific measures. As an Association, we continue to be committed to the intent of the ICoC and will continue to support the ASIS International efforts in the development of those standards supporting the Code. Our primary focus will continue to be ensuring that the intent of the ICoC to weave respect for human rights and similar considerations into the business practices within the private security domain remains in the forefront of the Code and its integration into the maritime security domain.

We will continue our efforts in representing the industry through all phases of these efforts, working collaboratively with the various groups and interests involved to ensure that our members, and the maritime security industry in general, is given appropriate voice in these important efforts. While we continue to represent various trades and crafts within the maritime security domain, this effort, and others like it, demonstrate our commitment to operate in a leadership role with other credible associations to the betterment of the industry as a whole.

Again, our congratulations to all the representatives that participated in the development of this standard and who have been active in subsequent efforts and particularly ASIS International for providing the leadership and technical means of moving this important effort forward.

Topic: AMSSA and IAMSP – Harmonizing Efforts in Support of African efforts

Athens, Greece (11 March 2012) – The International Association of Maritime Security Professionals (IAMSP) and the African Maritime Safety and Security Agency (AMSSA)  today signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), harmonizing their efforts to assist in the development of a safe, secure, sustainable and environmentally sound maritime transportation system (MTS) in Africa.

IAMSP, through this MOU, gains direct access to a number of AMSSA efforts and initiatives. AMSSA will receive significant support from IAMSP in its ongoing efforts at levels ranging from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to training at the local level. The MOU has specific provisions allowing the sharing of information, expertise and efforts both on the ground in Africa and at international plenary groups. David Stone, signing the MOU on behalf of IAMSP, comments that this MOU allows for a stronger strategic position and voice for both Associations as they continue in their efforts in support of Africa’s development. Allan McDougall, President of the IAMSP, sees this MOU as a very positive step in terms of building greater capacity and focus. This will be of benefit to the nations and law-abiding people of Africa as the combined attention not only helps achieve greater positive results, but reduces the risk of unnecessary duplication or competition that could have been focused to greater effect and benefit to the nation states and their citizens. This concrete step, the first in realizing a shared and positive vision for the MTS in Africa, will be seen as a setting out moment for both Associations at global, regional, national, and local levels.

We look forward to the ability to engage in common efforts and projects. Subsequent announcements of these efforts are forthcoming, making tangible the appropriately professional values held by both AMSSA and IAMSP.

The specific contents of the MOU will be made public shortly after each Association has the opportunity to brief its memberships and further chart out common efforts.

The size of the security detail is most appropriately determined through an assessment of risk undertaken by competent personnel and taking into account the nature of the threat, operations of the vessel, the environment in which the vessel will be operating and the duration of the transit (amongst other factors). This guidance is not intended to provide a prescriptive standard that sets a minimum size that applies at all times and all cases and does not absolve those associated with decisions in this regard to exercise due care and diligence when making decisions. It is intended to assist in those efforts.

This guidance is part of the overall standards and guidance efforts IAMSP undertakes in support of its membership. Members will be able to reach the guidance through the standards / advice page. As the leading maritime security organization involved in the development of guidance and standards, particularly in the anti-piracy domain, IAMSP remains committed to the advancement of maritime security through this and several other efforts, including the lead Association currently involved in a formalized vetting process of its membership.